What is Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)?

If you’ve ever been issued a removal or deportation order from Canada, coming back isn’t as simple as booking a flight and packing your bags. You’ll likely need what’s called an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC), a formal document that gives you legal permission to re-enter the country. At Akrami & Associates, we often work with individuals who are surprised to learn they’re inadmissible to Canada until they get this sorted out. In this blog, we’ll break down who needs an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC), how to apply, and how to avoid the common mistakes that can get your application denied.

Who Needs an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)?

If you’ve received any of the following from the Canadian government, you may be required to apply for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC):

Deportation Order

A deportation order is the most serious type of removal order issued by Canadian immigration authorities. It typically applies when someone has committed serious immigration violations or criminal offences. If you were issued a deportation order, you must leave Canada and cannot return unless you receive written authorization, an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC). Deportation orders are permanent unless resolved.

Exclusion Order

An exclusion order is issued when someone violates immigration laws, but in a less serious manner. Examples include overstaying a visa or working without authorization. Most exclusion orders come with a one-year or five-year re-entry ban. If you wish to return before the exclusion period ends, you must apply for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC). If the exclusion period has already expired and you can prove compliance, you may not need an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC), but this must be demonstrated.

Departure Order

A departure order instructs you to leave Canada voluntarily within 30 days. If you comply and confirm your departure with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), no Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) is needed. However, suppose you fail to leave within the 30 days or don’t report your departure. In that case, the departure order automatically becomes a deportation order, which then requires an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) for future entry.

These orders are typically issued when someone overstays their visa, works or studies without authorization, enters illegally, or violates other immigration conditions. If this applies to you, the Canadian government considers you inadmissible until you provide a valid reason and permission to return.

Common Misconceptions About Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) Applications

Many people assume they can simply apply for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) and expect quick approval. In reality, that’s not how it works, and this misunderstanding often leads to refusals.

An Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) application is not just a formality; it’s a request for forgiveness and reconsideration. Immigration officers will carefully assess your file to determine if you deserve a second chance. You’re essentially asking the government to overlook a past violation and to trust that this time will be different.

To succeed, you must build a compelling case that answers three critical questions:

Why were you removed in the first place? Was it due to an overstay, unauthorized work, criminal charges, or something else? Be honest and take ownership of the mistake.
Why do you want to return? Your reason must be genuine, lawful, and clearly explained, such as visiting a sick family member, attending university, or fulfilling a job offer.
Why should they trust you now? This is where most applicants fall short. You must demonstrate what’s changed since your removal. Have you built strong ties in your home country? Do you have stable employment or family obligations that prove you won’t overstay again?

Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) officers are looking for applicants who can show maturity, responsibility, and a low risk of future violations. It’s not enough to say, “I won’t do it again.” You have to back it up with facts, context, and documentation.

You’re not just asking to return, you’re making a carefully constructed argument that you deserve the opportunity to do so legally and respectfully.

Submitting Two Applications: Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) + Visa

One crucial point to understand is that an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) cannot stand alone. You must submit it in conjunction with a visa application, whether that’s a:

You’re essentially submitting two applications at the same time, which will be reviewed together. Here’s a more detailed step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Determine the Purpose of Re-entry

First, decide why you want to re-enter Canada. Is it to visit family? Start school? Begin a new job? Your reason will dictate which visa you pair with the Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC).

Step 2: Build the Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) Application

Your Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) application must include:

A written explanation of why you were removed from Canada
A strong justification for why you should be allowed back in
Evidence of ties to your home country, such as proof of employment, property ownership, or dependent family members
Demonstration of compliance since your removal (e.g., no further immigration violations)
A commitment to obey all Canadian laws moving forward

Step 3: Prepare the Corresponding Visa Application

This depends on your reason for returning:

Visitor Visa: Include financial documents, invitation letters, and travel itinerary
Study Permit: Provide a letter of acceptance from a Canadian institution, financial proof, and intent to leave after studies
Work Permit: Submit a valid job offer, Labour Market Impact Assessment (if required), and employer support

Make sure the documents you submit reflect your genuine intent and lawful purpose.

Step 4: Submit Both Applications Together

Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) and visa applications are reviewed in tandem by Canadian immigration officials. If one is weak or missing, the other may also be refused. This is why both parts must be prepared thoroughly and strategically.

Step 5: Wait for Decision & Respond to Any Requests

Processing times vary by country and individual circumstances but typically range from 3 to 6 months. Immigration officers may request additional documents or clarification. Responding promptly and clearly is key.

When submitted correctly, both applications work hand in hand to demonstrate that you understand the seriousness of your past removal and that you now meet the requirements to enter Canada responsibly.

At Akrami & Associates, we help you build both applications with precision to ensure consistency and credibility across all documents.

Requirements for Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) Approval

The officer assessing your Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) will be looking for signs of sincerity, responsibility, and low risk. A well-prepared application goes beyond basic paperwork; it shows growth, accountability, and future compliance. Your chances improve significantly if you can:

Take accountability for your past immigration violation: This includes acknowledging what went wrong, why it happened, and what you’ve learned. Avoid blaming others, take full responsibility. Whether it was overstaying a visa, working without authorization, or a criminal infraction, owning up to the situation shows maturity. This isn’t the time to be vague or deflect blame. The more transparent and detailed you are, the more credibility your application will carry.
Show substantial ties to your home country: Demonstrating that you have reasons to return home (employment, property, family) makes you appear less likely to overstay again.
Demonstrate a genuine reason for returning to Canada: Whether it’s for business, education, or family, you must show your plans are realistic, necessary, and temporary (if not applying for PR). Immigration officers need to see that you have a reason to return to your country and are unlikely to overstay your welcome again.
Provide financial stability or sponsorship: Immigration officers want to ensure you won’t become a burden on Canada. Showing savings, assets, or having a sponsor in Canada helps build your credibility.

At Akrami & Associates, we ensure your application is built with a strategic narrative, not just paperwork. We connect the dots between your past, your current intentions, and your future compliance.

When Is an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) Not Required?

In some cases, an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) might not be necessary. If you received an Exclusion Order with a one-year or five-year bar and the period has already passed, and you left Canada properly and have proof, you may be exempt.

However, even then, the burden is on you to demonstrate that:

You complied with the removal conditions
You left Canada at the correct time and reported your departure
You’re not inadmissible for other reasons (e.g., criminality, misrepresentation)

If your record is clean and the exclusion period has expired, a visa alone may suffice, but you should consult an immigration expert before assuming you’re in the clear.

What Happens If You Re-enter Without an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)?

Trying to re-enter Canada without the proper Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) approval is risky and often results in:

Immediate denial of entry at the border
Possible detention or removal proceedings
Future bans or increased scrutiny on all future applications

Even if you manage to secure a visa or flight, border officers will have access to your previous removal order in their system. Once flagged, you may be sent back at your own expense, a costly and damaging mistake.

To avoid these issues, it’s essential to understand your admissibility status and apply for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) if it’s required. At Akrami & Associates, we help you avoid these pitfalls by assessing your record, preparing the appropriate documentation, and advocating for your return the right way.

How Akrami & Associates Can Help

Our firm has helped hundreds of clients navigate the complex Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) process. Whether you’re trying to reunite with family, explore educational options, or pursue a job offer in Canada, we ensure your case is strong, detailed, and credible.

Here’s how we support your Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) application:

We analyze the reason for your removal and craft a personalized explanation
We prepare both the Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) and visa applications in tandem
We help gather supporting documents that speak to your character and intent
We represent you throughout the process, responding to any immigration inquiries

📞 If you’ve been deported or denied re-entry into Canada, don’t panic, call Akrami & Associates today for a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply for Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) by itself?
No. Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) must be submitted alongside a visa application.
How long does it take to get an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) approved?
Processing times vary depending on the country you’re applying from and the complexity of your case. On average, 3 to 6 months.
What are the chances of Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) approval?
Approval depends heavily on the strength of your application and your compliance history. We’ve seen high success rates when cases are handled properly.
Can I still return to Canada without an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) if enough time has passed?
Only in the case of an Exclusion Order with a one-year bar, and only if you complied with the terms. For Deportation or unresolved Departure Orders, an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) is mandatory.
I was removed for overstaying my visa. Can I still get an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) approved?
Yes, but you’ll need to demonstrate that you now respect Canada’s immigration laws and won’t repeat past mistakes.

Final Thoughts

Being removed from Canada isn’t always the end of the road, but it does mean the road back is more complicated. That’s why it’s critical to treat the Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) process with the seriousness it deserves.

At Akrami & Associates, we don’t just fill out forms, we build compelling, persuasive applications designed to restore your path to Canada. Whether you’re seeking to reunite with loved ones or get your life back on track, we’re here to help you return, the right way.

Call us today to explore your eligibility for Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) and get the professional guidance you deserve.