PRRA

What will IRCC Officer Consider in PRRA?

Persons facing removal Canada, such as failed asylum seekers, may be eligible for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA).

In reviewing a case, a Canadian immigration officer will consider:

• risk of persecution as defined in the Geneva Convention,

• danger of torture, and

• risk to life or the risk that the applicant may be subjected to cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.

PRRA Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

In general, individual who previously applied for refugee status but was denied or abandoned may not apply for Pre-Removal Risk Assessment until after 12 months have elapsed since the negative decision of your refugee claim application.

However, there are certain circumstances in which the Canadian government will waive the requirement of waiting 12 months in the event of sudden changes in the country’s domestic circumstances relating to security or safety.

Who Cannot Apply for PPRA?

You can’t apply for a PRRA if you

• made a refugee claim that was ineligible because of the Safe Third Country Agreement

• were found to be a Convention refugee in another country that you can go back to

• are a protected person and already have refugee protection in Canada

• are subject to extradition

How to Apply for PRRA

If you’re eligible, a CBSA officer will give you an application form and instruction guide. You’ll be able to apply for a PRRA before CBSA remove you from Canada. You must complete the form and submit your application in

• 15 days, if you get the forms in person

• 22 days, if you get the form and the guide in the mail

CBSA won’t remove you from Canada until

• you tell CBSA that you don’t plan to apply for a PRRA

• you miss the application deadline

• CBSA refuse your PRRA application

• you withdraw or abandon your PRRA application

Step 1: Complete Your Application

You should include the following with your application:

• a letter to explain the risk you would face if you leave Canada

• documents or evidence to demonstrate that risk

The officer who processes your application will review factors such as:

• risk of persecution (as defined in the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees)

• danger of torture (see Article 1 of the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment)

• risk to your life or the risk that you may be subjected to cruel and unusual treatment or punishment

Step 2: Submit Your Application

There are two ways to submit your PRRA application: online or by mail.

Regardless of how you submit it, it is important that you submit a complete application package.

Get Help from the Experts

The Canadian Immigration Law is complex. It is strongly recommended that you retain a professional to prepare and submit your PRRA application.