Pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA)
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A pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA) — the Act calls it an “application for protection” — lets someone in Canada who is subject to a removal order ask the Minister for protection before being removed. It is for people facing removal who say they would be at risk, subject to waiting periods after a refused refugee claim.
Who is eligible
- You are in Canada and subject to a removal order that is in force (IRPA s 112(1)).
- Not if your refugee claim was found ineligible because you came through a designated country (IRPA s 112(2)(b)).
- Generally not within 12 months of your refugee claim being finally rejected — 36 months for nationals of designated countries (IRPA s 112(2)(b.1)).
- If your refugee claim was rejected, you may present only new evidence (IRPA s 113(a)).
Steps
- IRCC or CBSA tells you when you can apply.
- Apply within the time given, with your written submissions and any new evidence.
- A hearing may be held in some cases (IRPA s 113(b)).
Documents you’ll usually need
- Written submissions on risk.
- New evidence that arose after your claim was rejected or wasn’t reasonably available.
What the law says
“may, in accordance with the regulations, apply to the Minister for protection if they are subject to a removal order that is in force”
Who may apply for protection.
“less than 12 months, or, in the case of a person who is a national of a country that is designated under subsection 109.1(1), less than 36 months”
The 12-month (or 36-month) bar after a rejected claim.
“may present only new evidence that arose after the rejection or was not reasonably available”
Only new evidence after a rejected claim.
Official IRCC pages
Program rules not written in the statute, plus current fees and processing times, are on IRCC’s own pages:
Common mistakes
- Re-arguing the refugee claim with the same evidence — only new evidence is considered.
Frequently asked questions
Is PRRA the same as a refugee claim?
No. A PRRA is an application to the Minister by someone under a removal order (IRPA s 112). The Act calls it an “application for protection”.
Related streams
- Refugee claims in Canada Check IRCC
Who is a refugee or person in need of protection, how a claim is made, and when it is ineligible.
- Humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) applications Check IRCC
Asking the Minister for permanent residence or an exemption on humanitarian grounds.