Canada has implemented a significant policy change affecting international students, as announced by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller. Effective immediately, international students will no longer be able to obtain post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) at ports of entry, a process known as 'flagpoling.' This move requires students to apply for initial PGWPs or extensions from within Canada, awaiting processing that currently takes up to 99 days.
This policy shift is part of a broader series of changes impacting international students in Canada, including increased cost-of-living requirements, restrictions on student admissions, and reduced work hours. The government claims these measures aim to improve application fairness, but critics worry about the potential negative effects on Canada's appeal as a destination for international education and talent.
The changes could have significant implications for international students, affecting their employment status, access to healthcare, and even their children's education. Furthermore, the restrictions on flagpoling and work permit application hours at ports of entry may complicate the process for students seeking to transition into the Canadian workforce post-graduation.
For more information on these changes, visit https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/canadian-international-students-take-note-no-more-flagpoling/ and https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2024/06/canada-improves-fairness-for-applicants-by-ending-post-graduation-work-permit-flagpoling.html.
