Home Visas and Immigration AUTHORIZATION TO RETURN TO CANADA Instructions & Application Form

APPLYING FOR AUTHORIZATION TO RETURN TO CANADA

If you were deported from Canada or ordered to depart, you require permission to return to Canada. If you were excluded from Canada in the past twelve months, you also require permission to return. This permission is called Authorization to Return to Canada.

PLEASE NOTE:

Your application is subject to a NON-REFUNDABLE processing fee.
If your application is refused, the fee will NOT be refunded.
The Immigration Section offers service in both of Canada's official languages, English and French.
Documents in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION	Please read the following instructions CAREFULLY before you complete the application form. An INCOMPLETE or ILLEGIBLE application form will not be processed.
	If a personal interview is required, you will be notified in writing of the date and time of the interview.
	Issuance of the Authorization to Return to Canada requires the person requesting entry to satisfy the immigration officer at the Port of Entry that to grant landing or entry would not be contrary to the Immigration Act or Regulations.
	We cannot guarantee that an Authorization to Return to Canada will be issued.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED	1) Fully completed application form, "Application for Authorization to Return to Canada". Do not leave questions unanswered. The form must be completed in block letters or typed.
	2) A copy of your driver's license AND birth certificate OR the data pages of your passport. If you are a permanent resident of the United States, please include a copy of your green card.
	3) Two (2) photos according to our Photograph Specifications.
	4) Criminal record check from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
	5) Your written explanation of why you were deported or excluded and why you want to return to Canada.

	6) A copy of the original deportation or exclusion order (if available).
	7) Proof of ties to the United States (documentary evidence of the following, if applicable: family members residing in the United States, employment, property, bank accounts, investments, etc.).

	8) Letters of reference from persons (other than family members) who clearly identify themselves by name, address, telphone number, occupation and relationship to you.


FEES	The fee for processing an application for Authorization to Return to Canada is USD$400.00 or CAD$400.00. In addition, you may be required to re-pay any costs related to your removal from Canada. We accept payment in either U.S. or Canadian funds.
	Payment may be made in the form of a money order, bank draft or a certified cheque payable to "Canadian Consulate General" if paying in U.S. funds, or "Receiver General for Canada" if paying Canadian funds. Please do not send cash in the mail.
	If the Government of Canada paid for your deportation, you may be required to repay this cost. The amount will depend on your destination when you were deported. If you were deported to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, the fee is USD$750 or CAD$750. If you were deported to any other destination the fee is USD$1500 or CAD$1500. After receiving your application, an officer will inform you if you must pay either of these fees.


HOW TO APPLY	You may apply by mail. -Any additional documents required will be requested by mail. -You will be notified if an interview is required. -You will be notified by mail of the final decision on your case. -Normal processing time is 1 - 3 months. If you did not confirm your departure when you left Canada, the processing time may be longer. You may apply in person. -Due to their complexity, applications for Authorization to Return to Canada cannot be processed on the same day they are submitted. -You will be notified if an interview is required. -You will be notified by mail of the final decision on your case. -Normal processing time is 1 - 3 months. If you did not confirm your departure when you left Canada, the processing time may be longer.

	Submit your application to: Canadian Consulate General Immigration Section 412 Plaza 600, 6th & Stewart Seattle, WA 98101-1286