Canada ends flagpole requirement for work and study permit renewals

Toronto : Canada’s Department of Immigration has announced the removal of the “flagpole” process for renewing work and study permits. Applicants will now be able to renew or extend their permits from home through an online application.

The change will take effect on December 24, simplifying the process and reducing border congestion.

The flagpole process required applicants to travel to the U.S. border, complete forms at an American post, and re-enter Canada to have their permits renewed by Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) staff. This often caused delays and inconveniences for applicants.

In a statement, the department cited decades of overcrowding at border points as a key reason for the change.

It urged applicants to file their applications well in advance of their permit expiry to avoid disruptions to their work or studies. The department has also simplified the forms to minimize reliance on consultants or agents.

This change is expected to make the renewal process more efficient and less stressful for applicants, allowing them to handle the procedure entirely online from the comfort of their homes.