Departure orders

Overview

Departure orders

A person subject to a departure order must leave Canada within 30 days after the order becomes enforceable and confirm departure with CBSA. Failure to complete both steps can automatically turn it into a deportation order.

Find the enforceable date

An appeal, claim or statutory stay can delay when the 30 days begin. Use the tribunal or CBSA documents to calculate the date rather than the day the form was first printed.

Keep written proof of any stay ending.

Arrange departure with CBSA

Notify the enforcement office and follow instructions for reporting at the airport or land border. Simply purchasing a ticket or crossing without confirmation may not establish compliance.

Ask for and retain the certificate of departure.

Avoid automatic conversion

If the person does not leave within 30 days or does not verify departure, the order becomes a deportation order. Returning later would then generally require written Authorization to Return to Canada.

A misunderstanding about the deadline does not reliably prevent conversion.

Check challenges before leaving

An appeal or Federal Court application and stay motion must be considered before removal, not after the flight. Leaving can affect pending in-Canada applications and proceedings.

Once all stays end, compliance planning should be immediate.