The Canada Border Services Agency has announced that, effective December 23, 2024, at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time), temporary residents will no longer be able to apply for work or study permits through "flagpoling" (applying for a visa at the border).
It is reported that the purpose of this policy change is to optimize border resources, reduce waiting times for cross-border travelers, and ensure that immigration service processes are more efficient and standardized.
Since 2024, Canadian immigration policies have been continuously adjusted and changed, with the aim of limiting the number of temporary residents and foreign workers. Against this backdrop, those who wish to immigrate to Canada need to plan their immigration pathways as early as possible.
If you are considering immigrating to Canada, the Canadian Federal Start-Up Visa (SUV) program is an excellent choice. The Canadian Federal Start-Up Visa (SUV) program is the only "group" immigration program, where one start-up project can bring up to five applicants to immigrate in batches. Furthermore, this program is managed by the Canadian federal government, receives strong support from the federal government, and is processed directly at the federal level. Successful SUV applicants can bring their spouses and dependent children under the age of 22 to apply directly for permanent resident status, allowing them to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada outside of Quebec. More importantly, the permanent resident status obtained by the entrepreneur will not be revoked even if the start-up fails! The application requirements for this program are simple, with no asset requirements, no need to prove the source of funds, and no management experience requirements. Applicants only need to meet a language requirement of CLB 5 and can submit their application once the relevant conditions are met.
Moreover, starting from October 3, 2024, SUV applicants are permitted to apply for an open work permit for up to three years, rather than being restricted to a one-year closed work permit that limits them to working only for their own start-up company. These measures indicate that SUV applicants have the opportunity to earn additional income from work outside their own start-up to alleviate the financial pressure on themselves and their families in Canada. Furthermore, eligible spouses or common-law partners can also apply for open work permits, and children can apply for study permits, which undoubtedly provides more comprehensive support and more options for the entire family.
