Canada has officially ended the practice of flagpolling for work and study permit renewals. Flagpoleing, which involves leaving Canada for a short time and then re-entering to expedite the immigration process, has long been the go-to method for temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers, to extend their stay. However, this practice is no longer available, leaving many wondering how to navigate the new license renewal process.
In this post-flagpolling scenario, one of the options for renewing or extending work or study permits is through the Canadian Visitor Record application. Here’s what students, workers, and other temporary residents need to know about the updated system, the application process, and what to expect moving forward.
Explained: Visitor record and its purpose
A visitor record is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows temporary residents to stay in Canada for an extended period of time. This is required for people who are in temporary status in Canada, such as workers or students, and need to renew or change their status without leaving the country. Although it does not provide the same work or study privileges as a work or study permit, it is an important tool for maintaining legal status during the permit renewal process. As flagpolling is no longer an option, those who need to extend their work or study permit can now apply online for a visitor record through the IRCC portal. This eliminates the need for the once-popular flagpolling method, a quick but inefficient solution that led to border congestion.
Key differences between Canada’s visitor record applications and flagpolling
With flagpolling now off schedule, it is important for students and workers to know the key differences between the two processes.
• Speed and Convenience: Flagpolling was often seen as a faster method, enabling applicants to renew their status within hours of leaving and re-entering Canada. In contrast, applying online for a visitor record requires waiting for approval, which can take up to 60 days.
• Location Requirements: Flagpoles required traveling across the border and re-entering Canada. In contrast, the visitor record process can be completed entirely online from within the country, providing convenience but requiring additional documentation.
• Risk of rejection: Flagpolling, while quick, carried the risk of rejection at the border, leading to potential delays and complications. Visitor record applications, however, involve a more predictable process with no immediate risk of rejection at the border. However, if denied, applicants may face extended delays.
• Documents: Flagpolling was a simple process, requiring only basic documents for re-entry. Applying for a visitor record requires detailed documentation, such as proof of enrollment for students and employment verification for workers.
How to Apply for Visitor Record Online
To apply for a visitor record from within Canada, applicants need to visit the official IRCC website and create an account. The process involves filling out a series of forms and submitting supporting documents, including proof of employment, enrollment in an educational institution, or proof of ongoing legal status.
The online application process is relatively straightforward, but applicants should be prepared to wait for approval, as processing times may vary. According to recent IRCC data, the average processing time for visitor record applications can range from 30 to 60 days. This change means applicants should apply well before their current permit expires to avoid problems overstaying their temporary status.
Visitor record: Eligibility and documentation requirements for students and workers
Students and workers have different documentation requirements when applying for a visitor record.
• Students must submit proof of enrollment from their educational institution, including transcripts or letters from their school confirming their attendance and academic progress. Additional documents such as a study plan may also be required to show that they are actively pursuing their education.
• On the other hand, workers are required to provide proof of employment, including letters from employers or pay stubs, to show that they are legally working in Canada. In some cases, workers may need to prove that they comply with job requirements, such as specific job classifications or professional agreements.
The key difference here is that students must demonstrate continued academic engagement, while workers must demonstrate their continued employment and compliance with work permit conditions.
Processing times and what to expect
The change from flagpolling to applying for visitor records online may result in longer waiting times. As mentioned, processing time for visitor record applications can range from 30 to 60 days. Although this is a more predictable timeline than flagpolling, it does introduce applicants to the risk of staying beyond the expiration of their original permit if they do not plan ahead.
For those facing urgent deadlines, it is important to apply as early as possible to avoid any gaps in status. Under Canadian immigration law, vested status is granted to individuals who apply for renewal before their permit expires, which means they can remain in Canada legally while awaiting a decision on their application. However, this applies only if the application is submitted on time.
Maintaining a vested position
One of the most important aspects of the visitor record application process is maintaining vested status while awaiting approval. This means that if a person’s original permit has expired while their application is under review, they are legally allowed to stay in Canada as long as their previous permit is valid.
It is important for students and workers to keep track of their application status and ensure they apply for a visitor record before their current permit expires. Without vested status, individuals may face problems when trying to extend their stay or renew their permit.