“Flagpoling” is when foreign nationals having temporary residency in Canada depart the country by crossing the border, entering the US, and then returning right away to Canada to obtain same-day immigration services.
Flagpoling is an entirely legitimate activity. Although it can be done at any entrance point, it is typically done at land border crossings, especially in the Niagara region of Ontario.
The main benefit of flagpoling a visa application is that it avoids lengthy processing timeframes, which might vary based on the type of visa and the location where the application is submitted. In contrast, while flagpoling, your visa application is handled immediately, so you don’t have to wait to learn the outcome of your request.
Additionally, when you raise the flag, you give the necessary papers to a person who is standing in front of you. The immigration officer can inform you whether the application has a problem so that it can be corrected. A mistake or error can cause your application to be delayed when submitted using the standard application process.
According to data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), 21,452 persons flagpoled in 2022. Given that immigration applications are not their primary purpose, CBSA advises people to apply online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) website and refrain from flagpoling. The CBSA has, however, established specific dates and hours at some border crossings to accommodate persons wanting to flagpole because it has grown so commonplace.
The practice is becoming even more common as IRCC’s backlog persists.
IRCC’s service standards and backlog
The IRCC service standards outline an anticipated time frame for application processing. The service standard, however, differs from how long the IRCC actually needs to complete applications. Backlog refers to applications that are not handled within service standard timing.
Depending on the application type, IRCC strives to handle 80% of all applications across all business lines in a timely manner. For instance, whereas Express Entry applications take six months to process, spousal and family class sponsorship applications take twelve months.
Around 2 million applications were still pending in all immigration, employment, study, and sponsorship categories as of March 31st, according to the IRCC. Approximately 1.1 million of those 2 million applications meet service standards, and nearly 900,000 are backlogged.
About 50% of applicants for services like temporary or permanent residence are within service requirements. Comparatively, 75% of citizenship requests meet service standards.
According to IRCC, steps are being taken to cut down on the backlog and process 80% of applications in accordance with service standards. The IRCC stated that it is attempting to reduce the backlog by “digitizing applications, hiring and training new staff, and harnessing automation technologies,” according to a CBC piece on flag poling.
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