On-entry Post-Graduation Work Permits Not Processed

Summary#

The Department of Citizenship and Immigration has issued new Ministerial Instructions under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act that stop processing some work permit applications made at the border. The change targets on‑entry applications for post‑graduation work and took effect on June 22, 2024 (signed on June 12, 2024).

What it does#

• Tells designated immigration officers not to process work permit applications that:
  • were submitted on entry to Canada under section 200 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, and
  • are for post‑graduation work designated under the regulations.
• If an officer does not process an application because of these Instructions, the applicant will be notified and the associated work permit processing fee will be returned.
• The stated goal is to reduce “flagpoling” at ports of entry and lower border wait times.

Who's affected#

• Foreign nationals who plan to apply for a post‑graduation work permit when they enter Canada (often recent international graduates who use the border crossing to submit their application).
• Designated immigration officers who process or review work permit applications.
• People who use or work at busy ports of entry may notice changes in traffic or wait times.
• The notice does not say where applicants should instead submit these work permit applications, so it is unclear from this item alone what alternative steps applicants should take.

Why it matters#

• If you planned to apply for a post‑graduation work permit at the border, that option is now being refused to be processed; you would get your fee back but not the application decision at that time.
• The government says the change aims to cut down border congestion and improve inspections.
• For affected applicants, this could mean needing to find another way to apply (the notice doesn’t specify which).