If you absolutely cannot afford a ticket, CBSA will pay for your removal flight. However, being deported at the public’s expense means you are legally required to repay the exact cost of the flight to the Canadian government before you can ever apply to return to Canada.
When an individual is ordered to leave Canada, a common logistical question arises: who foots the bill for the airline ticket? The Canadian government prefers that foreign nationals take responsibility for their own travel arrangements. However, the system is designed to ensure that a lack of personal funds does not prevent an inadmissibility order from being executed.
Understanding the financial implications of a government-funded deportation is critical, especially if you ever hope to return to Canada as a visitor, worker, or permanent resident. Navigating the process of returning after deportation requires expert assistance, and we strongly suggest consulting a Canadian immigration lawyer from our directory to manage complex re-entry applications.
Step-by-Step Flight Arrangement Process in Canada
Whether you are facing removal from Winnipeg, Halifax, or Edmonton, CBSA has a standardized protocol for handling flight logistics and costs. 📊
Step 1: The Request to Self-Fund
During your pre-removal interview, the CBSA officer will ask you to purchase your own flight ticket. Paying for your own departure shows a level of compliance. It gives you some control over your packing, allows you to potentially retain your frequent flyer miles, and avoids adding government debt to your immigration profile.
Step 2: CBSA Purchasing the Ticket
If you explicitly refuse to buy a ticket, or if you can prove genuine financial hardship and empty bank accounts, the Government of Canada will purchase a commercial airline ticket for you. You will not have the ability to choose the airline, the routing, or the layover locations. You simply receive the itinerary on your Direction to Report.
Step 3: Escorted vs. Unescorted Flights
Depending on your criminal record, medical needs, or behaviour during previous proceedings, CBSA may decide you require an escort. If you are deemed a security risk, you may be accompanied by CBSA enforcement officers. If you require medical attention, a hired nurse may accompany you. The costs of these escorts can sometimes be factored into your public expense file.
Step 4: Repayment to the Receiver General
If you ever wish to return to Canada, Section 52 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) dictates that you must reimburse the government for the removal costs. You must submit a formal payment to the Receiver General for Canada. Your lawyer will help you locate your exact debt amount through an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request.
How Much Does Deportation Cost in Canada?
Returning to Canada after being removed at public expense is a costly endeavour. Below are the typical expenses you can expect to face in CAD as of May 2026:
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Commercial Flight Repayment | $1,000 to $4,000 CAD, depending on the global destination and booking urgency. |
| Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) Fee | $400 CAD (Mandatory government processing fee). |
| Lawyer Fees (ARC Application) | Typically $2,500 to $6,000 CAD for a comprehensive submission. |
| Escort Cost Repayment | Can range from $0 to $10,000+ CAD, depending on if you are billed for security personnel flights. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
When CBSA purchases the ticket, it is often booked for a departure within 2 to 4 weeks. If you are held in an Immigration Holding Centre, they will book the earliest available flight to minimize daily detention costs. If you later attempt to repay the debt and file an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC), the processing time for the ARC application alone generally takes 6 to 12 months, and there is no guarantee of approval.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I pay for my own flight? Do I still need an ARC?
If you received a Departure Order, complied within 30 days, and paid for your own flight, you generally do not need an ARC to return. However, if you received a Deportation Order, you will require an ARC regardless of who paid for the ticket, though having paid for it yourself removes the requirement to reimburse the government.
Will CBSA pay for my Canadian-born children to fly with me?
Canadian citizen children cannot be legally deported. While CBSA strives to keep families together and will coordinate departure dates, the parents are generally financially responsible for purchasing the children’s airline tickets.
Can I keep my frequent flyer miles if CBSA buys the ticket?
No. If the Government of Canada purchases your flight at public expense, you are not entitled to collect personal loyalty points or frequent flyer miles for that journey.
How do I find out how much I owe the government?
You must contact the CBSA office that executed your removal or have your lawyer file an Access to Information request. They will provide an exact invoice in Canadian dollars that must be paid before any future visa application is reviewed.
Leave a Reply