Study Permit – Work Permit – COPR Validation @ Canadian Land Boarder

Flagpoling is a terminology used for a process whereby foreign nationals inside Canada go to the Canada – US border, enter the US briefly, and then apply for a Study Permit, Work Permit or activate a new Permanent Residence status upon re-entering Canada.

BENEFITS

DRAWBACK

Time-saving: One can get a decision within a matter of hours, as compared to waiting months for the decision; after applying to IRCC via paper or online. In-Person process: The officer can assess your application, listen to your case and ask for more information/documents to render decision. Basically, more opportunities to present your case.

US Visa refusal: The process involves going to the US Immigration first. If you do not have a US visa and you need one to enter, you get a refusal to be allowed to enter back into Canada. This can have negative implications to your future US Visa. Officer refusing to process: Due to lack of resources, time or just getting directed to apply online or paper. There are many US-Canada border post that do not take such applications.  Refusal or Deportation Order: As the decisions are rendered on the spot, you can expect a refusal or a deportation order (which is rare but possible) depending on your case.

WHO ?

Foreign nationals that are permitted to Flagpole are:

• Residents of the U.S., St. Pierre & Miquelon and Greenland;
• Residents of visa-exempt countries with an LMIA-exempt job or in possession of a positive LMIA;
• Residents of visa-required countries already in possession of a study or work permit (flagpoling for the purposes of renewal) or a Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR) to validate at the border.

Seasonal agricultural workers are not eligible to flagpole

HOW?

At the U.S. border, you should inform the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer that you intend to flagpole. If you need a visa to enter and you do not have one, they will issue an administrative refusal to the USA and will direct you to the Canadian Border Services where you will submit the correct documentation based on the type of permit you are hoping to obtain.

Keep in mind, it is possible that you could also end up denied entry at both the US and Canadian borders which would result in you being caught between the two countries, and forced to return to your country of citizenship or residence.

Documents Required?

COMMON FOR STUDY / WORK PERMIT:

• Passport;
• Existing Study or Work Permit.

For Study Permit: 

• Enrolment letter from the designated learning institution (DLI);
• Recent Transcript;
• Proof of financial support.

Plus, if required:

• Letter of explanation;
• Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ);
• Custodian declaration (minors only);
• Other documents as required in your application.

For Work Permit:

• Job offer with duties and responsibilities, signed by candidate and employer.

Plus, if required:

• Study completion letter and final transcripts;
• Positive LMIA;
• Provincial nomination certificate;
• Letter of support from provincial nomination program;
• Financial documents;
• Valid medical examination certificate if employed in public health or have lived for 6 months in certain countries.

For Permanent Residence Validation

• Passport or travel document with visa sticker;
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) or Letter from Canadian visa office or Landing paper;
• Proof of legal status in Canada, including one of:
  • Work Permit / Study Permit
  • Temporary Residence Visa

Plus, if required:

• Proof of implied status, for example:
  • Payment receipt
  • Copy of extension application

Where ?

Visit the CBSA website for an up-to-date list of US-Canada borders.

Limited hours of operation

• Some land crossings may offer limited services or limited hours of operation. Consequently, contact them or refer to reliable sources before approaching them.
• It is in your best interest to cross a significant land crossing as they have plenty of resources, such as a Minister Delegate and senior officers. They are deeply familiar with immigration law.

Port of Entry  (Land Border Crossing)	Application	Service Availability
Quebec: St-Armand / Philipsburg St-Bernard-de-Lacolle	Study permit or Work permit	Monday to Thursday, from 12:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
Ontario: Peace Bride Queenston-Lewiston Bridge Rainbow Bridge	Study permit or Work permit	Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 8:00 a.m to 12:00 am (midnight)