Flag-pole in Canada for work permit

Update September 1, 2022: Flag-pole for co-op/post-graduate work permit now requires appointment.

What is a flag-pole?

Flag-poling is a completely legal process to activate a new Canadian immigration status. The process involves leaving Canada, being refused entry into the USA and then re-entering Canada.

If you already visiting or working in Canada and have been approved for a new work permit (or even Permanent Residency), flag-poling is the easiest way to activate it without leaving Canada for a trip elsewhere. Those wanting to activate an IEC work permit can also flagpole.

How flag-poling works:

Flag-poling is quite straightforward once you have your head around it.

1. Travel to the Canadian border. On reaching the border booth(s), advise the USA border official that you are flag-poling to activate a Canadian work permit.
2. They will give you ‘referral’ piece of paper (usually orange) and instruct you to go inside the US immigration office.
3. In here, you will complete a Refusal of Admission form. They will then send you back to the Canadian side. Follow the directions given.
4. To activate your new work permit in the CBSA office, you will need to have all your documents to hand.

What are the require documents for Co-op work permit?

1. Job offer letter (It is recommended to apply for flag-pole less than 2 week before job start date)
2. Confirmation of enrolment
3. Your online application (if you have applied online)
4. Arrive-Can (As long as Covid measures are in effect)
5. Passport with valid visa (if applicable, Note that for land entering, one can enter with valid study permit)
6. Study permit
7. University internship supporting letter
8. SIN document
9. Hard copy of all above documents

Important things to know about flag-poling:

• Flag-poling doesn’t count as being officially being refused entry. It is an administrative refusal which will not impact any future travel to the USA or anywhere else
• It is not possible to ‘flag-pole’ or activate a work permit at an airport unless flying into the airport from an international destination
• Border crossings are found across the country. Note that some of the smaller crossings close at night
• A good option for flag-poling from Vancouver is Point Roberts. This border is accessible via public transport and is also generally quiet, which means a quicker crossing.
• The busiest Southern Ontario (Queenston, Niagara Falls, Rainbow Bridge and Fort Erie – Peace Bridge) and Quebec crossings (Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle and Saint-Armand/Philipsburg) only allow flag-poling on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
• Be aware that land border officers are, in general, less familiar with the IEC program than their airport counterparts.

How to get an appointment?

To get an appointment, you need to complete a (fake) return to Canada from international ports. After completing, you will be asked to provide your documents. The officer then will make a copy of the documents and will setup an appointment for you in few days (mostly one to two days) with the exact time. You need to sign a document that you will show up in the appointment. They will give you the following form for your information.