Canada has announced the implementation of new immigration measures as part of its response to the threat from elected U.S. President Donald Trump to impose a 25% tariff. These measures begin with the prohibition of what is known as the practice of "flagpoling."

This practice refers to individuals with temporary visas leaving Canada for the United States and then quickly returning to Canada to access immigration services at border entry points.

As of today, the issuance of work and study permits for those who resort to this method is restricted. Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced last week that temporary visa holders will have to apply for extensions of their stay online instead of resorting to the border.

The Canada Border Services Agency reported that it has dealt with over 69,300 cases of "flagpoling" during the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

Limited Exceptions

Despite the ban, there are rare exceptions to this rule, including international truck drivers holding work permits, professionals covered by several free trade agreements, as well as U.S. citizens.

Other Measures Against Fraud and Illegal Immigration

Miller also announced changes to the Express Entry system, where points awarded for having a job offer in the system will be removed, aiming to reduce immigration fraud.

Currently, the number of points granted to applicants based on the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) ranges from 50 to 200 points. While applicants are not supposed to pay for this assessment, a black market has emerged where these documents are sold for huge sums reaching tens of thousands of dollars.

Miller noted that applications currently being processed will not be affected by the new changes when they take effect in the spring, and that this step is temporary as part of a broader review of the Express Entry system.

Reforms in the Asylum System

The minister also confirmed that the government is seeking to streamline the asylum system in Canada, including exploring options to quickly address illegal applications.

Comprehensive Border Monitoring Package

In addition to the immigration-related measures, Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced a comprehensive $1.3 billion border monitoring package. This package includes enhancing aerial surveillance and improving drug detection efforts as part of Canada’s response to Trump's threats to impose tariffs on Canadian goods.