On-entry Post-Graduation Work Permit Refusal

Summary#

The federal immigration department issued new Ministerial Instructions that stop processing a specific type of work-permit application made at the border. Officers will refuse to process post‑graduation work‑permit applications made on entry and will return the processing fee. The instructions took effect when published in the Canada Gazette, Part I (published June 22, 2024; signed June 12, 2024).

What it does#

• Tells designated immigration officers not to process work‑permit applications made on entry under section 200 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations if the application is for a post‑graduation work permit designated under subparagraph 200(1)(c)(ii).
• Requires officers to notify the applicant that their application will not be processed at the port of entry.
• Orders that any associated work‑permit processing fee be returned to the applicant.
• The stated purpose is to lower "flagpoling" activity at ports of entry to help reduce border wait times and improve customs and immigration processing.

Who's affected#

• International students or recent graduates who planned to apply for a post‑graduation work permit when entering Canada (at a port of entry).
• Designated immigration officers and border staff who handle entry applications.
• Travelers and others who use the same ports of entry may notice shorter wait times if flagpoling is reduced.
• It is not clear from the notice how other application routes (for example, in‑Canada or online applications) are affected; those routes are not mentioned.

Why it matters#

• People expecting to get a post‑graduation work permit processed immediately at the border will no longer have that option. They will need to use a different application route and may face delays before starting work.
• The government says the change aims to reduce border congestion and speed up inspections for everyone using ports of entry.
• If you were planning to apply at entry, you should check other ways to apply and confirm current instructions from the immigration department before travelling.