If your spouse was previously deported or given a removal order from Canada, they cannot simply be sponsored to return. They must formally apply for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC), which involves a $459.55 CAD government fee and is typically bundled together with your Outland Family Sponsorship application.
Being forced apart because your spouse was removed from Canada by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is a heartbreaking experience. Whether they overstayed a visa in Montreal, worked illegally in Winnipeg, or had a refugee claim denied in Toronto, a removal order creates a massive legal barrier. Returning to Canada is not as simple as just getting married and filing a family sponsorship. 🚧
Before Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will even look at your spousal sponsorship application, your spouse must be legally allowed back into the country. This requires a special document called an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC). Applying for an ARC is complex, as you must convince the Canadian government that your genuine marriage outweighs the past immigration violations. 🍁
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Because removal orders are serious federal matters, ARC applications are handled very strictly by IRCC. You generally must process this as an Outland Sponsorship (applying while your spouse remains outside Canada). Here is the step-by-step process to bring them back. 📋
Step 1: Identify the Type of Removal Order
First, look at the physical paperwork the CBSA gave your spouse when they left. Canada has three types of removal orders. A Departure Order (if they left within 30 days) usually doesn’t require an ARC. An Exclusion Order bans them for 1 to 5 years; if the ban is still active, an ARC is mandatory. A Deportation Order is a lifetime ban, meaning an ARC is absolutely mandatory forever. 📝
Step 2: Repay the Canadian Government
If the Canadian government paid for your spouse’s airplane ticket to deport them, you must pay that money back in full before an ARC can be approved. You will need to contact the CBSA finance department to get the exact figure and make the repayment. Keep the official receipt safely, as it goes into your application. 💳
Step 3: Draft the Compelling Explanation Letter
The ARC is not a guaranteed right; it is a request for mercy. You must write a highly detailed letter explaining why your spouse broke the rules in the past, taking full accountability for the behaviour. You must also explain why the situation is different now and why allowing them back into Canada as a permanent resident is justified. ✉️
Step 4: Bundle the ARC with the Spousal Sponsorship
Do not apply for the ARC by itself if you plan to sponsor them. IRCC strongly prefers that you include the ARC application letter, the removal order documents, and the ARC fee receipt inside your Outland Spousal Sponsorship package. The visa officer will evaluate both requests at the same time. 📦
Step 5: Attend the Visa Office Interview
For ARC cases, it is highly common for the overseas Canadian visa office to call the sponsored spouse in for an in-person interview. The officer will question them about their past immigration offences and verify the genuineness of your marriage. Passing this interview is critical to securing the ARC approval. 🗣️
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Overcoming a removal order adds extra government and legal expenses to your family sponsorship journey. As of May 2026, you should prepare for the following costs in Canadian dollars (CAD):
- ARC Processing Fee: The mandatory IRCC fee for an Authorization to Return to Canada is $459.55 CAD.
- Repayment of Removal Costs: If CBSA bought the deportation flight, you must repay it. This can range from $1,500 to $3,000+ CAD, depending on the destination.
- Family Sponsorship Fees: The standard PR application fee is $1,080 CAD.
- Law Firm Costs: Most applicants hire an immigration law firm to handle ARC letters and interviews. Expect legal fees between $3,500 and $6,000 CAD.
| Type of Removal Order | Time Since Leaving Canada | Is an ARC Required? |
| Departure Order | Left within 30 days & verified | No ARC required |
| Exclusion Order (1-year ban) | Less than 1 year | Yes, Mandatory |
| Exclusion Order (1-year ban) | More than 1 year | No ARC required |
| Deportation Order | Any amount of time | Yes, Lifetime requirement |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Filing an ARC will naturally slow down your sponsorship timeline. As of May 2026, a standard Outland Spousal Sponsorship takes about 12 to 14 months. However, because an ARC requires the visa officer to conduct a much deeper background check and often an interview, it usually adds an extra 6 to 12 months to the total wait time. ⏳
This means you should expect to wait anywhere from 18 to 24 months from the day you submit the application bundle until your spouse is finally allowed to board a plane back to Canada. Patience is absolutely vital during this period. 📅
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for an Inland Sponsorship if they have a removal order?
Generally, no. If your spouse is currently in Canada with an active removal order, applying for an inland sponsorship does not stop the deportation. They usually must leave Canada, comply with the order, and apply for an ARC from outside the country.
Will IRCC guarantee my ARC is approved if we are married?
No. Marriage to a Canadian does not guarantee an ARC approval. The officer must weigh the seriousness of the past immigration offence against the strength of your relationship and family ties.
Do I need a lawyer to file an ARC?
While it is not legally required to have a lawyer, submitting an ARC without one is highly risky. A law firm knows exactly how to draft the compelling explanation letter and prepare your spouse for the visa officer interview.
What happens if my spouse left without telling the CBSA?
If your spouse received a Departure Order but left Canada without officially confirming their exit with the CBSA at the airport, the order automatically turned into a Deportation Order. They will now need an ARC for life.
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