Flagpole at the airport

[AlexStaysPositive]

I had a closed work permit, but I lost my job. Now, after a few months, I’ve finally found a new employer. I’ve obtained the new LMIA and CAQ—what are my next steps to get a new work permit?

Since flagpoling by land is no longer allowed, should I apply online, or can I fly to the U.S. for less than 24 hours and apply at the airport? Is that an option? Or would it be better to go to France instead?

Thank you!!

 

[scylla]

I had a closed work permit, but I lost my job. Now, after a few months, I’ve finally found a new employer. I’ve obtained the new LMIA and CAQ—what are my next steps to get a new work permit?

Since flagpoling by land is no longer allowed, should I apply online, or can I fly to the U.S. for less than 24 hours and apply at the airport? Is that an option? Or would it be better to go to France instead?

Thank you!!

It's not possible to flagpole at the airport. You would need to leave Canada on a flight and then fly back to Canada in order to get a work permit at the POE (this is not flagpoling, it's actually leaving the country). You will also want to make sure you meet the requirements for applying for a work permit at the POE.

It's your choice if you do this or apply online. Applying online is likely safer but will be a longer wait for the WP.

 

[Jeffbythelake]

I had a closed work permit, but I lost my job. Now, after a few months, I’ve finally found a new employer. I’ve obtained the new LMIA and CAQ—what are my next steps to get a new work permit?

Since flagpoling by land is no longer allowed, should I apply online, or can I fly to the U.S. for less than 24 hours and apply at the airport? Is that an option? Or would it be better to go to France instead?

Thank you!!

Hi Alex,

If you decide to 'flagpole' (in quotes since scylla said it's technically not flagpoling) via air travel, please let me know how it goes. I was planning to flagpole via car to Buffalo, but found out the flagpoling ban just today.

For context, I am on a OWP (expired Feb 03, 2025), but am looking to receive my CWP (LOI already received). Similarly to you, I am not sure whether to fly out, then in OR apply online. The online process is very confusing imo.

 

[Jeffbythelake]

It's not possible to flagpole at the airport. You would need to leave Canada on a flight and then fly back to Canada in order to get a work permit at the POE (this is not flagpoling, it's actually leaving the country). You will also want to make sure you meet the requirements for applying for a work permit at the POE.

It's your choice if you do this or apply online. Applying online is likely safer but will be a longer wait for the WP.

I understand that historically. flagpolers would practice flagpoling by land/car. However, reading the latest announcements from the CBSA and the government of Canada (links below), there is no mention of mode of transportation. They simply define flagpoling as leaving and re-entering Canada as a means to access immigration services.

Thoughts? I don't mean to make a fuss over semantics, however I do find the vague definitions worrying.

Sources:
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/settle-setablir-eng.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/news/2024/12/ending-flagpoling-for-work-and-study-permits-at-the-border.html

 

[scylla]

I understand that historically. flagpolers would practice flagpoling by land/car. However, reading the latest announcements from the CBSA and the government of Canada (links below), there is no mention of mode of transportation. They simply define flagpoling as leaving and re-entering Canada as a means to access immigration services.

Thoughts? I don't mean to make a fuss over semantics, however I do find the vague definitions worrying.

Sources:
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/settle-setablir-eng.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/news/2024/12/ending-flagpoling-for-work-and-study-permits-at-the-border.html

I don't think I understand the question.

Flagpoling involves exiting Canada by land, getting turned about at the US border without actually entering the US and then re-entering Canada to trigger a work permit (or similar).

This has never been possible at airports. It was only ever possible at a land border crossing.

If you leave Canada, enter another country either by car or by plane and then return back to Canada, you are not flagpoling.

 

[scylla]

I understand that historically. flagpolers would practice flagpoling by land/car. However, reading the latest announcements from the CBSA and the government of Canada (links below), there is no mention of mode of transportation. They simply define flagpoling as leaving and re-entering Canada as a means to access immigration services.

Thoughts? I don't mean to make a fuss over semantics, however I do find the vague definitions worrying.

Sources:
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/settle-setablir-eng.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/news/2024/12/ending-flagpoling-for-work-and-study-permits-at-the-border.html

Sorry, one more comment I forgot to add. If you really aren't comfortable with all of this, then simply apply for the work permit online from within Canada. That option is certainly available.