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Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)

An Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) may be required when a person who was previously subject to a Canadian removal order wants to return to Canada.

Whether an ARC is required depends primarily on the type of removal order issued, whether it was properly enforced and how the person complied with the order. An ARC does not itself guarantee admission to Canada; the applicant must still meet the requirements of the temporary or permanent residence application through which they are seeking to return.

Anka Canada Immigration Consulting assists applicants with determining whether an ARC is required, reviewing the circumstances surrounding the previous removal and preparing the ARC request together with the related immigration application.

Services are provided by Volkan Sacilik, RCIC-IRB, CICC Licence No. R1042981.

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When Is an ARC Required?

Canada has three main types of removal orders, and the ARC requirement differs for each.

• Departure Order: An ARC is generally not required if the person left Canada within the required 30 days and obtained a Certificate of Departure. If the departure requirements were not met, the Departure Order may become a Deportation Order.

• Exclusion Order: A person is generally barred from returning for 1 year after enforcement. For an Exclusion Order issued because of misrepresentation, the period is 5 years. Returning before the applicable period ends normally requires an ARC.

• Deportation Order: A person who has been deported generally requires an ARC before returning to Canada.

A Direction to Leave Canada is not a removal order and does not, by itself, create an ARC requirement.

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What Does IRCC Consider in an ARC Request?

An ARC is discretionary. IRCC may consider factors such as:

• why the removal order was issued;

• whether the person complied with the removal process;

• how much time has passed;

• whether the circumstances that led to removal have changed;

• the possibility of the same conduct recurring;

• the applicant’s current circumstances; and

• why they now need to return to Canada.

The applicant must generally provide a written explanation addressing why they should be permitted to return to Canada.

An ARC is normally submitted in connection with the immigration application that brings the person back to Canada, such as a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or permanent residence application

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ARC Does Not Automatically Resolve Other Inadmissibility

An ARC addresses the restriction created by a previous removal order. It does not automatically resolve another ground of inadmissibility.

If the applicant remains inadmissible for another reason, that issue generally needs to be resolved separately. In certain situations where inadmissibility cannot presently be overcome but there is a compelling temporary reason to enter Canada, a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) may need to be considered.

Learn more: Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) →

If CBSA paid the costs of removing the person from Canada, repayment of applicable removal costs may also be required before an ARC can be issued

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How Anka Canada Immigration Consulting Can Assist

Anka can review the previous removal order, Certificate of Departure where available, immigration history and the circumstances surrounding the removal to determine whether an ARC is required.

Where retained, we can prepare the ARC request together with the related temporary or permanent residence application and provide representative submissions addressing the previous removal, changes in circumstances and the reasons supporting the applicant’s return to Canada.

The objective is to present both the previous removal history and the current reasons for returning to Canada clearly, accurately and consistently.

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Important Information

ARC requirements depend on the type and enforcement of the previous removal order and the applicant’s current immigration circumstances. Other inadmissibility issues may require separate consideration.

This page provides general information only and does not guarantee that an ARC, visa, permit or permanent residence application will be approved.