A Last Opportunity for Protection Before Removal

A Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) is a process under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act that allows certain people facing removal from Canada to seek protection on the basis that they would be at risk if returned to their home country. For many, it is the last opportunity to put forward a risk-based claim before removal is carried out.

The window is very short. When you are notified that you are eligible to apply for a PRRA, you typically have only about 15 days to submit the application (and a short further period to file submissions). Missing the window can mean losing this protection entirely. Contact us the moment you receive a PRRA notification.

What the PRRA Assesses

The PRRA officer assesses whether you would face risk on return, on grounds similar to those in a refugee claim — including a well-founded fear of persecution (under section 96 of IRPA) and a risk of torture, a risk to life, or a risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment (under section 97). The decision is made by an officer, usually on the written record.

The Limits on the Evidence You Can Submit

The PRRA is not a second refugee hearing. If you previously made a refugee claim, the evidence you can present is restricted: under the Act, you may generally only rely on new evidence that arose after your last decision, or that was not reasonably available, or that you could not reasonably have been expected to present earlier. Identifying and presenting genuinely new, credible evidence of risk is the core of a strong PRRA application.

Because of these restrictions, a PRRA is most effective where country conditions have deteriorated, a new risk has emerged, or important evidence has become available since your last decision. We help identify and document that evidence persuasively.

The Statutory Stay of Removal

One of the most important features of the PRRA is that, in many cases, applying for a PRRA triggers a statutory stay of removal — meaning you generally cannot be removed while an eligible PRRA application is pending. This protection is a critical reason to apply within the deadline and to do so properly.

If Your PRRA Is Refused

A negative PRRA decision can be challenged by judicial review in the Federal Court, on short deadlines, and an urgent stay of removal can be sought if removal is scheduled. We advise on the full set of options and act quickly to protect you at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PRRA and who can apply?
A Pre-Removal Risk Assessment is a process for certain people facing removal from Canada to seek protection on the basis that they would be at risk if returned home. It is often the last opportunity to advance a risk-based claim before removal. Eligibility depends on your immigration history, which we assess.
How long do I have to apply once I'm notified?
Typically only about 15 days to submit the application after you are notified of eligibility, with a short further period to file submissions. The window is very short and missing it can mean losing this protection, so you should contact us immediately upon receiving a PRRA notification.
Does applying for a PRRA stop my removal?
In many cases, yes. Applying for an eligible PRRA generally triggers a statutory stay of removal, meaning you typically cannot be removed while the application is pending. This is one of the most important reasons to apply within the deadline and to do it correctly.
Can I just resubmit the evidence from my refugee claim?
Generally no. If you previously made a refugee claim, the PRRA is limited to new evidence — evidence that arose after your last decision, was not reasonably available, or could not reasonably have been presented earlier. A strong PRRA focuses on genuinely new and credible evidence of risk, which we help identify and document.
What happens if my PRRA is refused?
A negative PRRA can be challenged by judicial review in the Federal Court on short deadlines, and an urgent stay of removal can be sought if removal is scheduled. We advise on every available option and act quickly to protect you.