New Fees Implemented for Inadmissible Travellers Returning to Canada
Canada has introduced new fees aimed at recovering the costs of removing foreign nationals deemed inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced these measures to ensure the financial burden of removals is reduced for taxpayers.
The CBSA is legally obligated to remove individuals who are inadmissible due to reasons such as criminal records, human rights violations, or medical concerns posing a threat to public health. Between January 1 and October 31, 2024, the agency removed over 14,000 inadmissible foreign nationals.
Under the updated cost recovery framework, set to take effect in April 2025, fees for individuals seeking to return to Canada after removal will significantly increase. Previously, fees were around $1,500. The new rates will rise to approximately $12,800 for escorted removals and $3,800 for unescorted removals, regardless of destination.
Individuals removed from Canada are generally required to pay for their own travel costs. However, in cases where the person cannot or refuses to pay, the CBSA covers the expenses to facilitate timely removals. The new fees aim to recover these costs when the individual seeks to re-enter Canada and encourage voluntary compliance with removal orders.
“The updated fees align more closely with the actual costs of removals, promoting accountability while ensuring effective enforcement of immigration policies,” the CBSA said in a statement.
These changes reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to manage immigration efficiently while safeguarding public resources.