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Authorization to Return to Canada Letter

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AUTHORIZATION TO RETURN TO CANADA

SERVICE ORDER FORM

Instructions: Please complete the authorization to return to Canada form and the use of a representative (IMM 5476) form. Make copies of the ID pages of your passport and the proof of your departure from Canada (Certificate of Departure, Removal Order). Complete this order form in full, ensuring you all necessary documentation as indicated by the checklist. Please mail or drop off your application to the head office located at 1180 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1M3.

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

AUTHORIZATION TO RETURN TO CANADA FORM & USE OF A REPRESENTATIVE FORM

TWO PASSPORT PHOTOS

COPIES OF THE ID PAGES OF YOUR PASSPORT, AND PROOF OF DEPARTURE FROM CANADA

(Certificate of Departure, Removal Order)

EVIDENCE OF CRIMINAL CLEARANCE (PARDON, POLICE CERTIFICATES)

PROOF OF FUNDS AND LETTER OF EXPLANATION

THIS ORDER FORM & ATTACHED CHECKLIST

APPLICATIONS MISSING THIS ORDER FORM WILL NOT BE PROCESSED

SERVICE FEES & OPTIONS

REVIEW & SUBMISSION - Includes submission of ARC and drafting of your letter of explanation. $750+HST (CAD)

REVIEW ONLY - Includes reviewing application only. You must apply in person. $500+HST (CAD)

COMPLETE SERVICE* - Includes obtaining pardon, drafting your letter and submitting ARC. $1000+HST (CAD)

GOVERNMENT FEE: $400

*Complete service only available for those convicted in Canada

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Please complete the authorization to return to Canada form and the use of a representative (IMM 5476) form

2) Make copies of the ID pages of your passport and the proof of your departure from Canada (Certificate of Departure, Removal Order)

3) Include the originals of your criminal clearance (pardon, police certificate, certificate of no record) for every country where you have lived for more than 6 months, plus two passport-sized photos. If you were convicted of a crime in Canada before the removal order, you must have a pardon to apply for an ARC.

4) Include proof of funds and a letter explaining why you should be allowed re-entry. We can draft this letter at additional cost.

5) Complete this order form in full, ensuring you have all necessary documentation as indicated by the checklist to the right.

6) Please mail or drop off your application to our head office located at 1180 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1M3.

PROCESSING TIME

1-12 weeks. Wait times vary from office to office and are wholly determined by the Canadian government.

AFTER SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

Once we receive your application by email, fax, mail or in person you will be contacted by a member of our team to determine any further steps you need to take.

CREDIT CARD INFORMATION

By signing below I agree that I will be charged the appropriate fee for the initial application. I agree that this fee will be deducted upon receipt of order from the credit card I have provided.

Cardholder Name:

Card Number:

Expiration Date: Security Code:

*For Visa & MasterCard, the last 3 digits on the back of your card. *For Amex, the last 4 digits on the front of your card.

Cardholder Signature:

DISCLAIMER

By signing below the applicant agrees to the following items:

- I have read and accept the terms and conditions as listed at the following link http://www.immigroup.com/Disclaimer.php

- Immigroup is not responsible for applications lost in the mail or for failures in fax or email

- Immigroup is not responsible for applications that are denied. All fees are non-refundable once applications are submitted to the government.

- I assert that I understand I am using Immigroup to apply for my ARC.

SIGN HERE:

THE APPLICANT MUST SIGN ABOVE

Your Email:

Application for an Authorization to Return to Canada

Demande de permis de retour au Canada

Section 1

Client ID:

File #:

Family Name:

First Name:

Second Name(s):

Other Name(s):

Date of Birth: Place of Birth: Citizenship:

Passport #: Expiry Date: Country of Issue:

Sex: Male Female

Marital Status:

Present Occupation:

Name and Address of Employer:

Current Mailing Address:

Permanent Address:

Telephone Number: Email:

Immigration Status in your actual country of residence: Citizen Permanent Resident Visitor Worker Student

Valid until:

I received: Exclusion Order Deportation Order

Section 2 - Spouse or Common-Law and Children

Family Name / First Name / Relationship / Date of Birth / Place of Birth / Citizenship / Passport Number / Expiry Date / Country of Residence

Section 3

During the past five years have you lived in any country other than your country of citizenship or permanent residence for more than six months?

Yes No

If yes, list countries and length of stay:

Section 4

Explain your purpose for travelling to Canada:

Full address in Canada and name of host (if applicable):

Intended dates of travel: From To

Section 5

Have you ever been treated for any serious physical or mental disorders or any communicable or chronic diseases?

Yes No

Committed any criminal offence in any country?

Yes No

Been refused admission to or ordered to leave Canada?

Yes No

Been refused a visa to travel to Canada?

Yes No

Been involved in the commission of a war crime or crime against humanity?

Yes No

If you answered yes to any of the above, please provide details below:

I declare that I have answered fully and truthfully all required questions in this application. I declare that the information provided is complete, accurate and truthful.

Signature of applicant:

Date:

USE OF A REPRESENTATIVE

Section A: Applicant Information

1. Your full name

Family name (Surname):

Given name(s):

2. Your date of birth:

3. If you have already submitted your application:

Name of office where the application was submitted:

Location of office:

Type of application:

4. Client Identification (ID) or Unique Client Identifier (UCI) number:

Section B: Appointment of Representative

5. Your representative's full name

Family name (Surname):

Given name(s):

6. Your representative: family member or friend member of a non-governmental or religious organization member of ICCRC/law society/notaire other

is or will be PAID and is a member in good standing of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC)

Membership ID number:

a Canadian provincial or territorial law society

Which province or territory? Membership ID number:

the Chambre des notaires du Québec

Membership ID number:

Section B: Representative Contact Information

Name of firm or organization:

Mailing address:

Postal code/ZIP:

Telephone number:

Fax number:

E-mail address (if applicable):

Section C: Cancel the Appointment of a Representative

9. Your representative's full name

Family name (Surname):

Given name(s):

Name of firm or organization (if applicable):

Section D: Your Declaration

10. I declare that the information I have given is truthful, complete and correct.

Signature of applicant:

Date:

Signature of spouse or common-law partner (if applicable):

Date:

ARC CHECK LIST

You must answer every question. If not applicable, write N/A.

Application for Authorization to Return to Canada;

Processing fees in the amount of $400 Canadian by bank draft made payable to the Receiver General for Canada.

Use of a Representative (IMM 5476), if applicable;

Recently issued Police Certificate from all the countries where you have resided for more than 6 months since the age of 17 years;

Proof that you appeared before an immigration officer at a port of entry to verify your departure from Canada;

If you incurred a criminal conviction in Canada, you must apply for a National Pardon in Canada and submit it with your application;

Detailed explanation of why you want to return to Canada;

Proof of funds and employment letter indicating the type and duration of employment;

Two passport-sized photographs;

A copy of your current passport bio-data page;

A copy of this checklist.

Enter text✕

What an Authorization to Return to Canada Letter Is

An Authorization to Return to Canada Letter is a signed written statement that gives a named person or agent the authority to arrange or effect a traveler’s return to Canada, handle repatriation of goods, or coordinate entry/exit logistics on the principal’s behalf. It documents scope, dates, and any limits on authority and is commonly used for immigration facilitation, shipment reclamation, and estate or travel emergencies.

Why this letter matters for clear, lawful returns

A clear authorization reduces delays with carriers, border officials, and consular offices by showing express consent and delegated authority. It provides a record that can be combined with identification, travel documents, and any required notarization to establish the signer’s intent and the agent’s authority.

Why this letter matters for clear, lawful returns

Typical users and situations for this authorization

Common users include travelers, family members, legal representatives, and shipping agents who need documented authority to coordinate a return to Canada.

  • Individual traveler delegating travel logistics to a family member or agent.
  • Estate executor arranging shipment of effects back to Canada.
  • Carrier or customs agent receiving instructions for return shipment clearance.

Use cases range from planned repatriation to emergency extraction; the letter clarifies authority and helps service providers accept instructions with fewer questions.

Who may sign and act under the letter

Principal — Traveler

The individual whose return is being authorized. Provide full legal name, date of birth, and passport number; must demonstrate intent to delegate authority in writing and sign the letter personally or through a valid power of attorney.

Agent — Authorized Representative

The person or organization receiving authority to act. Include name, contact information, scope of authority, and relationship to the principal; identity verification (ID, passport copy) is often required by carriers and authorities.

Essential data fields to include

Full Legal Name: Exact name on passport
Passport Number: Passport or travel document number
Date of Birth: MM/DD/YYYY
Agent Name: Full name of authorized agent
Scope of Authority: Specific actions authorized
Signature Date: MM/DD/YYYY signed date

Key legal and operational risks

Invalid Authorization: May be rejected
Delays: Processing hold-ups likely
Financial Loss: Extra shipping or storage charges
Customs Seizure: Improper documentation risk
Privacy Exposure: Sharing ID increases risk
Revocation Issues: Harder after action executed

Common mistakes that cause refusals or delays

  • Using informal language that fails to state explicit authority, leaving carriers uncertain about permitted actions.
  • Omitting exact passport or ID numbers so the agent’s instructions cannot be matched to the principal.
  • Failing to sign or date the letter, or using initials only when a full signature is required by the recipient.
  • Not checking recipient requirements (notary, witness, or specific wording) imposed by airlines, customs, or consular offices.

Real-world scenarios where this letter is used

Two practical examples illustrate typical use: one for travel repatriation and one for returning personal effects.

Emergency Repatriation

A traveler became medically unable to travel and signed a letter authorizing a family member to coordinate flights and entry clearance.

  • The agent booked and presented documents to the carrier.
  • The explicit scope and dated signature satisfied airline procedures and consular checks, enabling a timely return to Canada.

Return of Personal Effects

An executor authorized a shipping agent to collect and export household goods to Canada following a decedent’s estate instructions.

  • The agent presented the authorization to customs.
  • Clear identification of contents, agent authority, and notarized signature prevented shipment holds and reduced storage fees.

Step-by-step: completing the Authorization to Return to Canada Letter

Follow these sequential steps to prepare a clear, acceptable authorization letter for carriers, customs, or consular use.

  • 01
    Identify Parties: Enter principal and agent full legal names.
  • 02
    Define Scope: Specify exactly what the agent may do.
  • 03
    Provide IDs: Include passport numbers and contact details.
  • 04
    Sign and Date: Principal must sign and date the document.

How the authorization is processed by service providers

Typical handling stages show what carriers, customs, and consular staff check when an authorization is presented.

  • Document Receipt: Carrier or customs receives the authorization.
  • Identity Match: Staff match agent and principal IDs.
  • Scope Verification: Confirm the authorization covers the requested action.
  • Acceptance or Hold: Action proceeds or additional verification requested.

Core elements of a professionally drafted authorization

A well-structured letter combines specific content, clear limits, and appropriate authentication so recipients can accept it without extra risk or delay.

Clear Identification

Include full legal names, passport numbers, dates of birth, and current contact details to allow exact identity matching by carriers or officials.

Precise Scope

State specific permissions (book travel, accept documents, claim baggage, export or import items) and any geographic or time constraints to limit ambiguity.

Effective Dates

Specify when the authorization begins and ends. Short, concrete windows reduce misuse and align expectations of third parties handling the return.

Signature and Format

A handwritten or e-signed full signature plus printed name and date provide evidence of intent to delegate authority; follow recipient format rules.

Notarization Where Needed

When carriers or customs require notarization, attach an acknowledgment or use Remote Online Notarization compliant with state RON rules.

Supporting Attachments

Attach copies of the principal’s passport, proof of relationship, power of attorney (if applicable), and any transport or customs documents to speed acceptance.

Digital workflow settings to prepare and send this authorization

Configure an online document flow so the letter is completed, authenticated, and delivered with an audit trail.

Field Configuration
Signer Authentication Email plus SMS code
Required Fields Full name, passport, dates
Document Format PDF/A for preservation
Audit Trail Capture IP, timestamp, and actions

Delivery and platform capabilities to consider

Choose a platform that supports secure eSign, audit trails, and commonly used integrations for document exchange.

  • Document Formats: PDF, DOCX accepted
  • Integrations: Google Workspace and Microsoft 365
  • Authentication Types: Email, SMS, or KBA

Ensure the receiving party accepts electronic copies and eSignatures; if notarization is required, enable RON or plan an in-person notary step.

Timing and processing expectations

Allow adequate lead time and check recipient-specific processing windows to avoid missed travel or shipping deadlines.

Before Travel Date:

Provide letter well before scheduled departure

Carrier Processing:

Expect 24–72 business hours for verification

Notary Scheduling:

Book notary appointments 3–5 days early

RON Session:

Allow 1–2 business days for session setup

Document Retention:

Keep a signed copy for at least three years

Vendor pricing and feature comparison for eSignature services

Compare common plan and capability criteria to select a platform that supports secure signatures, audit trails, and compliance needs.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial Yes, 7-day trial No No Yes, limited Yes, limited
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently asked questions and practical answers

Answers to common procedural and legal questions about using an Authorization to Return to Canada Letter.


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