It will be impossible for temporary residents of Canada to leave the country and return through a checkpoint to revalidate their work or study permit by immigration services at the border, starting December 24.
Posted at 12:05 a.m.
This practice, nicknamed “circling the post,” will no longer be accepted, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) indicated via press release on Monday.
“Post towers” mobilize a lot of resources at the Canadian and American borders and lengthen waiting times for cross-border travelers, says the CBSA to justify this decision. They also divert “Canadian and American agents from important control activities”, it is specified.
“This change will allow us to further streamline operations at our ports of entry and allow Canadian and U.S. border agents to focus on what they are specifically trained to do: border enforcement. », summarizes the Minister of Public Safety, David J. McGuinty.
Between 1is April 2023 and March 31, 2024, 69,300 requests made by “round the post” were processed by the CBSA.
“Going back and forth to the border is unnecessary and diverts resources allocated to essential law enforcement activities,” said Immigration Minister Marc Miller. This change will improve fairness for applicants, reduce border congestion and improve efficiency and security. »
For renewals and applications for work or study permits, temporary residents must contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Immigration services may, however, be provided at the borders subject to certain exemptions. Citizens and legal permanent residents of the United States will have access to it, as will professionals and technicians under free trade agreements with Mexico, Chile, Panama, Peru, Colombia and South Korea. South.
