Who needs an authorization
The need for an authorization to return to Canada (ARC) depends on:
- the type of removal order that was issued to you
- if the removal order was enforced
- if you complied with the requirements of the order
On this page
Direction to Leave Canada
A Direction to Leave Canada (form IMM 1217B) is not a removal order. It’s issued when an officer is unable to examine you at a port of entry.
If you received a Direction to Leave Canada:
- you don’t need to apply for an ARC
- you can return to Canada subject to normal examination at the port of entry
Removal orders
How removal orders are enforced
Before we can consider an application for an ARC, the removal order must first be enforced by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) border services officer (BSO).
For a removal order to be enforced, you must:
- appear before a BSO at the airport or land border to confirm your departure from Canada
- obtain a Certificate of Departure (IMM 0056B)
- depart from Canada
- be authorized to legally enter your country of destination
Learn more about how the CBSA enforces removals from Canada.
Types of removal orders
There are 3 types of removal orders:
Read the information below about the removal order you were issued to find out if you need an ARC or not.
1. Departure order (IMM 5238)
A departure order means you must leave Canada within 30 days of the order becoming enforceable (meaning that the departure order is not suspended).
If you received a departure order:
- You don’t need an ARC if both of these apply to your situation:
- You left Canada within the required 30 days, and
- You have a Certificate of Departure showing the date you left Canada.
You can return to Canada subject to normal examination at the port of entry.
- You need to apply for an ARC if 1 of these applies to your situation:
- You didn’t leave Canada after the required 30 days.
- You didn’t notify a Canadian border services officer of your departure.
If a departure order is not enforced within 30 days of the day the order becomes enforceable, the departure order automatically becomes a deportation order.
2. Exclusion order (IMM 1214B)
An exclusion order means you can’t return to Canada for 1 year after the order has been enforced.
If you were issued the exclusion order because of misrepresentation, you can’t return to Canada for 5 years after the order has been enforced.
If you received an exclusion order:
- You don’t need an ARC if you have a Certificate of Departure showing the date you left Canada, and 1 of these applies to your situation:
- At least 1 year has passed since the exclusion order was enforced.
- At least 5 years have passed since the exclusion order for misrepresentation was enforced.
You can return to Canada subject to normal examination at the port of entry.
- You need to apply for an ARC if 1 of these applies to your situation:
- You don’t have a Certificate of Departure.
- You want to return to Canada less than 1 year after the exclusion order was enforced.
- You want to return to Canada less than 5 years after the exclusion order for misrepresentation was enforced.
3. Deportation order (IMM 5238B)
A deportation order means you
- are permanently barred from returning to Canada and
- can’t return unless you apply for, and are issued, an ARC
Can’t resolve your inadmissibility
You have to resolve your inadmissibility before we’ll issue you an ARC.
If you can’t resolve your inadmissibility, but you have a compelling reason to travel to Canada temporarily, you may request consideration for a temporary resident permit (TRP).
We only issue TRPs for compelling reasons and at the discretion of an officer. To be issued a TRP, your need to enter or stay in Canada must outweigh the health or safety risks to Canadian society, as determined by the officer.
- A TRP allows you to temporarily overcome an inadmissibility or any requirement of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, including the requirement for an ARC.
- A TRP does not permanently overcome your inadmissibility to Canada.