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 you complied with the requirements of the order

Types of removal orders

There are 3 types of removal orders:

• Departure Order (IMM 5238)
• Exclusion Order (IMM 1214B)
• Deportation Order (IMM 5238B)

Before leaving Canada, you would have received one of these removal order forms.

Read the information below about the removal order you were issued to find out if you need an ARC or not.

If we issued you a 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

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.
  • 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 left 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

If you were issued a removal order for criminal inadmissibility

You have to resolve your criminal inadmissibility before we process your application for an ARC.

If you’re not eligible or are unable to resolve your criminal inadmissibility at the moment, but you have a valid reason to travel to Canada temporarily, you must apply for

• an ARC and
• a consideration for a temporary resident permit

If you are deemed temporarily admissible, the ARC will be issued to you.

A temporary resident permit does not overcome your inadmissibility to Canada or your removal order.

Find out what it means to be criminally inadmissible and what to you if you’re inadmissible.