Post-Graduation Work Permit Entry Applications Blocked

Summary#

The Department of Citizenship and Immigration issued new Ministerial Instructions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act that stop processing certain work permit applications made on entry to Canada. These Instructions take effect the day they were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I — June 22, 2024.

What it does#

• Directs immigration officers not to process work permit applications made on entry under section 200 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations when those applications are for post‑graduation work designated by the Minister under subparagraph 200(1)(c)(ii).
• If an application is not processed because of these Instructions, the applicant will be told the application was refused for processing and the work permit processing fee will be returned.
• Explains the Instructions were issued under section 87.3 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and are intended to support broader immigration goals, including reducing “flagpoling” at ports of entry to lower border wait times.

Who's affected#

• International graduates or other foreign nationals who try to get a post‑graduation work permit by applying at a port of entry (sometimes called “flagpoling”).
• Immigration officers and the Department staff who process entry applications.
• It is not clear from the notice whether applications made by other routes (for example, inside Canada or by mail/online) are affected; the Instruction specifically targets applications made on entry under section 200.

Why it matters#

• People planning to obtain a post‑graduation work permit by showing up at a border or airport immigration desk may find their application will not be processed there. They would get their fee back but not a decision at that location.
• The change aims to reduce congestion and wait times at ports of entry and allow border staff to focus on inspections and travel screening.
• If you are an international student or advising one, you should confirm the acceptable ways to apply for a post‑graduation work permit going forward, since this narrows one route that was sometimes used in practice.