End of flags: What Canadian students and workers need to know about visitor record requests

Canada has officially ended the practice of flagging for work and study permit renewals. Flagpoling, which involved briefly leaving Canada and returning to expedite immigration processing, has long been a favored method for temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers, to extend their stay. However, this practice is no longer available, leaving many people wondering how to navigate the new license renewal process.
In this post-flag landscape, one of the alternatives to renew or extend work or study permits is to use the Canada Visitor Record Application. Here’s what students, workers and other temporary residents should know about the updated system, the application process and what to expect in the future.
Explained: Visitor registration 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. It is essential for people who are in Canada with temporary status, such as workers or students, and who need to renew 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 a crucial tool for maintaining legal status during the permit renewal process. As reporting is no longer an option, people who need to extend their work or study permit can now request a visitor record online through the IRCC portal. This eliminates the need to resort to the once popular method of reporting, a quick but ineffective workaround that led to border congestion.
Main differences between Canadian visitor record requests and flagpoling
With the flag no longer relevant, it is important that students and workers know the main differences between the two processes.
• Speed ​​and convenience: Reporting was often seen as a faster method, allowing applicants to renew their status within hours simply by leaving and re-entering Canada. In contrast, requesting a visitor record online requires waiting for approval, which can take up to 60 days.
• Location requirements: Placing flags required traveling to the border and returning to Canada. In contrast, the visitor registration process can be done entirely online from within the country, which is convenient but requires more documentation.
• Risk of rejection: Sending flags, while rapid, carried the risk of rejection at the border, leading to potential delays and complications. Visitor registry requests, however, involve a more predictable process without the immediate risk of rejection at the border. However, in the event of refusal, applicants could face extended deadlines.
•Documents: Reporting was a simpler process, often requiring only basic documents for re-entry. Requesting a visitor record requires detailed documentation, such as proof of enrollment for students and employment verification for workers.
How to request a visitor record online
To request a visitor record from Canada, applicants must visit the official IRCC website and create an account. The process involves completing a series of forms and submitting supporting documentation, including proof of employment, enrollment in an educational institution, or proof of current legal status.
The online application method is relatively simple, 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 requests can vary from 30 to 60 days. This change means that applicants should apply well before their current license expires to avoid issues with extending their temporary status.
Visitor Record: Eligibility and Documentation Requirements for Students and Workers
Students and workers have different documentation requirements when requesting 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 demonstrate that they are actively pursuing their studies.
• Workers, for their part, must provide proof of employment, including a letter from the employer or pay stubs, to demonstrate that they are legally working in Canada. In some cases, workers may also need to prove that they meet the requirements of their job, such as specific job classifications or professional agreements.
The main difference here is that students must demonstrate continued educational commitment, while workers must demonstrate continued employment and compliance with work permit conditions.
Processing time and what to expect
Switching from reporting to requesting visitor registration online may result in longer wait times. As mentioned, processing times for visitor registration requests can vary between 30 and 60 days. While this is a more predictable schedule than reporting, it introduces the risk that applicants will stay beyond the expiration of their original permit if they do not plan ahead.
For those facing urgent deadlines, it is essential to apply as early as possible to avoid any status gaps. Under Canadian immigration laws, people who apply for a renewal before their permit expires are granted implied status, meaning they can legally remain in Canada while awaiting a decision on their application. However, this only applies if the application is submitted on time.
Maintain implicit status
One of the most important aspects of the visitor record request process is maintaining implied status while awaiting approval. This means that even if a person’s original license expires while their application is under review, they are legally allowed to remain in Canada under the same conditions as their previous license.
It is important for students and workers to track the status of their application and ensure they apply for a visitor record before their current license expires. Without implied status, individuals may face problems when attempting to extend their stay or renew their permit.