January 3, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
As someone subject to Canada’s immigration policies, you should be aware that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is legally required to remove foreign nationals deemed inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). Between January 1 and October 31, 2024, the CBSA removed over 14,000 individuals from the country.
The CBSA has announced a new measure aimed at reducing the financial burden associated with these removals. Starting April 2025, if you are removed from Canada and later wish to return, you will face significantly increased fees to cover removal costs.
Currently, you are responsible for covering your own travel expenses when removed. If you are unable or unwilling to pay, the CBSA covers the cost to ensure timely removal, recovering those expenses if you seek to return to Canada. Under the updated cost recovery framework, fees will rise from approximately $1,500 to over $12,800 for escorted removals and over $3,800 for unescorted removals, regardless of destination. This adjustment aligns the fees with the actual costs of removal and encourages compliance with removal orders.
If you are an adult subject to removal, the fee you are charged will depend on the framework in place at the time of your removal order.
Minister’s Statement
“The CBSA’s updated cost recovery framework for inadmissible foreign nationals reflects our commitment to strengthening border security and the immigration system. Recently, we reinstated visa requirements for Mexican visitors, adjusted service hours at ports of entry to align with the U.S., and ended flagpoling for work and study permits at the border—preventing 70,000 non-residents from entering the U.S. Our long-standing security partnership with the United States continues to keep both countries safe, and we remain committed to further enhancing it.”
– The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety
Key Points
- Determining inadmissibility starts with a section 44 report outlining the grounds, followed by a review by an authorized decision-maker, such as the Minister’s Delegate or the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). Those ordered removed are entitled to due process, including appeals and procedural fairness.
- The new fees replace a geographic-based cost recovery framework that had not been updated since 1993.
- Removal costs include airfare, interviews, travel documents, arrangements, case management, and partnerships.
- On average, Canada recovers approximately $497,100 annually from individuals applying to return after removal.
Media Contact
Canada Border Services Agency
media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
1-877-761-5945
References: