Canada has officially abolished the practice of displaying flags when renewing work and study permits. Flagpoling, the process of temporarily leaving Canada and re-entering the country to expedite the immigration process, was a common method for temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers, to extend their stay. However, this practice is now no longer available, leaving many wondering how to proceed with the new permit renewal process.
In this post-flagpole situation, one alternative for renewing or extending a work or study permit is through the Canadian Visitor Record Application. Here’s what students, workers, and other temporary residents need to know about the updated system, application process, and what to expect going forward.
Description: Visitor records and their purpose
A visitor record is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows temporary residents to stay in Canada long-term. This is essential for individuals who are in Canada on a temporary status, such as workers or students, and need to update or change their status without leaving the country. Although it does not grant the same work or study privileges as a work or study permit, it is an important tool for maintaining your legal status during the permit renewal process. Since flagpoling is no longer an option, individuals who need to extend their work or study permits can now apply for visitor records online through the IRCC portal. This eliminates the need for the once-popular flagpole law, a quick but inefficient workaround that caused border congestion.
Key differences between Canadian visitor record application and flag bearer
Flag polling is now off the table and it is important for students and workers to know the key differences between the two processes.
• Speed and convenience: Flag polling is often considered a faster method, allowing applicants to update their status in a matter of hours by simply leaving and re-entering Canada. In contrast, applying for visitor records online requires waiting for approval, which can take up to 60 days.
• Location requirements: Because I raised the flag, I had to travel to the border and re-enter Canada. In contrast, the visitor record process can be completed entirely online from within the country, which is convenient but requires more documentation.
• Risk of rejection: Although flagging is quick, there is a risk of rejection at the border, leading to potential delays and complications. However, applying for a visitor record involves a more predictable process and does not run the risk of being instantly rejected at the border. However, if rejected, applicants may face significant delays.
• Documentation: Flag polling was a simpler process and often required only basic documentation for re-entry. Applications for visitor records require detailed documentation, such as proof of enrollment for students and proof of employment for workers.
How to apply for visitor records online
To apply for visitor records from within Canada, applicants must visit the official IRCC website and create an account. This process involves completing a series of forms and providing supporting documentation, such as proof of employment, enrollment in an educational institution, or continued legal status.
Applying online is relatively easy, but processing times vary and applicants must wait for approval. According to recent IRCC data, the average processing time for visitor records applications ranges from 30 to 60 days. This change means that applicants must apply well before their current permit expires to avoid problems with overstaying their temporary status.
Visitor Records: Student and Worker Eligibility and Documentation Requirements
Students and workers require different documents when applying for visitor records.
• Students must provide proof of enrollment from their educational institution, such as a transcript or letter from their school confirming their attendance and academic progress. Additional documentation, such as a study plan, may also be required to demonstrate that you are actively pursuing education.
• Meanwhile, workers must provide proof of employment, such as an employer letter or pay stub, to prove they are legally working in Canada. In some cases, workers may also be required to demonstrate compliance with job requirements, such as specific job classifications or occupational agreements.
The main difference here is that students must demonstrate a commitment to continuing education, whereas workers must demonstrate continued employment and compliance with work permit conditions.
Processing time and expectations
The transition from flagpole to online application for visitor records may result in longer wait times. As previously mentioned, processing times for visitor records applications range from 30 to 60 days. Although this is a more predictable schedule than flag polling, it does run the risk of applicants staying beyond the original permit expiration date if not planned in advance.
For those facing urgent deadlines, it is important to apply as soon as possible to avoid gaps in status. Under Canadian immigration law, individuals who apply for renewal before their permit expires are given implicit status, meaning they can legally remain in Canada while awaiting a decision on their application. However, this is only possible if the application is submitted by the deadline.
Maintaining implicit status
One of the most important aspects of the visitor record application process is maintaining implicit status while awaiting approval. This means that even if your original permit expires while your application is being reviewed, you will be legally allowed to remain in Canada under the same conditions as your previous permit.
It is important for students and workers to stay informed of their application status and apply for visitor records before their current permit expires. Without implied status, you may face problems when extending your stay or renewing your permit.
