The Government of Canada has released a new update on the process of “flagpoling”, and which border locations will accept this service. The Government urges individuals to apply online instead of “flagpoling”, and has issued limited hours that these services are available at each border to reduce this.
What is Flagpoling?
Many individuals looking to renew their work/study permits, verify their permanent residence, or continue their temporary resident status visit various border crossings to complete these tasks in a process called “flagpoling”. These individuals leave Canada and re-enter within 24 hours to receive immigration services. This practice can allow individuals to skip the long wait times due to backlog, and have their application processed immediately.
“Flagpoling” is currently a legal process, but many individuals are finding that they face long border wait times due to an increase in the service. Individuals who wish to visit the border for this purpose must inform the Canadian Border Service Agent when they arrive, and cannot complete this process after service hours. The government of Canada recommends that individuals use IRCC’s online services instead of “flagpoling” as this puts greater strain on the Canadian Border Service Agents.
Current Available Locations & Service Hours:
Starting May 30, 2024, The Government of Canada updated its “flagpoling services”. There are various ports of entry throughout Canada where this service is available, and each location has specific service hours.
Here is a list of all of the current service locations:
Quebec Locations + Hours:
| Armstrong | Monday-Thursday 12pm-7pm |
| Saint Armand/Philipsburg | Monday-Thursday 9am-3pm |
| Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle | Monday-Thursday 12pm-7pm |
| Stanstead Route 55 | Monday-Thursday 8am-5pm |
Southern Ontario Region Location + Hours:
| Fort Erie (Peace Bridge) | Tuesday-Thursday 8am-midnight |
| Niagara Falls Rainbow Bridge | Tuesday-Thursday 8am-midnight |
| Queenston-Lewiston Bridge | Tuesday-Thursday 8am-midnight |
Pacific Region Locations + Hours:
| Abbotsford-Huntingdon | Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm |
| Aldergrove | Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm |
| Boundary Bay (Delta/Point Roberts) | Monday-Thursday 10am-2pm |
| Douglas (Surrey/White Rock/Blaine) | Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm |
| Pacific Highway (Surrey/Blaine) | Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm |
For more information visit the official government website here.
Source: Government of Canada Information
Disclaimer: The information is obtained directly from the Government of Canada website. The information has been gathered as accurately as possible at the time of writing (April 29, 2024), but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please check their official website and digital channels.
