Flagpoling for Canadian visa holders is the new way to skip lengthy processing times.
A practice known as “flagpoling” refers to when foreign nationals with Canadian temporary residency leave the country by crossing the border, entering the US, and returning to Canada immediately to obtain same-day immigration services.
Flagpoling is an entirely legitimate activity. Although it can be done at any entrance point, it is typically done at land border crossings. For instance, in the Niagara region of Ontario.
Flagpoling for Canadian visa holders
The main benefit of flagpoling a visa application is that it avoids lengthy processing timeframes. However, these might vary due to the type of visa and location of the application submission. Contrarily, with flagpoling, your visa application gets an immediate response. Hence, you don’t have to wait to learn the outcome of your request.
Additionally, through flagpoling, you give the necessary papers to a person standing before you. The immigration officer can inform you whether the application has a problem so that you can resolve it. A mistake or error can cause a delay in your application when you submit it using the standard application process.
According to data from the CBSA, 21,452 persons flagpoled in 2022. Given that immigration applications are not their primary purpose, CBSA advises people to apply online through the IRCC website and refrain from flagpoling. The CBSA has set up specific dates and hours at some border crossings to facilitate those who want to flagpole because it has grown so widespread.
This method has been trending these days ever since the IRCC backlog continues.
What about the backlog and service standards of IRCC?
The IRCC service standards outline a projected time frame for application processing. However, the service standard differs from how long the IRCC needs to complete applications. Backlog refers to applications that are not handled within service standard timing.
Depending on the application type, IRCC attempts to promptly handle 80% of all applications across all business lines. For instance, whereas Express Entry applications take six months to process, spousal and family class sponsorship applications take twelve months.
IRCC confirmed that around 2 million applications were still pending in all immigration, employment, study, and sponsorship categories as of March 31st. Approximately 1.1 million of those 2 million applications meet service standards. Meanwhile, nearly 900,000 are under backlog.
About 50% of applicants for services like temporary or permanent residence are within service requirements. Comparatively, 75% of citizenship requests meet service standards.
According to IRCC, steps are being taken to cut down on the backlog and process 80% of applications in accordance with service standards. The department stated that it is attempting to reduce the backlog by “digitizing applications, recruiting and educating new staff, and leveraging automation technologies,” according to a CBC’s flag poling article.
