Lawgical Law
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Authorization to return to Canada · Canada

Authorization to return to Canada (ARC) lawyers in Abbotsford, Surrey and Vancouver

If you were deported from Canada, or want to come back before an exclusion order ends, you need written permission called an authorization to return to Canada (ARC). The officer looks at why you were removed, whether it could happen again, how long it has been, and why you want to come back. We prepare ARC applications that answer those questions with evidence. Lawgical Law Corporation is an immigration law firm with offices in Surrey, Abbotsford and Vancouver, BC.

  • ARC applications after deportation or exclusion
  • Departure orders that became deportation orders
  • ARCs combined with visas, permits and sponsorships
Prefer to talk now? Call us (778) 598-3785

Thank you

We have your request and will contact you to arrange a time. If you have a deadline coming up, call us at (778) 598-3785.

Book an ARC consultation

Tell us a little about your situation and we'll be in touch to arrange a time.

Your information is kept confidential. Submitting this form does not create a lawyer–client relationship.

Deported from Canada? A deportation order bars you from returning at any time unless you are issued an ARC. You may also have to repay the cost of your removal before it is issued.

Reviewed by Prabhpreet Kaur Sangha, Barrister & Solicitor · Updated

Who needs one

Who needs an ARC?

It depends on the removal order you were given and whether you confirmed your departure.

Deportation order

You need an ARC to return at any time in the future.

Exclusion order

You need an ARC to return within 1 year of removal, or 5 years if the order was for misrepresentation.

Departure order not complied with

If you did not leave and confirm your departure within 30 days, it became a deportation order, and you need an ARC.

Direction to leave Canada

This is not a removal order, so you do not need an ARC.

IRCC lists the factors an officer weighs when deciding an ARC.

  • The reasons the removal order was made
  • The chance you would repeat the behaviour that led to it
  • How long it has been since the order was made
  • Your current situation

You must also resolve any other inadmissibility, such as criminality, before an ARC is issued.

Where you apply depends on whether you need a visa.

  • Visa required: submit the ARC request with your online temporary residence application
  • eTA required: apply for the eTA or permit first; you will be asked for ARC documents if eligible
  • Visa- and eTA-exempt: contact the visa office before travelling

Processing fees are not refundable, and an ARC is never automatic.

  1. Identify your orderWe confirm which removal order you have, when it was enforced, and whether you need an ARC at all.
  2. Resolve other issuesWe check for criminality or other inadmissibility that must be dealt with first, and removal costs to repay.
  3. Build the applicationWe prepare the letter and evidence around the factors IRCC weighs: what happened, what has changed, and why you need to return.
  4. File with your visa or sponsorshipWe file the ARC with the right application and respond to any request from IRCC.

Your immigration lawyers

Prabhpreet Kaur Sangha, immigration lawyer

Prabhpreet Kaur Sangha

Refugee claims, appeals, inadmissibility, Federal Court

Full profile
Sundeep S. Grewal, immigration lawyer

Sundeep S. Grewal

Founder · Barrister & Solicitor

Full profile

ARC questions

Not if you left within 30 days of it becoming enforceable and confirmed your departure with CBSA. If you did not, it became a deportation order.

Yes, but you also need an ARC. We file both together.

If CBSA paid for your removal, IRCC may ask you to repay it before the ARC is issued. People who were under 18 when the order was made are exempt.

If you cannot resolve an inadmissibility, a temporary resident permit may be possible for a compelling reason to travel. It does not permanently overcome the inadmissibility.

Official sources: IRCC: Who needs an authorization to return to CanadaIRCC: Authorization to return to Canada, before you apply

What our immigration clients say

“Sundeep is professional, well versed in immigration matters and extremely timely with correspondence. During this pandemic, not being able to meet in person, Sundeep made sure I was comfortable with communicating and responding with regards to remote dialog. Thank you Sundeep and Lawgical, you're in great hands!”
S. Bothé
“Sundeep Grewal was very understanding and helpful. I would recommend this firm for immigration problems. He explained everything to us in detail. He went out of his way to send important information for my son's case.”
Dilbag Sangha

Other immigration services

Authorization to return to Canada help in Abbotsford, Surrey and Vancouver

Meet us at any of our offices, or by phone or video from anywhere in Canada or abroad.

Want to come back to Canada?

Book a consultation and we will tell you whether you need an ARC and how to build the application.

Book a consultation (778) 598-3785
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