This reflects an approach that was reportedly available at the time of this thread — flagpoling eligibility and processing for work permits has changed over time, so verify the current policy before relying on it. A member who'd completed studies, applied for PGWP, and was already working (on implied status) had a study permit valid for 2 more months and needed to make an urgent trip to India, asking whether leaving and returning would restore implied status.
What the thread discussed:- The safest general advice was not to leave Canada until a decision on the PGWP came through, since leaving during implied status carries real risk to your ability to re-enter smoothly.
- If travel truly couldn't be avoided, "flagpoling" at a nearby US border crossing was described as a way to get an immediate PGWP decision — bringing your official final transcripts, study permit, passport, bank statements, and any proof of Canadian ties to the border, where a decision could reportedly be issued on the spot.
- This wasn't universally recommended — one member explicitly said it's "not advisable to leave during implied status," reflecting real disagreement about whether the flagpoling route was worth the risk versus simply waiting it out in Canada.
The practical takeaway (verify current policy): if you must travel urgently while your PGWP is pending, flagpoling at a US border with your full document set was reported as an option for getting an immediate decision at the time of this thread — but the safer, more consistently recommended approach is to avoid leaving Canada until your PGWP decision comes through, and flagpoling availability for this purpose has changed over time, so confirm the current rules before attempting it.