If you’ve been removed from Canada—whether through a deportation order, exclusion order, or departure order—you may need formal permission to re-enter. This process is known as applying for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC). In this guide, we’ll explain who needs an ARC, when it’s required, how to apply, and the key steps to maximize your chance of success. If you’re looking to return to Canada legally, read on.
What Is an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)?
The Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) is an official permission granted by the Canadian government to individuals who have been previously removed from Canada and are now seeking to return.
If you were issued a removal order in the past—such as a departure order, exclusion order, or deportation order—you may not be allowed to re-enter Canada without first obtaining an ARC. This applies even if you meet all other visa or entry requirements.
Who Needs an ARC?
- Departure Order: If you left Canada voluntarily within the required time and confirmed your departure with a CBSA officer, you may not need an ARC. However, failure to comply means the order becomes a deportation order.
- Exclusion Order: You must wait one year before returning. If you want to come back earlier, or if you did not verify your departure properly, you’ll need an ARC.
- Deportation Order: You must apply for and obtain an ARC—there are no exceptions.
If you're not sure which type of removal order was issued to you, it's important to find out before applying. Submitting an ARC application when it’s not required can delay your case unnecessarily.
🧾 When Do You Need an ARC?
You only need an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) if you were previously issued a removal order and now wish to re-enter Canada. The necessity of an ARC depends on the type of removal order you received and how you complied with it.
- Departure Order: If you left Canada within 30 days and properly confirmed your departure, you do not need an ARC. If not, you do.
- Exclusion Order: If 12 months have passed and you have proof of your departure, no ARC is needed. Otherwise, you must apply for an ARC.
- Deportation Order: An ARC is always required, regardless of when you left or why you were deported.
In some cases, you may be applying to return to Canada through a temporary resident visa (TRV), study permit, or work permit. In these cases, your ARC request can be submitted together with the main application. You don’t need to file a separate ARC.
📋 How to Apply for an ARC
Applying for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) can be done either as part of another visa application (like a visitor visa, study permit, or work permit), or as a standalone ARC request if you are not applying for any other status.
✔️ If You Are Applying for a Visa or Permit
You do not need to apply separately for an ARC. Simply include a letter explaining your removal order and why you should be allowed to return to Canada. Immigration officers will assess your ARC request alongside your visa or permit application.
📨 If You Are Applying for ARC Only
To apply for ARC on its own, prepare the following:
- A letter explaining why you want to return to Canada, how your situation has changed, and why you are unlikely to break immigration rules again
- A copy of the removal order you received (if available)
- Valid passport copy
- Any supporting documents that show rehabilitation, police certificate, purpose of travel, or ties to home country
- Processing fee: CAD $400 (always check IRCC fees section before making any payment)
📮 Where to Send Your ARC Application
If you are applying from outside Canada, you must send your application to the visa office responsible for your region. Processing times vary by country.
💡 Tips to Strengthen Your ARC Application
An ARC application is not just about ticking boxes — it’s about rebuilding trust with the Government of Canada. Here are several practical tips that can improve your chances of approval:
- Be Honest and Transparent: Acknowledge your past immigration violation and explain it sincerely. Do not hide or downplay what happened.
- Show Positive Changes: Highlight how your life has changed since your removal. Have you started a family, completed education, or improved financially or legally?
- Explain Your Purpose: Be clear and specific about why you need to return to Canada — whether it’s for a visit, work, study, or family reasons. The stronger your reason, the stronger your case.
- Prove You’ll Follow the Rules: Show that you now fully understand Canada’s immigration laws and will comply with all future conditions. Attach proof if possible.
- Attach Strong Supporting Documents: Letters from employers, family, or legal advisors can help demonstrate your reliability and good faith.
- Avoid Applying Too Soon: If not enough time has passed or if the original issue hasn’t been resolved, your application is more likely to be rejected. Timing matters.
- Seek Professional Help: A licensed immigration consultant can help draft a compelling letter of explanation and present your case effectively to the reviewing officer.
⚠️ Common Reasons ARC Requests Are Refused
Even though many applicants have valid reasons to return to Canada, not all ARC applications are approved. Understanding the common reasons for refusal can help you avoid mistakes and prepare a stronger application.
- Insufficient Justification: If the reason for wanting to return to Canada is vague, weak, or poorly explained, your application may be rejected.
- No Change in Circumstances: If you haven't demonstrated that your situation has improved or changed since your removal, the officer may not be convinced you're a lower risk.
- Ongoing Immigration Violations: If you’re still under a removal order or have unresolved legal or immigration issues, your ARC will likely be refused.
- Lack of Supporting Documents: Missing or insufficient documentation can weaken your credibility and reduce your chances of success.
- Applying Too Soon: Submitting an ARC request too soon after your removal or without allowing time to rebuild your case can lead to a denial.
- Negative Travel or Immigration History: A pattern of previous visa refusals, overstays, or misrepresentation can heavily influence a refusal decision.
📥 Required Documents for ARC Application
To apply for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC), you must provide detailed and accurate documentation. Missing or incomplete documents can delay or harm your application. Here’s what you typically need to include:
- Letter of Explanation: A clear and honest letter describing the reason for your removal, what has changed since then, and why you wish to return to Canada.
- Copy of the Removal Order: You must include a copy of the removal order (Departure Order, Exclusion Order, or Deportation Order).
- Valid Passport: A scanned copy of your current passport, including all identity pages and any pages showing visas or travel stamps.
- Supporting Documents: Any evidence that supports your case — for example:
- Job offer or invitation letter (if applicable)
- Proof of family ties or legal obligations in Canada
- Evidence of rehabilitation or positive life changes
- Proof of Application Fee Payment: A receipt showing you have paid the ARC processing fee.
- Identification Documents: Birth certificate, national ID, or other identity proofs (if requested).
🕒 How Long Does It Take to Process an ARC?
The processing time for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) can vary depending on multiple factors, including the country where you apply, the complexity of your case, and the current workload at IRCC.
- Average Processing Time: 6 to 12 months in most cases.
- Complex Cases: Applications with criminal inadmissibility or multiple violations may take longer.
- Visa Type Dependency: If you're applying for ARC with a new visa (visitor, study, or work), the ARC is processed together with that application.
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions – Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)
Who needs an ARC to return to Canada?
Anyone who was previously issued a removal order (excluding Departure Orders that were complied with correctly) may need to apply for an ARC to re-enter Canada legally.
Can I apply for an ARC from within Canada?
No. An ARC application must be submitted from outside of Canada, typically along with your new visa application.
How much does it cost to apply for an ARC?
The government processing fee for an ARC application is CAD $400. However, this does not include professional representation or document preparation services.
How long does it take to process an ARC?
Processing times can vary greatly depending on your case and the visa office. On average, it can take several weeks to a few months.
Can I apply for a visitor visa and ARC at the same time?
Yes. In most cases, you must apply for both at the same time. The ARC will be assessed as part of your visa application.
Is it guaranteed that my ARC will be approved?
No. Approval depends on your individual circumstances, the reason for your original removal, your current situation, and how well your case is presented.
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