Authorization to Return (ARC)
What is an Authorization to Return?
What is a Removal Order?
It is important to determine which type of removal order you received to determine your plan of action to re-enter Canada
and to determine if you require an Authorization to Return to Canada.
NOTE : A Direction to Leave Canada is not a removal order.
There are 3 Types of Removal Orders:
Deportation Order
This order requires an Authorization to Return to Canada. There are no exceptions.
If your deportation order was issued due to criminal inadmissibility, in addition to an ARC, you may also be required to apply for
Criminal Rehabilitation and/or a Temporary Resident Permit.
Departure Order
If you received a departure order, you will need to (1) exit Canada within 30 days of the order and (2) inform your departure with an immigration officer at the port of exit before leaving.
If you left Canada more than 30 days after receiving your order or without confirming your departure with an immigration officer, you will require an ARC to re-enter Canada.
NOTE : If you left Canada within 30 days of your order and informed the immigration officer of your departure, you do not need an ARC to return to Canada.
Exclusion Order
You will only need an ARC if you decide to return to Canada within 12 months of being issued the Exclusion Order. If you decide to return to Canada after 12 months has passed since your Exclusion Order was issued, you do not need an ARC.
How to Build a Strong ARC Application
The key to compiling a strong and convicting ARC application is to get into the mind of immigration officers and understand that they are looking for.
- Reason(s) to Enter Canada
- Proof that you will not repeat the behavior which led to your removal order
- Reasons for your removal order
- Your current circumstances
- How long has it been since removal order was issued
Have a Question?
How VisaPath Can Help
Being granted an Authorization to Return to Canada is not easy or common. It requires proof that you have a genuine reason to enter Canada and that you have addressed the reasons for your initial removal order.
Your story and supporting documentation must be detailed, complete, and persuasive to allow you the best chances of success.
At VisaPath, our representatives understand what immigration officers are looking for and can help you prepare a strong and convincing application.
To get started, or if you would like to find out more information, please contact us at 416-477-2570.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an authorization to return to Canada?
This is an application requesting permission from the government of Canada to re-enter the country because you have received a type of removal order.
A removal order is issued to a foreign national because they are no longer allowed to remain in Canada. Depending on the type of removal order you may have been banned from re-entering to Canada for a certain period of time. Most individuals who receive some type of removal order must apply for an Authorization to Return to Canada in order for them to re-enter.
How do I know I need an ARC?
You will need to apply for this document if you have received a removal order from Canada. There are three types of removal orders.
Departure order is a type of removal order for given to foreign national. You left within the 30-day timeframe you were given to leave and have a verified departure. You do not need to apply for an ARC if you have received a departure order.
Exclusion order is a document issued to foreign national as a removal order. It is usually issued for 12 months from the date you left Canada. You will receive a certificate of departure showing the date you left Canada. There are cases in which an individual will need to apply for an ARC, even if the 12 months have passed, or if they want to come to Canada sooner than the 12-month timeframe, they will need an ARC in order to come back.
Deportation order is a type of removal order that would require you to apply for an ARC. When you apply for an ARC, it is important to assess your situation, why you were issued this removal order, and what are your reasons for coming back, and your situation.
What is the processing time for an ARC application?
When it comes to an ARC application, for normal circumstances you can expect a decision between 12 to 18 months. Processing times varies from case to case, so if your case is a unique and complicated case than you may expect a longer timeframe.