An Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) is a special permission from the Canadian government. If you have left Canada due to a Removal Order—such as deportation, exclusion, or a departure order—you will almost always need special permission called an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) before you can legally re-enter the country.
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Not everyone needs an ARC. It depends on the type of removal order and whether the person followed the rules when they left the border. The ARC process lets individuals formally request permission from the federal government to return, so an officer can review their case and decide if it's okay for them to come back.
If you have received an order to exit Canada—whether it was a Departure Order, Exclusion Order, or Deportation Order—you might be wondering what it takes to return. Canada has specific rules about who needs an ARC and how to get one, and these rules depend on the details of your removal order. To find out what applies to you, the number mentioned on the order indicates the type of Removal order. You can check your Removal Order document from IRCC or CBSA, which will outline the exact steps you need to take next.
When someone gets a Departure Order, they have to leave Canada within 30 days. If they don't exit on time or fail to check out with an immigration official at the border, the order changes to a Deportation Order. However, if they leave within the 30 days and confirm their departure with immigration, they won't need any special permission to return to Canada later—they simply need to follow the usual steps when coming back.
When someone has left Canada under an Exclusion Order, they do not need to apply for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) if they meet certain conditions. Specifically, if the person waits at least 12 months from the date they left and has a valid Certificate of Departure (IMM 0056B), they can return to Canada. They will go through the standard Canadian immigration check at the border.
If, however, someone wants to return before the 12 months have passed or does not have a Certificate of Departure, they must obtain an ARC before returning to Canada.
If someone is removed from Canada under a Deportation Order, they must apply for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) before they can come back. There are no exceptions to this rule—anyone deported is permanently barred from returning unless they are granted an ARC.
For people removed due to criminal activity, it's not possible to get an ARC directly. They must first apply for Criminal Rehabilitation and, if needed, obtain a Temporary Resident Permit before they can even be considered for an ARC. This means that those who are criminally inadmissible must complete extra steps before they can hope to return to Canada.
If you are feeling a bit lost or overwhelmed about the ARC process, don't worry - many people find it confusing at first.
Our team at ImmiLaw Immigration Law Professional Corporation comprises experienced Canadian immigration lawyers dedicated to providing you with the best possible support.
If you are dealing with concerns regarding an Authorization to Return to Canada, facing a removal order, or need advice on any immigration-related issue, we are here to help. Reach out—we will listen, guide, and support you every step of the way.
Feel free to contact us for your queries regarding Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC).
If you left Canada within 30 days and verified your departure with immigration officials, you do not need an ARC; however, if you fail to comply, the Departure Order converts to a Deportation Order, and an ARC becomes mandatory.
An ARC is required if you want to return to Canada within 12 months of leaving under an Exclusion Order or if you do not possess a valid Certificate of Departure; otherwise, no ARC is needed after 12 months.
Yes, individuals removed under a Deportation Order must obtain an ARC to return to Canada, regardless of the time elapsed.
Applicants must submit a completed application form, a detailed letter explaining why they should be allowed to return, proof of payment of fees, and any supporting documents relevant to their removal and current circumstances.
Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the case and the completeness of the application but can take several weeks to several months.
Yes, it is possible to apply for an ARC concurrently with applications for temporary or permanent residence, provided all required forms and fees are submitted.
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