I read a lot of misinterpretation of the whole ARC process and some of the comments are very demoralizing. We should look at the whole picture and not just one side of the process. ARC is not a simple thing to go through but at the same time the IO will have to weight one factor against the other depending on the person's situation ...
I went on the CIC website and read the manual about the ARC procedure and here's what I found
that the other members omitted to mention
Factors to consider when assessing an ARC application•
The severity of the IRPA violation that led to the removal.
• The applicant's history of cooperation with CIC:
Are there any previous immigration warrants?
Did the applicant fail to appear for any hearing or removal?
Did the applicant comply with the terms and conditions of the document issued by CIC?
Did the applicant pay for the removal costs?
Was the applicant removed under escort?
In most cases, a proper assessment of these factors will require contacting the office responsible
for the removal. If there is evidence of criminal activity, officers may consult with Canadian law
enforcement authorities and ask for a local police certificate.
• The reasons for the applicant's request to return to Canada:
Do compelling or exceptional circumstances exist?
Are there alternative options available to the applicant that would not necessitate
returning to Canada?
Are there factors that make the applicant's presence in Canada compelling (e.g., family
ties, job qualifications, economic contribution, temporary attendance at an event)?
Are there children directly implicated in the application whose best interests should be
considered?
Can the applicant support him or herself financially?
How much time has passed since the infraction that led to the removal order?
How long does the applicant intend to stay in Canada?
Are there tangible or intangible benefits that may accrue to Canada or the person concerned?
Bona fide marriages, attendance at the funeral of a family member or acceptance under a provincial nominee program are examples of factors that would normally constitute a “compelling reason” for returning to Canada. However, no one factor alone should automatically serve to override concerns related to the safety of Canadians and the security of Canadian society.
Other considerations When assessing an A34/35/37 application, CIC must consult the National Security Division of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
If an applicant is inadmissible on grounds other than those cited in the previous removal order (i.e., medical, criminality, security), they must apply for and obtain a temporary resident permit (TRP). In cases of criminal inadmissibility, a rehabilitation decision (or the applicant is deemed to have been rehabilitated) or a pardon (a foreign pardon or one issued by the National Parole Board) will also be necessary. A TRP does not overcome the need for an ARC.
An ARC can be granted for return to Canada as a permanent resident, for a one-time visit, or for occasional entries for a specified purpose (e.g., medical treatments, work-related activities) over a prescribed period. If an applicant requires an ARC but has not submitted fees, a letter should be sent explaining the requirement for an ARC. If no response is received within 90 days, the application may be refused
under A41 and A52(1). Please refer to Appendix H for a sample letter.
If the Department defrayed the costs of multiple removals, the entire amount of removal-related expenses must be recovered. The cost recovery fee applies to each application.
Any individual who has a right of appeal before the IAD as per A63 can appeal a negative ARC
IT WOULD BE MORE HELPFUL TO READ ABOUT SOME SUCCESS STORIES INCLUDING TIMELINES :