Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)
Re-entering Canada After Deportation or Removal
If you’ve previously been removed from Canada under a Deportation Order or Exclusion Order, you may be barred from returning without special permission. That permission is called an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) — a formal application that must convince the government you are no longer inadmissible and that your return is justified.
Applying for an ARC is not a simple formality. It requires addressing the reasons for your removal, demonstrating genuine change, and persuading IRCC that you pose no risk to Canadian society or its immigration system.
Who Needs an ARC?
You need an ARC if:
- You were removed from Canada under a Deportation Order (permanent bar unless authorized)
- You were subject to an Exclusion Order and 12 months have not yet passed — or your departure was not verified by CBSA
- You were removed under certain Immigration and Refugee Board decisions and plan to return before the bar expires
- You left Canada without complying with a Departure Order and it turned into a Deportation Order
If you received a Departure Order and left properly within 30 days, you typically do not need an ARC. However, each case must be assessed based on CBSA documentation.
Legal Considerations in ARC Applications
Type of Removal Order Matters:
Deportation Orders always require an ARC. Exclusion Orders sometimes do — particularly if you didn’t verify your departure with CBSA. The distinction impacts both eligibility and complexity.Reason for Removal Is Crucial:
The success of your ARC depends on why you were removed. Cases involving misrepresentation, criminality, or repeated immigration violations face a higher bar.Application Must Be Persuasive:
IRCC is not obligated to grant an ARC — even if you meet all technical requirements. Your application must include a compelling explanation, demonstrate change in circumstances, and outline why your return is warranted.ARC Is Often Tied to a Visa Application:
ARC is not a standalone process. It must be submitted alongside an appropriate visa application (visitor, study, work, etc.). If the visa is refused, the ARC is refused by default.Rehabilitation or Legal Resolution May Be Required First:
If your inadmissibility is based on criminal convictions, you may need to first apply for criminal rehabilitation or prove you are deemed rehabilitated before an ARC is considered.
ARC applications are not routine. Many are refused due to weak explanations, lack of documentation, or failure to fully address the original removal grounds. Even individuals with strong reasons to return are often denied because their submissions lacked legal depth or persuasive structure.
We review your removal history, examine your CBSA records, and build a custom legal submission to show IRCC why your return is justified. Every detail matters — especially in ARC cases, where discretion plays a large role.
Authorization to Return to Canada FAQ
No. ARC must be submitted with a valid reason to enter Canada, such as a visitor visa, work permit, or PR application. The ARC is assessed together with the underlying application.
Yes — if you were removed under a Deportation Order, it is a permanent bar. Time alone does not remove this requirement. You’ll need written permission (ARC) to return, no matter how much time has passed.
If you left Canada voluntarily and had your departure verified by CBSA, you may not need an ARC. However, if CBSA did not confirm your departure, or you returned before the 12-month bar expired, an ARC is still required.
Strong ARC applications include:
A clear explanation of your removal circumstances
Evidence of changed behavior (e.g., no new violations, criminal clearance)
Supporting letters from family or employers in Canada (if applicable)
Documents showing ties to home country and incentive to comply with conditions
Legal submissions from an authorized representative can significantly strengthen your case.
Yes — but ARC approval in misrepresentation cases is difficult. You must fully acknowledge what occurred, show genuine remorse, and explain how your current conduct reflects honesty and transparency. The ARC must persuade IRCC that you can be trusted.
There is no fixed timeline. ARC requests are processed on a case-by-case basis, and delays are common, especially when submitted from visa offices outside Canada. Complex cases — such as those involving criminality or prior refusals — may take several months.
How Can We Help
Canadian immigration laws can be complex and challenging. At Moshiri Immigration, our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) specialize in Canadian immigration law. We have successfully handled many spousal sponsorship applications, and we can help you too!
Our years of experience allow us to provide practical and straightforward advice, ensuring you get the results you want. From the moment you become a client at Moshiri Immigration, we guarantee that your case will be handled with the utmost professionalism and personal attention.
