Authorization to Re-Enter Canada (ARC) Lawyer

What Is Authorization to Re-Enter Canada?

Authorization to Re-Enter Canada is an official permission granted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows individuals who previously held status in Canada to return after their status expired or after leaving the country for an extended period.

This is especially relevant for:

• Former temporary residents whose permits have expired

• Permanent residents who have been outside Canada too long and lost residency status

• Individuals who left Canada while their immigration applications were in process

When Do You Need Authorization to Re-Enter?

• If your temporary resident visa or permit has expired, but you want to return as a visitor, worker, or student.

• If you are a permanent resident but have lost your status due to extended absence.

• If IRCC requires you to obtain a new Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or a permit before re-entering.

How to Apply for Authorization to Re-Enter Canada

• Determine your eligibility and the type of authorization you need.

• Prepare and submit the required application forms and supporting documents to IRCC.

• Pay any applicable fees.

• Attend biometrics appointment if required.

• Wait for IRCC’s decision. Processing times vary depending on your situation.

Do You Apply for Authorization to Re-Enter Canada With a Visa or Permit?

In most cases, Authorization to Re-Enter Canada is requested together with another immigration application, such as a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit. ARC is not a standalone status—it removes the barrier created by a past removal but does not replace the need to qualify for entry on its own.

Approval of Authorization to Re-Enter Canada does not guarantee approval of a visa or permit, and each request is assessed separately. A strong application must explain both why you should be allowed to return and why you qualify for the type of entry you are requesting.

If your previous removal involved errors, misunderstandings, or compliance issues, addressing them clearly can help reduce the risk of refusal and future complications.

Understanding Common Reasons for Removal from Canada (guide)

Many people who require an Authorization to Re-Enter Canada (ARC) are unaware of why they were originally issued a removal order or how it affects future travel. Common reasons include overstaying a visa, working or studying without proper authorization, or breaching the conditions of a previous permit. In some cases, removal may have resulted from a misunderstanding or a missed communication with immigration officials.

At Ayodele Law, we review the circumstances surrounding your prior removal to determine the best strategy for re-entry. We help you gather supporting evidence to demonstrate compliance, good conduct, and a clear purpose for returning to Canada. Every ARC application is unique — and our goal is to help you present your case clearly, respectfully, and persuasively to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). With the right preparation and representation, many clients are able to return successfully and rebuild their lives in Canada.

What Type of Removal Order Do You Have?

Not all removal orders are treated the same under Canadian immigration law, and whether you need Authorization to Re-Enter Canada often depends on the type of order you received. Understanding the distinction is critical before applying.

A Departure Order requires you to leave Canada within a specified period and confirm your departure. If you complied fully, you may be able to return without authorization. If you did not comply, the order may convert into a deportation order, requiring formal approval before returning.

An Exclusion Order bars you from returning to Canada for a set period—typically one year, or five years in cases involving misrepresentation under Canadian immigration law.

A Deportation Order permanently bars you from returning to Canada unless you obtain written authorization. In these cases, Authorization to Re-Enter Canada is always required.

Does Authorization to Re-Enter Canada Guarantee Entry?

Authorization to Re-Enter Canada does not guarantee admission at the border.

It allows you to return despite a previous removal order, but border officers still have discretion to assess admissibility at the time of entry. Even with approval, you must still meet all entry requirements and satisfy officers that you will comply with the conditions of your stay. Past non-compliance, unresolved inadmissibility issues, or inconsistent documentation can still result in refusal at the port of entry.

This is why ARC applications often require careful preparation, clear explanations, and strong supporting evidence addressing any inadmissibility to Canada concerns.