Before you apply

Before you apply for an authorization to return to Canada (ARC), determine

• whether your circumstances have changed
• how much the ARC application will cost, if the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) paid for your removal

If your circumstances haven’t changed

If the circumstances that led to the removal order have not changed, it’s less likely that you’ll get permission to return to Canada.

When an officer assesses your application, they’ll consider some of the following factors:

• the reasons for the removal order
• the possibility that you’ll repeat the behaviour that caused the order to be issued
• how long it’s been since the order was issued
• your current situation
• the reason you want to enter Canada

If the CBSA paid for your removal

If the CBSA paid to remove you from the country, you’ll have to pay both of the following before we issue an ARC:

1. the application processing fees (CAN Error loading fee. Check the fee list.)
2. the amount we paid to remove you (your removal costs)

Processing fees are not refundable no matter the final decision on your application. If we refuse your application and you decide you want to apply again, you’ll have to pay a new processing fee.

Removal costs you must pay depend on when you were removed and how old you were:

If you were removed before April 1, 2025

• pay $899 if you were removed to the US or St-Pierre and Miquelon
• pay $1,799 if you were removed to any other country

If you were removed on or after April 1, 2025

• pay $12,880.00 for an escorted removal by air (unless you were removed under medical escort)
• pay $3,840.00 if you had 1 of these types of removals
  • an unescorted removal
  • an escorted removal other than by air
  • a removal under medical escort by air

If you were under 18 years old when you were issued a removal order

You’re exempt from repaying your removal expenses if you were under 18 years old when you were issued a removal order.

If you have to repay your removal costs, we’ll let you know the exact amount once we start processing your application.

We’ll only ask you to repay the removal costs if we approve your application.