Flagpoling.... Any border?

[marpou]

So, I would really like to Remote the restrictions on my OWP as soon as possible, and as far as I’ve been able to research, I’m only able to do that via flagpoling.

Does anybody know if this is possible at ANY border or just by Niagra? I’m in Manitoba and thinking of going to the Emerson border as that’s the closest one.

I’m a little frustrated at this point, because this process has proven to be more complicated than I first anticipated. As soon as I passed my medical, I contacted CBSA about getting my restrictions removed and they told me to contact CIC to make an appointment with an IRCC office to remove the restrictions. I’ve been trying to contact CIC via the phone for several weeks, and when I finally got through to them today, they told me they don’t make appointments to remove restrictions - I need to apply for a new OWP. The thing is, I really wanted a job as an Educational Assistant, and with the school year starting next week I’m frustrated to have to go through the whole process of applying again - which no doubt means I will have to wait several weeks before being able to work in a school setting, making it very unlikely of getting the job.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

So, I would really like to Remote the restrictions on my OWP as soon as possible, and as far as I’ve been able to research, I’m only able to do that via flagpoling.

Does anybody know if this is possible at ANY border or just by Niagra? I’m in Manitoba and thinking of going to the Emerson border as that’s the closest one.

I’m a little frustrated at this point, because this process has proven to be more complicated than I first anticipated. As soon as I passed my medical, I contacted CBSA about getting my restrictions removed and they told me to contact CIC to make an appointment with an IRCC office to remove the restrictions. I’ve been trying to contact CIC via the phone for several weeks, and when I finally got through to them today, they told me they don’t make appointments to remove restrictions - I need to apply for a new OWP. The thing is, I really wanted a job as an Educational Assistant, and with the school year starting next week I’m frustrated to have to go through the whole process of applying again - which no doubt means I will have to wait several weeks before being able to work in a school setting, making it very unlikely of getting the job.

You can try flagpoling at the border but no guarantee. People are sometimes refused.

 

[Bs65]

As Canuck says you have nothing to lose by trying to flagpole worst case they refuse best case you get what you want. Maybe try to pick a time when through traffic might be reasonably low, no idea for your suggested border when that might be.

When you contacted CBSA you probably encountered a view expressed for example at the Southern Ontario crossing points where they restrict flagpolers to Tues/Weds/Thurs under the pretext of traffic volumes on other days which may well be true but most cynics might say it is an indirect way of saying they do not really want to process flagpolers hence they try to hand off to IRCC. The latter of course come back usually with standard response, apply new or apply to change conditions on paper either of which could take months.

 

[marpou]

Well, the thing is, the Emerson border is not listed to have Immigration Services on the CIC website, so I’m wondering if they’d even be able to remove that restriction?

I’m only concerned because it’s an 8 hour drive away, so it would mean taking 2 days off work - which I’d rather not do if they can’t remove my restrictions anyways.

Does anybody have experience with borders that don’t appear to have Immigration Services on the CIC website?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Well, the thing is, the Emerson border is not listed to have Immigration Services on the CIC website, so I’m wondering if they’d even be able to remove that restriction?

I’m only concerned because it’s an 8 hour drive away, so it would mean taking 2 days off work - which I’d rather not do if they can’t remove my restrictions anyways.

Does anybody have experience with borders that don’t appear to have Immigration Services on the CIC website?

Every border crossing offers immigration services. Not sure why there is a list without some.

 

[marpou]

Every border crossing offers immigration services. Not sure why there is a list without some.

Yeah, that did strike me as rather odd. Well, my plan is to drive down tomorrow, spend a night in the States and drive back on Friday. Hopefully with a new OWP that lets me work in a school setting!

 

[cliffjona]

When I lived in Manitoba 10 years ago, I had to get my work permit stamped at Emerson, drove through the border , spent an hour there then came back, got the paperwork done in about 30 mins.

 

[marpou]

Update:
My flagpoling at Emerson ended up being unsuccessful. I spent the night in the States and didn’t have any issues with immigration what so ever, however, they said that because I am not an US citizen, already have an OWP and am of valid status, they could not remove the restrictions.

I tried the airport too, with no luck.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Update:
My flagpoling at Emerson ended up being unsuccessful. I spent the night in the States and didn’t have any issues with immigration what so ever, however, they said that because I am not an US citizen, already have an OWP and am of valid status, they could not remove the restrictions.

I tried the airport too, with no luck.

That sucks, sorry to hear.

 

[unlucky_chaser]

If it's an OWP, isn't 'O' for open? What kind of restrictions do they have? Is it like the expiry time?

 

[marpou]

If it's an OWP, isn't 'O' for open? What kind of restrictions do they have? Is it like the expiry time?

There are 3 restrictions on mine.

1. Not Authorized to work in childcare, primary/secondary school teaching, health service field occupations

2. Unless authorized, prohibited from attending any educational institution, or taking any academic, professional or vocational training course.

3. Not valid for employment in businesses related to the sex trade such as strip clubs, massage parlours or escort services.

I was seeking to remove the first one.

 

[unlucky_chaser]

Ouch...this really sucks. So they're really protecting the doctor & teacher cartels there....
Good luck buddy

Out of curiosity, and if you do not mind sharing, why did you leave the US?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Ouch...this really sucks. So they're really protecting the doctor & teacher cartels there....
Good luck buddy

Out of curiosity, and if you do not mind sharing, why did you leave the US?

They are protecting vulnerable people like children and the sick. All that is required to be issued a work permit without that condition is to complete a medical before applying.

OP is being sponsored by their Canadian partner.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Update:
My flagpoling at Emerson ended up being unsuccessful. I spent the night in the States and didn’t have any issues with immigration what so ever, however, they said that because I am not an US citizen, already have an OWP and am of valid status, they could not remove the restrictions.

I tried the airport too, with no luck.

If you are not aware, your option now is to apply to IRCC to change the conditions on your work permit. It will unfortunately take at least a few weeks and you will have to pay the fees again.

 

[unlucky_chaser]

Ah, I see. Thanks for the clarification!