The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced a significant hike in deportation fees, set to take effect in April 2025.
Under the new cost recovery framework, individuals facing deportation will be required to pay up to $12,800 for escorted removals and more than $3,800 for unescorted removals.
This marks a sharp increase from the current flat rate of $1,500, which has remained unchanged since 1993.
In a statement released on January 3, 2025, the CBSA explained that the revised fee structure reflects the growing costs associated with deportation processes and aims to encourage compliance with removal orders.
The new charges will cover the full range of deportation-related expenses, including airfare, travel arrangements, interviews, case management, and securing necessary documents.
While deportees are expected to bear the cost of their removal, the CBSA clarified that it would step in to cover expenses in cases where individuals are unable or unwilling to pay.
However, the government plans to recover these costs if the deported individuals attempt to re-enter Canada in the future.
Public Safety Minister David J. McGuinty emphasized that the fee increase is part of broader efforts to enhance border security and improve the country’s immigration system.
He highlighted other recent measures, such as reintroducing visa requirements for Mexican nationals and aligning border operations with the United States to ensure smoother cross-border security.
The deportation process typically begins with an inadmissibility report and a hearing to determine whether a removal order should be issued. Deportees are entitled to due process, including the right to appeal.
On average, the government recovers nearly half a million dollars annually from individuals applying to return to Canada after deportation.
The CBSA stated that the updated fee structure is designed to better align with the actual costs of deportation while ensuring that the system operates efficiently. This change is part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to modernize its immigration policies and strengthen border security.
