Denied Entry? Canada’s New Fee Hike Could Cost You Thousands to Return!

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Commonwealth_ Foreign nationals who are denied the right to stay in Canada and either refuse or cannot pay for their own travel home will soon face significantly higher fees if they attempt to return. The updated cost framework, announced by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), is the first revision to these fees since 1993 and is set to take effect in April 2025.

Updated Fee Structure for Inadmissible Foreign Nationals

Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, visitors deemed inadmissible to Canada are required to cover their own departure expenses. However, the Canadian government often steps in to ensure prompt removal when individuals are unwilling or unable to finance their return. Beginning this spring, the fees for reimbursing these travel costs will increase substantially, regardless of the destination of the departee. Currently, inadmissible foreign nationals pay approximately CAD 1,500 if they later seek re-entry into Canada. This amount will rise to just over CAD 3,800 for those who leave unescorted. For individuals who require an escort by Canadian officials, the cost will exceed CAD 12,800.

Costs incurred in the removal process

The CBSA outlined the various expenses associated with removing a foreign national deemed inadmissible. These include purchasing airline tickets, arranging removal logistics, conducting interviews, obtaining necessary travel documents, and managing cases through partnerships and liaison work. The updated fees are part of an effort to recover a greater proportion of these costs from the individuals involved.

Enhancing border security and immigration systems.

David J. McGuinty, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, stated that the updated fee structure aligns with broader efforts to strengthen border security and Canada’s immigration system. McGuinty emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing safety and efficiency at the border in a statement he released on Friday.

“In recent months, we re-imposed a visa requirement on Mexican visitors, aligned service hours at many Canada-U.S. ports of entry, and ended flagpoling for work and study permits at the border, which has kept 70,000 non-residents from entering the United States. The security partnership between Canada and the United States has been keeping people on both sides of the border safe for decades – and we’ll always be looking for ways to further strengthen it,” McGuinty said.

Increased cost recovery and enforcement.

The CBSA reports that it recovers approximately CAD 500,000 annually from foreign nationals applying to return to Canada after removal. Despite this recovery, the government continues to bear significant costs related to the deportation of inadmissible individuals. In just the first ten months of 2024, Canada removed over 14,000 foreign nationals. The increased fees are expected to act as a deterrent against non-compliance with Canadian immigration laws while also ensuring that those who wish to re-enter Canada after being removed bear a fair share of the costs incurred during their deportation.

Broader Implications

The fee adjustment reflects Canada’s evolving approach to border and immigration management. By updating cost recovery measures, the government aims to reduce the financial burden on Canadian taxpayers while maintaining the integrity of the immigration system. Additionally, this move aligns with global trends in immigration enforcement, where countries are increasingly seeking to hold individuals accountable for costs associated with their removal. For inadmissible foreign nationals, the changes underscore the importance of complying with immigration regulations. The significant increase in re-entry fees may encourage individuals to take responsibility for their departure costs initially, rather than relying on government intervention.

Strengthening Canada-U.S. Security Cooperation

The updated fee framework also complements ongoing efforts to enhance security collaboration between Canada and the United States. By aligning policies and practices at the border, both countries aim to streamline operations while safeguarding public safety. The CBSA remains committed to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring efficient use of its resources as Canada prepares to implement these new measures. The updated fee structure represents a step forward in creating a more sustainable and effective immigration system while also reinforcing Canada’s commitment to maintaining secure and well-managed borders.

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