What is flagpoling and why is Chuck Schumer angry about it?

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U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer has a gripe with a legal and well-known process at Canada’s border that he says is leading to longer lines and backups at the U.S. border.

Schumer is urging Canada to end “flagpoling,” which allows non-Canadian citizens to quickly get their work permits by briefly entering the U.S. and then returning to Canada.

Speaking at a press conference at the Rainbow Bridge earlier this week, Schumer said the process is “increasing traffic and wait times here at the border, hampering smooth commerce between our nations, (and) hampering tourism.”

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Despite new rules taking effect this week regarding the process, Schumer has called on the Canadian government “to close this loophole.” Here’s what to know.

What is flagpoling?

Flagpoling is when foreign nationals in Canada leave and immediately return without entering the U.S., typically to quickly obtain or renew temporary residence status, such as a study or work permit.

Flagpoling is also permitted to be used as a method of validating permanent resident status, according to Immigration Station Canada.

It expedites the application process, from potentially months in standard channels, such as applying to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), to as little as 30 minutes at the border.

Why is Schumer upset about it?

The process puts a strain on the U.S. border. Individuals seeking to flagpole receive an administrative refusal at the U.S. border and take up resources as border agents still have to go through the motions of processing them, even though they aren’t really trying to stay there.

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Schumer said the process is leading to longer lines and more backups at the border and impacting summer travel.

Is it new?

Flagpoling is not new but its usage has increased significantly in recent years as processing times for temporary resident permits within Canada has grown longer.

In fact, immigration lawyers and consultants advise clients on the faster alternative and it’s particularly popular among those needing quick renewals to avoid interruptions in their work or studies.

However, on its website the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) “highly recommends” that people use the IRCC’s online services rather than flagpoling.

Can it be done at every Canadian border point?

No, beginning May 30, flagpoling services will be available only at the following ports of entry and only at these specified times, per the CBSA. Here is the updated list of locations:

Quebec region

• Armstrong — Monday to Thursday, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saint Armand/Philipsburg — Monday to Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saint Bernard-de-Lacolle — Monday to Thursday, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Stanstead Route 55 — Monday to Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Southern Ontario region

• Fort Erie (Peace Bridge) — Tuesday to Thursday, from 8 a.m. to midnight
• Niagara Falls Rainbow Bridge — Tuesday to Thursday, from 8 a.m. to midnight
• Queenston-Lewiston Bridge — Tuesday to Thursday, from 8 a.m. to midnight

Pacific region

• Abbotsford-Huntingdon — Monday to Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Aldergrove — Monday to Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Boundary Bay — Monday to Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Douglas — Monday to Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Pacific Highway — Monday to Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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