Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)
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Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) Applications for Canada
If you’ve been removed from Canada and wish to return, an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) might be your solution. At Immigration Nation, our expert immigration consultants in Edmonton specialize in helping individuals navigate the ARC application process. Whether your removal was due to a deportation order, exclusion order, or failure to comply with immigration regulations, we can assist you in your journey back to Canada.
What Is an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)?
An Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) is a formal permission required for individuals who have been previously removed from Canada and are now seeking re-entry. Depending on the type of removal order issued against you, obtaining an ARC is necessary to legally return to Canada. The Canadian government reviews each ARC application on a case-by-case basis, assessing whether your reasons for returning outweigh any potential risks to Canadian society.
Who Needs an ARC?
Not everyone who has been removed from Canada will need an ARC. The need for an Authorization to Return to Canada depends on the type of removal order you received:
- Departure Order: If you left Canada within 30 days and notified a border services officer, you may not need an ARC. However, if you failed to comply with these requirements, your departure order automatically becomes a deportation order, requiring you to apply for an ARC.
- Exclusion Order: Individuals who received an exclusion order are typically banned from entering Canada for one year. If you left Canada more than 12 months ago and have a Certificate of Departure, you may not need an ARC. If you wish to return within that one-year period or don’t have the certificate, you will need to apply for an ARC.
- Deportation Order: If you were deported from Canada, you are permanently barred from returning unless you apply for and receive an ARC. This type of removal order generally stems from more serious violations, such as criminal inadmissibility, and requires thorough documentation to justify your re-entry.
Key Considerations When Applying for an ARC
Applying for an ARC is not a guarantee of approval. Immigration officers will weigh various factors when assessing your application, including:
- The Reason for Your Removal: Your application must address why you were removed and how you have addressed or resolved the issue since then. For example, if you were deported due to criminal inadmissibility, you may also need to apply for criminal rehabilitation.
- Time Since Removal: The length of time that has passed since your removal is a critical factor. The more time that has elapsed, the better your chances, particularly if you have shown that you have reformed or rehabilitated yourself.
- Purpose for Returning to Canada: You must provide a valid, compelling reason for why you want to return to Canada. Common reasons include attending urgent family matters, such as a funeral or wedding, or business-related travel. Your reason must clearly demonstrate that the benefits of your return outweigh any potential risks to Canada.
- Current Behavior and Circumstances: Immigration officials will assess your current situation, looking for evidence of improved behavior or circumstances. This can include proof of rehabilitation, stable employment, or ties to your home country.
How to Apply for an ARC
- Assess Your Eligibility: First, determine if you are required to apply for an ARC based on the type of removal order you received. This is a critical step, and seeking professional guidance can help ensure you don’t waste time or resources on an unnecessary application.
- Prepare the Required Documents: Your ARC application must include several key documents, such as:
- A valid passport or other travel documents.
- A detailed personal statement explaining the circumstances of your removal and why you should be allowed to return.
- Documentation related to the reason for your removal, including criminal background checks or court documents (if applicable).
- Supporting documents that demonstrate how your situation has changed, such as proof of rehabilitation or improved behavior.
- Submit the Application: Once you have gathered all the required documents, you must submit your ARC application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The processing time for ARC applications can vary, so it’s essential to apply well in advance of your intended travel to Canada.
Common Reasons for ARC Denials
ARC applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, but there are common reasons why some applications may be denied, including:
- Insufficient Documentation: Failure to provide all necessary documentation or information can lead to a denial.
- High Risk to Canada: If immigration officials determine that you still pose a risk to Canadian society, your application will likely be refused.
- Unresolved Issues: If you haven’t taken steps to resolve the issues that led to your removal, such as applying for criminal rehabilitation, your ARC request may be denied.
How Immigration Nation Can Help You with Your ARC Application
At Immigration Nation, we understand that applying for an Authorization to Return to Canada can be stressful, especially if you’ve been separated from loved ones or important business opportunities. Our Edmonton-based team of immigration consultants can assist you in navigating the complex ARC application process. We offer:
- Personalized Consultation: We’ll assess your case to determine if an ARC is required and guide you through the process of gathering the necessary documents and evidence.
- Expert Documentation Assistance: We help you prepare a thorough, well-documented application that strengthens your case and improves your chances of approval.
- Strategic Guidance: Our immigration experts will advise you on how best to present your case to demonstrate that your return to Canada will be beneficial and that you no longer pose a risk to the country.
Contact Immigration Nation for Help with Your ARC Application
If you’ve been removed from Canada and need an Authorization to Return to Canada, don’t go through the process alone. At Immigration Nation, we have the experience and knowledge to help you navigate the complicated immigration laws and increase your chances of a successful ARC application.
Call us at (780) 800-0113 or visit our office in Edmonton for a consultation today. Let us help you secure your path back to Canada.