To return to Canada on a Visitor Visa after being deported, you must submit an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC). This involves paying a $492.50 CAD fee, repaying previous removal costs, and providing compelling evidence that you have completely resolved the issues that led to your deportation.
Having a past Canadian removal order on your record is a massive barrier, but it does not mean you are permanently banned from visiting the country forever. 📋 If you were previously issued a Deportation Order, or if you received an Exclusion Order and wish to travel back to Canada before the one-year or five-year ban has naturally expired, you cannot simply apply for a standard Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa). Attempting to do so will result in an automatic refusal and a waste of government fees.
Instead, you must request a special legal pardon known as an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC). Submitting an ARC is a highly discretionary and complex process. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officers will heavily scrutinize your file. Their primary concern is protecting the integrity of the Canadian immigration system. Whether you wish to visit family in Calgary, attend a business conference in Toronto, or travel as a tourist to Montreal, you must prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that your past behaviour will not be repeated.
Step-by-Step Process for Applying for an ARC
You cannot apply for an ARC on its own. It is a supplemental legal request that must be attached to a primary application, such as a Visitor Visa, Study Permit, or Work Permit. 📍 Following these steps meticulously is vital for a chance at approval.
Step 1: Determine the Exact Type of Removal Order You Had
Before spending any money, you must confirm exactly what type of order you received from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). If you were given a Departure Order and you left within 30 days while verifying your exit with CBSA, you do not need an ARC. If you received an Exclusion Order and the 12-month ban has fully expired, you also may not need one. An ARC is strictly mandatory for all Deportation Orders and unexpired Exclusion Orders.
Step 2: Repay Any Owed Removal Costs
If the Canadian government paid to remove you from the country, you must repay that debt in full. 💰 This is a strict statutory requirement under the IRPA. Instead of billing for actual ticket prices, Canada charges flat regulatory rates: $13,098.96 CAD for an escorted removal by air (for removals on or after April 1, 2025), and $3,905.28 CAD for unescorted or other methods. For removals before April 1, 2025, the flat fee is $1,799 CAD (or $899 CAD for removals to the USA or St. Pierre and Miquelon). You must contact the CBSA to arrange the payment to clear your balance.
Step 3: Draft a Compelling Submission Letter
This is the most critical part of your application. You or your Canadian immigration lawyer must write a detailed submission letter explaining the exact reasons for your past removal. You must take full responsibility for any previous immigration violations, such as overstaying or working illegally. Then, you must present a compelling, logical argument for why you need a Visitor Visa now, and why you are a trustworthy candidate.
Step 4: Gather Extensive Supporting Documents
Words are not enough; you need hard evidence. 📄 You must provide documentation proving you have established a stable, law-abiding life in your home country. This includes proof of steady employment, property ownership, financial savings, and strong family ties that will compel you to leave Canada at the end of your authorized visit. You must also include a police clearance certificate showing good behaviour since your deportation.
Step 5: Submit with Your Visitor Visa Application
Compile your ARC submission letter, your proof of removal cost repayment, your supporting documents, and the ARC processing fee receipt. Upload all of this as a supplemental document package alongside your standard online application for a Visitor Visa through the IRCC portal.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Applying to overcome a past deportation is a financially significant undertaking. 💵 You must budget carefully before beginning this process.
- ARC Processing Fee: The mandatory government fee for an ARC is $492.50 CAD.
- Visitor Visa Fee: You must also pay the standard Temporary Resident Visa application fee of $100 CAD.
- Biometrics Fee: If you haven’t given biometrics in the past 10 years, you will pay $85 CAD.
- Removal Cost Repayment: For removals on or after April 1, 2025, the flat repayment rate is $13,098.96 CAD for an escorted removal by air, or $3,905.28 CAD for unescorted or other methods. Removals before April 1, 2025, cost $1,799 CAD (or $899 CAD for removals to the USA or St. Pierre and Miquelon).
- Lawyer Fees: Because an ARC is highly discretionary, most applicants hire a Canadian immigration law firm. Legal fees to prepare a strong ARC and TRV package generally range from $3,000 to $6,000 CAD.
How Long Does the Process Take?
An ARC application requires significant patience. ⌛ Standard visitor visas might take a few weeks, but an ARC triggers an intense background and security review by senior immigration officials. Once submitted to a Canadian visa office, the processing time for an ARC generally takes anywhere from 6 to 12 months, and in complex cases, it can take up to 18 months to receive a final decision.
| Requirement | Why It Is Necessary | Consequence of Missing It |
|---|---|---|
| $492.50 CAD Processing Fee | Pays for the intense administrative review of your file. | Application returned without processing. |
| Repayment of Removal Costs | Mandated by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. | Automatic refusal of the ARC. |
| Proof of Ties to Home Country | Assures the officer you will not overstay in Canada again. | Refusal based on risk of non-compliance. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is an ARC approval guaranteed if I pay all the fees?
Absolutely not. Paying the $492.50 fee and repaying removal costs only allows the officer to review your file. The final decision is entirely at the discretion of the IRCC officer based on your current circumstances and past behaviour.
Can I apply for an ARC at the border or airport?
No. You cannot apply for an ARC at a Canadian Port of Entry. The application must be submitted online or to a Canadian visa office in your home country long before you attempt to travel.
What if I also have a criminal record?
If you were deported due to criminal activity, an ARC alone is not enough. You must also apply for Criminal Rehabilitation to overcome your criminal inadmissibility, making the legal process significantly more complex.
If my ARC is approved, is it valid forever?
An ARC is typically granted for a specific entry or a specific visa. If you receive an ARC for a Visitor Visa, it clears the removal order from your record, meaning you generally will not need to apply for another ARC for future visits, provided you comply with all laws.
Do I need a lawyer, or can I do this myself?
While you can legally apply yourself, ARC applications have a very high refusal rate. Hiring a professional Canadian immigration lawyer is highly recommended to ensure your legal arguments and documentation meet IRCC’s strict standards.
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