An Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) is a special permission required for certain foreign nationals who have previously been issued a removal order and wish to return to Canada legally. A removal order means that an individual has been instructed to leave the country by immigration authorities.

Types of Removal Orders

There are three main types of removal orders issued in Canada:

• Departure Order
• Exclusion Order
• Deportation Order

Depending on the type of removal order issued, an ARC may or may not be required before re-entry into Canada.

Important Note for Criminal Cases

If a person has been deported due to criminal inadmissibility, they may need to apply for either:

• Criminal Rehabilitation, or
• A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

These options allow eligible individuals to regain permission to enter Canada legally, depending on their case history and admissibility status.