What happens if you are denied entry to Canada at the airport?

If you are denied entry to Canada at the airport, the situation can be serious and stressful. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has the authority to refuse any traveler entry, even if they hold a valid visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Below is a detailed explanation of what happens and what you can expect:

1. Reason for Refusal Is Given

A CBSA officer will inform you of the specific reason you are being denied entry. Common reasons include:

Missing or incorrect documentation (e.g., visa, eTA, return ticket)
Insufficient proof of funds
Inconsistent or suspicious answers about your travel purpose
Past immigration violations (in Canada or other countries)
Criminal record (even minor offenses in some cases)
Medical inadmissibility
Intent to work or study without the correct permit

2. Issuance of a Report and Order

If denied, you will receive an official “Determination of Inadmissibility” and may be issued one of the following:

Allowed to withdraw your application and return voluntarily on the next available flight
Removal Order (in more serious cases)
Direction to Leave Canada – requiring you to depart immediately

CBSA records all of this in your immigration history, which may affect future visa applications.

3. Return to Country of Departure

You will typically be returned to your country of departure or origin on the next available flight, at your own expense. In most cases, you must pay for the return ticket unless you were arriving on a round-trip fare.

4. Baggage and Detention (in rare cases)

If officers suspect fraud, misrepresentation, or criminal activity, they may:

Detain you temporarily in an Immigration Holding Centre if concerns about identity, admissibility, or flight risk arise
Search your belongings thoroughly
Confiscate false documents or illegal goods

You may be held in an immigration holding facility until your return flight.

5. Future Travel to Canada Becomes More Difficult

A refusal of entry is recorded and may negatively affect:

Future visa or Canada eTA approvals
Eligibility for permanent residence
Transit through Canada to other destinations

6. What you can do if denied entry

Ask for written documentation of the refusal and its reason
Request to withdraw your application for entry voluntarily
Seek legal advice or contact a Canadian immigration lawyer
You may be able to appeal or reapply later with stronger documentation
In most cases, you cannot appeal a refusal of entry at a port of entry, but you may reapply in the future with corrected documentation or apply for Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) if a removal order was issued.

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