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ARC — Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)
CanadaCanada•North America
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ARC — Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

CAD $493

Stay Duration

Varies

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
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Living in Canada

Cost of Living
12% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$48,000
Quality of Life
170/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

An ARC is required for individuals who have been issued a removal order and wish to return to Canada.

An ARC (Authorization to Return to Canada) is required for anyone who has been issued a removal order and wants to re-enter the country. It is not a standalone visa — it must be submitted with a temporary or permanent residence application and costs CAD $492.50.

qualification varies by order type: departure orders require the ARC if the 30-day exit window was missed; exclusion orders require it if returning within 1 year (or 5 years for misrepresentation). If CBSA funded the original removal, those costs must also be repaid before approval.

This visa is ideal for foreign nationals with an enforced removal order who have resolved the underlying grounds for inadmissibility and need to re-enter Canada.

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Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have a removal order that has been enforced by a CBSA border services officer

Departure order: ARC required if you did not leave Canada within 30 days or did not notify a BSO of departure

Exclusion order: ARC required if returning within 1 year of enforcement, or within 5 years for misrepresentation

Deportation order: ARC always required

Must resolve underlying inadmissibility before ARC can be issued

If CBSA paid for your removal, must repay those costs before ARC is issued

Application must be submitted together with a temporary or permanent residence application

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Detailed letter explaining why you should be allowed to return

Proof of payment

Documents related to previous removal

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows entry for individuals previously barred by removal orders

Worth Knowing

  • Does not guarantee entry
  • May require repayment of previous removal costs
  • Active removal order without ARC approval
  • Unpaid CBSA removal costs (must be settled before ARC is issued)
  • Unresolved inadmissibility grounds

Application Process

1

Prepare temporary or permanent residence application

2

Submit ARC application alongside residence application via IRCC portal

3

Pay processing fee

Application Forms

Go to application portal
IRCC Online Portal
IRCC Online Portal — ARC application submission
Fill online
IMM 5940
Document Checklist: Applicants in the USA applying for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)
Fill online

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