What Is Flagpoling?

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Effective June 21, 2024, foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border. This ends the practice of "flagpoling" for those seeking a PGWP.
"Flagpoling" is when people in Canada cross the US border, or otherwise leave Canada, and then turn back around in order to have their immigration paperwork processed at the border. Michael O'Rourke explains the pros and cons of the practice and warns that it may not be as simple or straightforward as you think.
Questions answered include:
- Is it legal?
- Can I use flagpoling to get a new visa or work permit?
- Can I use it to renew a visa or work permit?
- Does flagpoling always work?
- Can I lose my status in Canada?
- Can I be barred from the United States?
pacelawfirm.com/immigration/

[@samaramassamba]

hi if you have 5 years ban for canada can i still do flagpoling

[@SRTINDCAN]

Good Informative video! I have a Question - If I Flagpole as an INDIAN (without a Valid US Visa) and after few months when I apply for US Visa, do I need to mention that I did flagpoling in my US VISA application form?

[@pacelawfirm]

Michael replies, "It really depends on how the US authorities treat you. If they just turn you around, then you will not need to disclose it. If they hand you paperwork stating that your entry to the US is denied (refused entry), then you'll have to disclose that on the DS-160. Flagpoling does carry some risks if you do not have a US visa or qualify under the Visa Waiver Program." [e-mail]

[@SRTINDCAN]

Much appreciate your response. A quick follow up, By "Just turn you around" you are referring to a situation where they take our fingerprints and give you a white sheet of paper (a formal way of denying entry to US as commonly seen in Rainbow bridge border) - Or are you referring to the US border in Vancouver where in many cases there is no fingerprinting or sheet of paper provided- they just tell us to go back(Example Boundary bay border) @@pacelawfirm

[@gbolahanalashiri9585]

Hello Micheal, Very informative video. I would like to ask if I and my spouse can flagpole on implied status. Here is the background information. I am on a student permit, my spouse is on an open work permit and my kids are on a visitor's record. We applied to extend it in August 2023 and the permits expired in November 2023. I am graduating in April 2024 and we are considering flag-polling to apply for my PGWP, open work permit for my spouse, and a new visitor's record for my kids. What do you think are the chances of getting the permits and is this advisable?

[@pacelawfirm]

Contact Michael at [e-mail] and he will get back to you.

[@ArpithaGirish]

I am on visitor visa. My husband is having pgwp. Can I apply for spousal open work permit at cbsa.If yes what are the documents needed.

[@pacelawfirm]

Michael replies, "Yes, you should be able to apply for a spousal open work permit with CBSA. However, the CBSA officer has the authority to turn you away and tell you to make your application within Canada. You'll need a copy of your marriage certificate (and translation if its not in English or French), your passport, a copy of his passport and PGWP (if he is not with you). It is best to double check with the port of entry that you're planning to visit to make sure of the hours that they will process applications - often they will not do so on the weekends or outside of standard business hours." [e-mail]

[@ArpithaGirish]

@@pacelawfirm Thanks for the details

[@angelitogonzales9782]

Hi my boyfriend is a us citizen had an dui2019 how he can be able to come to camada as a tourist? Please help

[@pacelawfirm]

Depending on the circumstances, he may need a temporary resident permit. Contact Michael at [e-mail] and give him details of your case.