The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has significantly increased the fees that foreign nationals must repay if they are removed from Canada at government expense and later wish to return. CBSA updates cost recovery for removing inadmissible migrants on their website. The updated cost-recovery framework took effect on April 1, 2025, and the fees were further adjusted for inflation on April 1, 2026.
Under the new rules, adults removed on or after April 1, 2026, face the following repayment amounts:
- Escorted removal by air (except medical escort): $13,098.96 (increased from $12,880 on April 1, 2026)
- Unescorted removal, escorted removal other than by air, or removal under medical escort by air: $3,905.28 (increased from $3,840 on April 1, 2026)
These amounts apply regardless of destination. Previously, the recoverable costs were much lower—approximately $1,500 or less, depending on the country of removal. Anyone under 18 years of age at the time a removal order was issued remains fully exempt from paying these fees.
The change is designed to better reflect the true cost of removals, which includes more than just airfare. Expenses cover case management, interviews, obtaining travel documents, logistical arrangements, and related operational work. On average, the CBSA recovers about $497,100 each year from individuals who were previously deported and later apply to return to Canada.
Why the Canada Deportation Fees were increased
Public Safety officials have framed the higher fees as part of broader efforts to strengthen border security and improve the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. The higher costs are also intended to encourage voluntary compliance with removal orders and reduce the financial burden on Canadian taxpayers.
Enforcement of the the Canada Deportation Fees
- Effective Date: Implemented in April 2025 under updated regulatory cost-recovery frameworks.
- Cost Components: Calculated to recover direct operational expenses including airline tickets, travel documents, case management, and interviews.
- Exemptions: Voluntary departures where individuals pay their own travel expenses entirely independently generally avoid these specific government cost-recovery fees.
Current Deportation Challenges
The CBSA continues to face difficulties ensuring timely and complete removals. Between January and October 2024, the agency removed more than 14,000 inadmissible foreign nationals. However, thousands of people with outstanding removal orders remain unaccounted for, often because they failed to appear for proceedings or have active immigration warrants. The fee increase is one of several measures aimed at improving overall efficiency and compliance.
What this means for immigrants and visitors
The higher removal costs highlight the serious financial and legal consequences of remaining in Canada without legal status or violating the conditions of a visa, work permit, or study permit. Anyone considering immigration or temporary stays in Canada should make use of full compliance with immigration rules from the outset. Deportation travel costs in Canada are officially paid by the person being removed, but the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) covers the upfront costs if the person is unable or unwilling to pay. However, the person will repay every cost if they desires to return to Canada when their ban period expires.
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Conclusion
The CBSA’s higher deportation fees, now adjusted from 2026 till date, form part of a wider effort to strengthen border enforcement and recover more of the actual costs of removals. While the changes primarily affect those found inadmissible, they also serve as a clear reminder of the importance of maintaining legal status and following Canadian immigration rules at every step.
If you are planning to immigrate, study, work, or reunite with family in Canada, professional guidance can help you avoid costly mistakes. Contact Scholarships Travel today to explore the safest and most suitable options for your situation and begin building a secure future in Canada.