Generally, there are three main types of removal orders in Canada: a Departure Order gives you 30 days to leave without a ban, an Exclusion Order bans you from returning for 1 to 5 years, and a Deportation Order creates a lifetime ban. If you wish to return before your ban is over, you will generally need to apply for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC).
💔 Receiving an official document from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) asking you to leave the country can be an incredibly stressful and overwhelming experience for any family. Understanding the different types of removal orders in Canada is the most important first step in deciding how to handle your unique situation. Whether you were studying at a centre in Toronto, visiting family in Vancouver, or working in Calgary, knowing the exact rules and consequences can help you protect your future ability to travel safely.
Generally, the Canadian government issues these orders when someone has overstayed their visa, worked without authorization, or committed an offence. It is highly recommended not to panic, as each order has a specific legal meaning and a pathway to resolve it. If the legal terminology feels confusing, exploring our directory to find a compassionate immigration lawyer is often a wonderful way to understand your options and plan a favourable strategy for your future.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Step 1: Identifying a Departure Order
📄 A Departure Order is generally considered the least severe type of immigration enforcement. If an immigration officer hands you this specific document, it typically means you are required to leave Canada within exactly 30 days. If you comply with this timeline and follow the exit rules, you are usually not banned from returning to the country in the future.
Once you leave, you can theoretically apply for a new Canadian visa right away, provided you meet all standard entry requirements. However, it is absolutely critical to officially confirm your exit. If you fail to leave within the 30-day window, the Departure Order automatically legally transforms into a much more serious Deportation Order.
Step 2: Understanding an Exclusion Order
🚫 An Exclusion Order is a step up in severity and comes with a mandatory temporary ban on re-entering Canada. Generally, if you receive this order for a minor immigration violation, such as accidentally overstaying your visitor record, you will be banned from returning for 1 year.
However, if the Exclusion Order is issued because of misrepresentation—meaning you provided false information or fake documents to IRCC—the ban is automatically extended to 5 years. During this waiting period, you cannot simply arrive at a Canadian border crossing or airport; you would be turned away unless you have special advanced permission.
Step 3: Dealing with a Deportation Order
👤 A Deportation Order is the most serious consequence in the Canadian immigration system. This order carries a permanent, lifetime ban from Canada. It is usually issued for severe reasons, such as serious criminality, risks to national security, or if someone completely ignores a previously issued Departure Order.
If you have a Deportation Order on your record, you are permanently barred from entering the country. The only way you can ever legally cross a Canadian border again, whether for a short visit or to apply for permanent residence, is by securing a highly specialized government document that officially forgives the ban.
Step 4: Obtaining a Certificate of Departure
🖊️ No matter which of the types of removal orders in Canada you receive, physically boarding a flight is not enough to clear your name. You must officially verify your exit with the CBSA before you leave. Most applicants do this right at the airport, such as Pearson International or Calgary International, by presenting their ticket and passport to an officer.
The officer will then issue you a Certificate of Departure. This small but crucial document is your ultimate proof that you followed the rules and left the country on time. Keeping this document safe is essential, as you will likely need to show it if you ever apply for a new Canadian visa in the future.
Step 5: Applying for an ARC (If Necessary)
📩 If you want to return to Canada but your Exclusion Order ban is not yet over, or if you have a lifetime Deportation Order, you will generally need to apply for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC). An ARC is a formal request asking the government to overlook your ban due to compelling personal or family reasons.
Applying for an ARC is a complex process where you must demonstrate that your need to enter Canada outweighs the reason you were asked to leave. Many people choose to browse our directory to find a legal professional to help draft their ARC application, as success depends heavily on submitting strong, well-organized evidence.
How Much Does it Cost?
💰 Resolving issues related to removal orders often involves administrative fees, especially if you need to apply for special permission to return or repay the government for travel expenses. Below is a general breakdown of the potential costs you might face in 2026:
| Service or Requirement | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) Fee | $400 standard government fee |
| Repayment of CBSA Flight Expenses (if they paid for your ticket) | $1,500 – $3,000+ (varies by flight) |
| Biometrics Fee (if applying for a new visa) | $85 per person |
| Certified Translation of Foreign Documents | $50 – $100 per page |
It is very important to note that if the Canadian government paid for your airline ticket during a deportation, the law generally requires you to fully reimburse them for that specific flight before an ARC or any future visa can even be processed.
How Long Does the Process Take?
🕖 Timelines can vary significantly based on your unique situation. For a standard Departure Order, you strictly have exactly 30 days to finalize your affairs and leave Canada. If you receive an Exclusion Order, your ban will passively run its course over exactly 12 to 60 months, starting from the day your Certificate of Departure is signed.
If you decide to apply for an ARC to overcome a ban early, patience is required. In 2026, standard processing times for an ARC application can easily take anywhere from 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer if the embassy needs to conduct detailed background checks. It is always recommended to apply well in advance of any planned travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know which type of removal order I received?
You can identify the order by looking at the specific form number in the top corner of the document CBSA gave you. A Departure Order is generally IMM 5238, an Exclusion Order is usually IMM 1214B, and a Deportation Order is typically IMM 5238B.
Can I appeal a removal order to stay in Canada?
In some specific situations, yes. Permanent residents and protected persons can often appeal a removal order to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). However, foreign workers, international students, and visitors generally have very limited appeal rights and may need to seek a judicial review instead.
What happens if I overstay my 30-day Departure Order?
If you do not leave Canada within the required 30 days, or if you leave but fail to get your Certificate of Departure stamped by CBSA at the border, your Departure Order legally becomes a Deportation Order. This instantly subjects you to a lifetime ban from Canada.
Do I need an ARC if my Exclusion Order ban is over?
Generally, no. If you were banned for 1 year and 14 months have passed since you officially left Canada with a Certificate of Departure, the ban is legally finished. You do not need an ARC, but you must still apply for a regular visitor visa or eTA to travel back.
Will a removal order from Canada affect my US visa?
It is very likely. Canada and the United States share extensive immigration and border security databases. If you were issued a Deportation or Exclusion Order in Canada, US Customs and Border Protection will generally be able to see that record, which could negatively impact your US travel plans.
Should I hire a lawyer to help with an ARC application?
While it is not mandatory, applying for an ARC is a highly sensitive and complex legal procedure. Many people use our directory to find a Canadian immigration lawyer because a professional can help write persuasive submission letters and ensure all government debts are properly settled before applying.
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