If you are deported from Canada and the government pays for your commercial flight, you legally owe that money to the Crown. Within months, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can intercept your tax refunds, and the government can legally garnish your Canadian bank accounts or wages to recover these costs.
Facing a removal order from Canada is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through. Often, the immediate focus is on leaving the country or fighting the deportation. However, many people are completely unaware of the massive financial debt left behind when the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) books the flight on their behalf. If you do not buy your own ticket, the government covers the cost, but it is not a free ride.
This debt is a legally binding obligation to the federal government. 💰 To recover the unpaid removal expenses, the CBSA works directly with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). They have sweeping powers to seize assets left in Canada. If you plan to ever return to Canada, or if you have assets still in the country, consulting an immigration lawyer from our directory is critical to managing this debt safely.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
The federal government does not forget debts easily. Whether you were removed from Toronto Pearson, Vancouver International, or a land border crossing, the collection process follows a strict timeline enforced by federal agencies.
Step 1: The Issuance of the Debt
When the CBSA executes a removal order, you are responsible for repaying these expenses based on flat statutory fees rather than actual flight prices. 📄 This document formally establishes your debt to the Crown. Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), if you were a minor (under 18 years of age) at the time your removal order was issued, you are completely exempt from these costs. For adults, the debt is set at a flat rate depending on the type of escort required.
Step 2: CBSA Demands Payment
Shortly after your removal, the CBSA will attempt to collect the debt. If you left a forwarding address or have contact information on file, they will send a formal demand letter. If you have a law firm acting on your behalf, the correspondence may be sent to them. The government expects voluntary payment at this stage, usually via bank draft or certified cheque.
Step 3: CRA Intercepts Tax Refunds
If you fail to pay voluntarily, the CBSA sends the file to the Canada Revenue Agency. 📈 The CRA has the power of “set-off.” This means that if you filed taxes before you were deported and are owed a tax refund, GST/HST credit, or Canada Child Benefit, the CRA will instantly intercept those funds and apply them to your CBSA debt. This happens automatically during the next tax season.
Step 4: Wage Garnishment and Bank Seizures
If the tax refunds are not enough to cover the debt, the CRA can take aggressive collection actions on assets you left in Canada. If you still have an open bank account with a Canadian bank (like RBC, TD, or Scotiabank), the CRA can issue a Requirement to Pay. This legally forces the bank to freeze your account and send the balance directly to the government. If you somehow have Canadian income source, they can garnish those wages.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
The cost of deportation is determined by flat regulatory rates set under the IRPR rather than actual ticket prices. Air removals with standard escorts are set at a significantly higher flat fee.
| Type of Removal | Statutory Fee (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unescorted / Non-Air / Medical Air | $3,905.28 | Flat regulatory rate for unescorted removals, medical air escorts, or non-air escorted removals. |
| Escorted by Air (Non-Medical) | $13,098.96 | Flat statutory fee for standard air removals requiring escorting officers. |
| Minors (Under 18) | $0 | Individuals who were minors when the removal order was issued are completely exempt. |
It is important to remember that this debt accrues interest over time according to the federal interest rates set by the CRA.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The government moves relatively quickly once a debt is established. 🕑 CRA tax refund interceptions happen at the very next tax assessment cycle (usually between March and May). If the CRA decides to garnish a Canadian bank account, they can issue the order within 3 to 6 months of the debt being transferred to collections. The debt itself never expires; it will remain on your file indefinitely until paid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I return to Canada if I owe removal costs?
No. Under Canadian immigration law, you are legally barred from returning to Canada until you have fully repaid the removal costs. Even if you obtain an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC), the debt must be settled before you can enter.
Can the CRA garnish my bank account in my home country?
Generally, no. The CRA’s direct garnishment powers apply only to Canadian financial institutions and Canadian sources of income. They cannot easily reach into a foreign bank account, though the debt remains valid.
Can I negotiate a lower payment for my deportation costs?
While the actual principal amount of the statutory removal fees cannot usually be negotiated down, you or your lawyer can often negotiate a monthly payment plan with the CRA collections officer if you cannot afford a lump sum.
How do I pay the debt from outside Canada?
You can typically pay via wire transfer, international money order, or by having a friend, family member, or law firm in Canada issue a certified cheque on your behalf payable to the Receiver General for Canada.
Does my family have to pay my removal costs?
No. Unless a family member formally co-signed a bond or guarantee with the CBSA prior to your removal, the debt belongs solely to you. The government cannot garnish your spouse’s wages to pay your debt.
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