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Authorization to Return to Canada: Your Guide to ARC Process

Immigration law

02 Dec

If you have been issued a removal order from Canada, you might require an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) in order to re-enter the country.

Whether you need an ARC depends on the type of removal order and how well you've followed the rules. However, if you were just dragged out because your cousin got in trouble, no worries—Canada still loves you.

If you're a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you don't require an ARC to come back to Canada. But if you're not a citizen or permanent resident and have been outside Canada for over a year, then you'll need an ARC to return.

In a nutshell, getting an Authorization to Return to Canada is like a checklist dance for non-Canadians who've been away too long and want back in. Just follow the steps, dot the i's, cross the t's, and voila! You're on your way back to Canada.

Due to a growing number of individuals being expelled from Canada through exclusion and deportation orders, there has been a notable increase in the submission of Authorization to Return to Canada Applications ("ARC Applications").

When reviewing your application, the officer will evaluate several factors, including the grounds for the removal order, the likelihood of recurring behavior that led to the order, the duration since the order was issued, your present circumstances, and your motivation for returning to Canada. 

If your application resembles a cryptic crossword puzzle or a toddler's scribble pad, it won't make the cut. Seriously, incomplete or illegible applications won't even get a second glance—they'll be promptly returned to you faster than you can say "oops!"

Canadian immigration officials consider several factors when reviewing ARC applications: why the applicant was removed from Canada before, whether they followed past orders, any changes in their situation since then, the risks involved in allowing them back, and their general behavior and character. These factors help decide if an Authorization to Return to Canada will be approved.

The ARC is like Canada's bouncer, making sure folks who've been away for ages can still get in without causing a fuss. They got to pass the health test and jump through all the COVID-19 hoops too.

Getting the green light for an Authorization to Return to Canada is like asking for the last slice of pizza—it's all up to their discretion. So, when you're filling out that application, think of it like crafting the perfect excuse for missing a family gathering—detailed, convincing, and leaving no room for doubt. After all, a sloppy application is like showing up late with a half-hearted apology—it might not cut it!

According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), in 2020, more than 32,000 folks sought the green light to boomerang into Canada, and about 30,000 got the nod. Most requests hailed from the USA, with Mexico, India, the Philippines, and China following suit. If you were in the queue that year, you could expect to wait around 5 months—time enough to plan your Canadian comeback.

It's crucial to understand that an ARC doesn't work like a visa or a sure-fire ticket into Canada. It simply allows travel there. To actually get in, people still need to tick all the boxes: passing a health check, possibly quarantining, and having a valid passport or travel papers.

If you're considering applying for an ARC, it's essential to plan ahead for a smooth experience. Begin the application process early to allow sufficient time for processing and to gather all necessary paperwork. Ensure your application is thorough and includes all required documents to avoid delays or rejection. Being truthful and accurate is crucial, as any misleading information could lead to your application being denied or worse, facing a ban from entering Canada. 

If you're unsure about any part of the process or encounter challenges, seeking guidance from a qualified immigration expert can provide valuable assistance.

It is wise to team up with an immigration lawyer  to ensure your application is shipshape. Once you secure Authorization to Return to Canada, as long as you avoid any unplanned international adventures back, you won't need to go through the shebang once more.

Removal orders are no laughing matter, so ARC applications must be handled with utmost care and attention. We, RRM Law know the way around removal orders and getting you back into the Great White North.