Processing an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) generally takes between 12 and 24 months. Because there is no standard processing time, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts a highly manual and discretionary review, requiring applicants to pay a $492.50 CAD processing fee.
If you were previously removed from Canada, returning is rarely a simple process. Depending on the circumstances of your departure, you may need an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC). This specialized document asks the Canadian government to forgive your past immigration violations and allow you to re-enter the country legally.
Applying for an ARC is one of the most complex procedures in Canadian immigration law. It requires extensive documentation, legal arguments, and a significant amount of patience. Generally, it is highly recommended to seek guidance from an experienced immigration lawyer from our directory to ensure your application is as strong as possible. 📚
Step-by-Step Process for an ARC Application in Canada
An ARC is not a standalone application; it is almost always submitted alongside another application, such as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), Study Permit, or Permanent Resident (PR) application. Here is how the process generally unfolds. 📝
Step 1: Determining if You Actually Need an ARC
Before applying, you must identify the type of removal order you received. If you received a Departure Order and left Canada within 30 days while verifying your departure with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), you generally do not need an ARC. However, if you received an Exclusion Order and wish to return before the 12-to-60-month ban expires, or if you received a Deportation Order (which is a lifetime ban), an ARC is absolutely mandatory.
Step 2: Preparing the Written Submission
Because an ARC is highly discretionary, you must convince an IRCC officer that your return is justified. Your lawyer will draft a detailed submission letter explaining the reasons you left, your current situation, and why you should be allowed back. You must provide compelling reasons, such as attending a funeral, a vital business meeting, or re-uniting with a Canadian spouse. 📬
Step 3: Repaying Government Removal Costs
If the Canadian government paid for your travel home when you were deported, you must repay this debt before your ARC can be approved. This is completely separate from the ARC processing fee. Repayment amounts depend on when you were removed. If deported before April 1, 2025, you must pay $899 CAD (for the US or St-Pierre and Miquelon) or $1,799 CAD (for any other country). If deported on or after April 1, 2025, the cost is $13,098.96 CAD for an escorted removal by air, or $3,905.28 CAD for unescorted and other specific removals.
Step 4: Submitting to the Visa Office
You will submit your ARC package to the Canadian visa office responsible for your region, usually bundled with your TRV or PR application. An IRCC officer will then review your file. They will assess the severity of your past violations, your behaviour since leaving Canada, and whether you pose any security or financial risk to Canadian society. ⚖️
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Overcoming a removal order requires a significant financial investment. The government fees are strict, and professional assistance is usually necessary.
- ARC Processing Fee: The mandatory IRCC application fee is exactly $492.50 CAD.
- Associated Visa Fees: You must also pay the fee for the primary application, such as a TRV ($100 CAD) or a PR application (often exceeding $1,300 CAD).
- Removal Cost Repayment: If CBSA paid for your removal, you must reimburse them. This ranges from $899 or $1,799 CAD (if removed before April 1, 2025) to $3,905.28 or $13,098.96 CAD (if removed on or after April 1, 2025).
- Lawyer Fees: Retaining an immigration lawyer to draft a persuasive ARC submission generally costs between $3,000 and $6,000 CAD, depending on the complexity of your previous immigration history.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Applicants must be prepared for a very long wait. IRCC does not publish standard processing times for an ARC because every case requires a unique, manual review. For an ARC attached to a TRV, the process usually takes 12 to 24 months. If your ARC is tied to a spousal sponsorship or PR application, it may add several months to the standard PR processing timeline. Following up constantly will not speed up the process; the visa office will contact you if they require a mandatory interview. ⏳
Types of Canadian Removal Orders
| Removal Order Type | Duration of Ban | Is an ARC Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Departure Order | No ban if obeyed within 30 days. | No, unless you failed to verify your departure with CBSA (it then becomes a Deportation Order). |
| Exclusion Order | Typically 1 to 5 years. | Yes, if you wish to return before the ban officially expires. |
| Deportation Order | Lifetime ban. | Yes, absolutely mandatory for any future travel to Canada. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I expedite an ARC application for an emergency?
In extremely rare life-or-death situations, such as visiting a dying parent in Canada, a visa office may process an ARC faster. However, this is heavily scrutinized, and you must provide undeniable medical evidence to support your urgent request.
Do I still need a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)?
An ARC overcomes a removal order, while a TRP overcomes criminal or medical inadmissibility. If you were deported due to a criminal conviction, you will likely need both an ARC and a TRP to enter Canada.
What if my ARC is refused?
If an officer refuses your ARC, you will receive a generic refusal letter. There is no formal appeal process within IRCC. Your lawyer may advise you to apply to the Federal Court for Judicial Review if the officer made a legal error, or you may simply reapply with stronger evidence.
Will getting a new passport erase my Deportation Order?
No. IRCC and CBSA use biometric data (fingerprints and facial recognition) to track individuals. Changing your name or obtaining a new passport from your home country will not hide your past removal order from the Canadian government.
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