{"id":2295,"date":"2026-11-11T20:44:31","date_gmt":"2026-11-11T20:44:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawgicalcorp.com\/blog\/authorization-to-return-to-canada-arc\/"},"modified":"2026-11-11T20:44:31","modified_gmt":"2026-11-11T20:44:31","slug":"authorization-to-return-to-canada-arc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawgicalcorp.com\/blog\/authorization-to-return-to-canada-arc\/","title":{"rendered":"Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC): when you need one after removal, and how to apply"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Prabhpreet Kaur Sangha<\/a>, lawyer at Lawgical Law Corporation \u00b7 Reviewed November 11, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n

Prabhpreet Kaur Sangha is a lawyer at Lawgical Law Corporation, called to the BC bar in 2019, and a member of the Law Society of British Columbia<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Updated November 11, 2026: section 52 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, sections 223 to 226 of the Regulations and the IRCC fee list (modified November 10, 2026) checked that day.<\/em><\/p>\n

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The rule:<\/strong> once a removal order has been enforced, you “shall not return to Canada, unless authorized by an officer” (IRPA s. 52(1)<\/a>). That authorization is the ARC.<\/p>\n

Do you need one?<\/strong> It depends on the type of order: departure, exclusion or deportation.<\/p>\n

The fee:<\/strong> $492.50 (IRCC fee list, checked November 11, 2026).<\/p>\n

Which order do you have?<\/a> \u00b7 Book a consultation<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The lawyers who review these refusals<\/p>\n

\"SundeepSundeep S. Grewal<\/span>Barrister and Solicitor<\/span><\/a>\"PrabhpreetPrabhpreet Kaur Sangha<\/span>Barrister and Solicitor<\/span><\/a>\"PardeepPardeep S. Grewal<\/span>Barrister and Solicitor<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
\nAbout our lawyers<\/summary>\n
\n

Sundeep S. Grewal<\/a><\/strong> founded Lawgical Law Corporation and argues immigration cases at the Immigration and Refugee Board and the Federal Court of Canada.<\/p>\n

Prabhpreet Kaur Sangha<\/a><\/strong> focuses on refugee claims, immigration appeals, inadmissibility, detention reviews and Federal Court cases, and has presented at Continuing Legal Education seminars and the National Immigration Conference.<\/p>\n

Pardeep S. Grewal<\/a><\/strong> is an immigration and estates lawyer known for clear communication and practical strategy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n

An Authorization to Return to Canada, or ARC, is the permission you need to come back after you have been removed. Whether you need one, and for how long, depends on the type of removal order you received. A deportation order means you need an ARC for any return, with no time limit. An exclusion order usually means one year, or five years for misrepresentation. A departure order you complied with on time usually means you don’t need one. An ARC is discretionary: the officer weighs your reasons for returning against the reasons you were removed.<\/p>\n

Lawgical Law Corporation<\/a>, an immigration law firm in Surrey, Abbotsford and Vancouver, BC, prepares Authorization to Return to Canada applications and advises on removal orders; this guide is by Prabhpreet Kaur Sangha.<\/p>\n

Which removal order do I have?<\/h2>\n

The Regulations set out three types of removal order (IRPR s. 223). Your order says which one it is.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Removal orders and when you need an ARC<\/caption>\n
Order<\/th>\nWhen you need an ARC<\/th>\nSource<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Departure order<\/td>\nNot needed if you leave within 30 days after the order becomes enforceable and confirm your departure. If you don’t, it becomes a deportation order.<\/td>\nIRPR s. 224<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Exclusion order<\/td>\nFor one year after the order is enforced; five years if the order was for misrepresentation.<\/td>\nIRPR s. 225<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Deportation order<\/td>\nAlways. Written authorization is needed for any return, with no time limit.<\/td>\nIRPR s. 226<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

If you aren’t sure which order you received, or whether it was enforced, request your file before applying. See our guide on getting your IRCC file<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How do I apply for an ARC?<\/h2>\n

You usually apply from outside Canada, often together with a visa, eTA or permit application for the reason you want to come back. The officer looks at why you were removed, what has changed and why you need to return.<\/p>\n

\nChecklist: a strong ARC application<\/summary>\n