Understanding the Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) Process in Canada

The Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) is a critical safeguard in Canada's immigration system. Before removing a foreign national from Canada, the government must assess whether the person would face risks to their life, risks of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment, or a danger of torture if returned to their home country. The PRRA process ensures that Canada meets its obligations under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and international human rights instruments, including the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the Convention Against Torture.

If you have received a removal order or are facing removal from Canada, understanding the PRRA process is essential. This guide explains who is eligible, how the process works, what evidence to submit, and what outcomes you can expect.

What Is a PRRA?

A PRRA is an assessment conducted by an IRCC officer to determine whether a person facing removal from Canada would be at risk if returned to their country of nationality or habitual residence. The assessment considers risks of persecution, danger of torture, risk to life, and risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.

The PRRA is governed by sections 112 to 116 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the related provisions in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). It is a paper-based assessment, meaning the decision is typically made based on written submissions rather than an oral hearing, though hearings may be granted in certain circumstances.

Who Is Eligible for a PRRA?

Most people who are subject to a removal order from Canada are eligible for a PRRA. IRCC or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will notify you in writing when you become eligible. You typically receive a PRRA notification when:

• Your refugee claim has been rejected or abandoned and you are subject to a removal order
• You have been found inadmissible to Canada on certain grounds and ordered removed
• Your temporary status has expired and you are subject to removal

Who Is NOT Eligible?

You are not eligible for a PRRA if:

• You are a citizen of a designated country of origin (DCO) and your refugee claim was rejected, withdrawn, or abandoned less than 36 months ago (note: the DCO list has been subject to policy changes — check the latest IRCC guidance)
• You had a previous PRRA decision (positive or negative) less than 12 months ago
• You have been found inadmissible on grounds of security, violating human or international rights, or organized criminality — these individuals may still receive a different type of risk assessment
• You are the subject of an extradition request

The PRRA Application Process

The PRRA process follows these steps:

1. Notification — You receive a written notice from IRCC or CBSA informing you that you are eligible for a PRRA. This notice includes application forms and instructions.
2. Application submission — You must submit your completed PRRA application within 15 days of receiving the notification. This deadline is strict. If you miss it, you are considered to have abandoned your right to a PRRA.
3. Written submissions — You have an additional period (typically 15 more days after submitting the initial application) to submit detailed written arguments and supporting evidence.
4. PRRA officer review — An IRCC officer reviews your application, evidence, and submissions. The officer is different from any officer who may have previously assessed your refugee claim.
5. Hearing (if applicable) — A hearing may be held if the officer determines that credibility is a central issue and the evidence requires oral testimony. Hearings are not common in PRRA cases.
6. Decision — The officer makes a decision. You will be notified in writing of the outcome.

There is no application fee for a PRRA.

What Evidence to Submit

The strength of your PRRA application depends on the quality and relevance of the evidence you provide. Important categories of evidence include:

Country Condition Evidence

• Reports from the United Nations, UNHCR, and other international organizations
• Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International country reports
• U.S. State Department country reports on human rights practices
• Media articles documenting conditions in your country
• Academic research on relevant issues (ethnic persecution, gender-based violence, political repression)

Personal Evidence

• Your detailed personal statement explaining the risks you face
• Affidavits from family members or witnesses who can corroborate your claims
• Medical or psychological reports documenting trauma or conditions related to your risk
• Police reports, court documents, or other official records from your home country
• Photographs, correspondence, or other personal documents that support your claims

New Evidence (Critical for Former Refugee Claimants)

If you previously had a refugee claim assessed by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), the PRRA officer can only consider new evidence that arose after your refugee claim was decided or evidence that was not reasonably available at the time of your hearing. This is a crucial limitation — you cannot simply resubmit the same evidence that the IRB already considered and rejected.

Possible Outcomes

Positive PRRA Decision

If the officer determines that you face a genuine risk, you will receive a positive decision. The consequences depend on the nature of the risk identified:

• Refugee protection — If you are found to be a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection, you can apply for permanent residence from within Canada. You become a "protected person" under Canadian law.
• Stay of removal — Your removal from Canada will be stayed (suspended) while you pursue permanent residence.

The processing fee for permanent residence following a positive PRRA is $570 CAD for the principal applicant plus the right of permanent residence fee of $515 CAD.

See also: How to Apply for Canadian Permanent Residence

Negative PRRA Decision

If the officer determines that you do not face a genuine risk, your PRRA application is rejected and your removal from Canada can proceed. You may have the following options:

• Judicial review — Apply to the Federal Court for leave to review the PRRA decision. You must file within 15 days of receiving the negative decision. If leave is granted, the Court will review whether the PRRA officer's decision was reasonable.
• Request a stay of removal — You can request a stay from the Federal Court to prevent your removal while the judicial review is pending. This is not automatic and must be separately argued.
• H&C application — If eligible, you may submit an application on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, though this does not stop your removal unless a stay is granted.

Processing Times

PRRA processing times can vary significantly. As of early 2026, most PRRA applications are processed within 3 to 12 months, though some cases take longer depending on complexity, the need for a hearing, and application volumes. During this period, your removal is generally deferred, though CBSA may still enforce removal in certain circumstances.

Important Considerations

• The 15-day deadline is absolute — If you miss the deadline to submit your PRRA application, you lose your right to the assessment. Treat this deadline with the utmost seriousness.
• Legal representation is strongly recommended — PRRA applications involve complex legal arguments about risk, country conditions, and human rights law. A qualified immigration lawyer or legal aid clinic can significantly improve your chances.
• Legal aid may be available — Many provinces offer legal aid for PRRA applicants. Contact your provincial legal aid organization as soon as you receive your PRRA notification.
• Your removal is typically deferred — While your PRRA is pending, CBSA will generally not remove you from Canada, but there are exceptions for people deemed a security risk or danger to the public.
• A negative PRRA is not necessarily the end — Judicial review, H&C applications, and changed circumstances can create new opportunities.

For official information on the PRRA process, visit the IRCC Pre-Removal Risk Assessment page. If you need help understanding your options when facing removal, the WelcomeAide chat assistant can help you explore available pathways and connect with resources.