Canada Increases Removal Fees for Inadmissible Foreign Nationals: New Cost Recovery Framework Coming in April 2025
Table of Contents:
- Introduction to the New Fee Structure
- Details on Removal Fees
- Why the New Fee Framework?
- Impact on Individuals Facing Removal
- Timeline and Implementation
- Conclusion
1. Introduction to the New Fee Structure
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has introduced a significant update to its removal process for foreign nationals deemed inadmissible to Canada. Effective April 2025, individuals who are removed from Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) will face significantly higher fees if they wish to return to the country. The Canadian government has implemented these changes as part of a broader effort to reduce the financial burden of removals, ensuring that the costs associated with returning individuals to their home countries are better aligned with the actual costs incurred by the government.
2. Details on Removal Fees
Previously, the cost of removals for foreign nationals was relatively lower, with the government typically charging around $1,500 for removals. Under the new cost recovery framework, however, the fees have been substantially increased. The revised fees for those being removed from Canada are:
- Escorted Removals: The fee for escorted removals will be set at just over $12,800, which covers the cost of an individual being escorted to their destination.
- Unescorted Removals: Individuals who are removed without an escort will incur a fee of approximately $3,800, regardless of the destination country.
These new fee structures will be implemented across all removals, irrespective of the final destination, and will come into effect on April 1, 2025.
3. Why the New Fee Framework?
The decision to implement this new fee framework stems from the increasing financial burden that the government faces when carrying out removals of inadmissible individuals. In many cases, the individuals who are removed are unable or unwilling to pay the cost of their own travel back to their home country. While the CBSA has historically covered the costs in these situations, the significant rise in removals has made it necessary to introduce a more sustainable cost recovery system.
This updated framework will ensure that the cost of removals is more accurately aligned with the actual expenses involved, while also encouraging voluntary compliance with removal orders. By imposing higher fees for individuals who have been removed at the government’s expense, the government hopes to deter future non-compliance and ensure that individuals are more likely to follow the legal processes for returning to their home countries.
4. Impact on Individuals Facing Removal
For those facing removal from Canada, the new cost recovery measures will directly impact their ability to return to Canada in the future. The introduction of higher fees means that individuals who have been removed at government expense will have to pay these increased fees if they wish to return to Canada at a later date. These fees will be charged based on the framework in place at the time the individual was removed.
This measure is designed to promote fairness in the immigration process while ensuring that the government does not bear the burden of the financial costs for removals that should be borne by the individuals involved.
5. Timeline and Implementation
The new fees will officially take effect on April 1, 2025, and will apply to all adults who face removal under the CBSA’s mandate. The fees will be based on the removal framework that was in place when the individual first became subject to removal. This means that individuals removed prior to the implementation date of the new fees will still be subject to the lower, previous fee structures if they seek to return to Canada in the future.
6. Conclusion
The Canada Border Services Agency’s introduction of a new cost recovery framework for the removal of inadmissible foreign nationals is set to have significant implications for both the individuals involved and the broader immigration process. With an increase in the fees for both escorted and unescorted removals, Canada is moving toward a more sustainable and financially responsible approach to managing removals.
By aligning fees with the actual cost of removals and encouraging voluntary compliance, the government aims to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers and ensure that the immigration process remains fair and efficient. As the new framework comes into effect in April 2025, foreign nationals facing removal from Canada should be aware of the changes and plan accordingly.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
