In a significant policy shift, Canada has announced that international students will no longer be able to obtain post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) at ports of entry, a process known as 'flagpoling.' This change, effective immediately, mandates that students apply for initial PGWPs or extensions from within Canada and await processing. The decision is part of a broader series of measures affecting international students, including increased financial requirements and restricted work hours, aimed at improving application fairness but raising concerns about potential negative impacts.
The policy adjustment targets PGWPs, which represent about 20% of all flagpole applications, while other work permits remain unaffected. Additionally, the government has restricted the hours for work permit applications at major ports of entry to weekdays from 10 am to 4 pm, ostensibly to ease international trade and reduce congestion. Despite promises to expedite processing times, the current wait period for a work permit application from within Canada stands at 99 days, posing challenges for applicants' employment and access to services.
Critics argue that these changes could deter international students from choosing Canada, undermining the country's reputation as a welcoming destination for global talent and its economic benefits. The educational and immigration sectors are closely watching the effects of these policies, which may influence Canada's long-term competitiveness in attracting and retaining skilled individuals. For further details, visit https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/canadian-international-students-take-note-no-more-flagpoling/ and https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2024/06/canada-improves-fairness-for-applicants-by-ending-post-graduation-work-permit-flagpoling.html.
