Forward Regulatory Plan: 2021 to 2023
Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (flagpoling work permit applications)

Enabling Act: Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

Description

Amendments are being considered that would address pressures for Canadian and U.S. border officials, bridge and tunnel operators at the land border caused by the practice of flagpoling, whereby foreign nationals exit and immediately re-enter Canada to seek immigration services. In most cases, these services can be obtained through alternative channels in Canada. This increases the volume of travelers and contributes to longer border processing times for individuals who are crossing the border for trade or tourism purposes.

The scope of the measures is still under consideration but any regulatory change is expected to require, at minimum, amendments to R198, which describes who may apply for a work permit on entry to Canada.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

Regulatory cooperation efforts are not required

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The possible impact of these regulatory changes on Canadians and Canadian businesses is unknown at this point.

Consultations

This scope of this initiative is still being defined. The timing and approach for consultations will be added to this section once known.

Departmental contact information

Ian Gillespie
Director, Temporary Resident Policy and Programs, Immigration Branch Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Email: Ian.Gillespie@cic.gc.ca
Telephone: 613-437-5907

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan: April 1, 2021