PRRA - Pre-Removal Risk Assessment in Canada

Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) in Canada

A Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) gives specific individuals in Canada a final opportunity to request protection before immigration authorities remove them from the country. People subject to a removal order may be able to apply for a PRRA to show that returning to their home country would expose them to serious harm.

This assessment focuses strictly on risk, not humanitarian factors, and plays a critical role in preventing deportation when danger exists.

Purpose of a PRRA Application

The purpose of a PRRA is to determine whether an applicant faces a personal risk in their home country and, if so, that immigration authorities should not remove the applicant from Canada. Similar to a refugee claim, a pre-removal risk assessment examines whether the applicant faces:

1) A risk to life or personal safety.

2) Persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

3) Cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.

4) Torture, for any reason.

The risk must affect the individual personally and cannot be based solely on general conditions in the country.

Who Can Apply for a PRRA?

A PRRA may be offered directly by an immigration officer to a person facing removal, or in limited cases, a person may apply proactively. Once IRCC issues the pre-removal risk assessment application, strict deadlines apply.

Some individuals remain ineligible for pre-removal risk assessment, particularly those whose refugee claims were rejected by the Refugee Protection Division or the Refugee Appeal Division within the last year.

PRRA Application Deadlines

Once an immigration officer issues the pre-removal risk assessment application:

1) You must submit the completed pre-removal risk assessment forms within 15 days.

2) You must submit supporting documents and legal submissions within 30 days.

You apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Once IRCC receives all required documents, processing typically takes several months, depending on the case’s complexity.

How IRCC Makes PRRA Decisions

IRCC officers usually decide pre-removal risk assessment applications based solely on written submissions, without holding a hearing. Officers review country conditions, personal evidence, and legal arguments before reaching a decision.

In certain situations, an officer may request an interview. It may occur when credibility is central or when the applicant previously made a refugee claim in another country before arriving in Canada.

PRRA Decision Outcomes

If IRCC approves the PRRA application, the applicant receives protected person status in Canada and may apply for permanent residence.

If IRCC refuses the application, removal from Canada may proceed. In this situation, the applicant may apply for judicial review at the Federal Court within 15 days of receiving the adverse decision.

How Spike Immigration Can Help

Pre-removal risk assessment applications involve complex legal arguments, strict deadlines, and detailed risk evidence. Spike Immigration assists clients with eligibility assessments, document preparation, legal submissions, and Federal Court referrals, as required.

Our team carefully prepares clear, well-supported pre-removal risk assessment applications for IRCC.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)?

A pre-removal risk assessment is an application that allows individuals facing removal to show they would face serious harm if returned to their home country.

Who can receive a pre-removal risk assessment?

Immigration officers may issue a pre-removal risk assessment to individuals under a removal order. Eligibility depends on prior refugee claims and the timing of those claims.

How long do I have to submit a PRRA?

You must submit the pre-removal risk assessment forms within 15 days and the supporting documents within 30 days of receiving the application.

Is there a hearing for pre-removal risk assessment applications?

Officers base most pre-removal risk assessment decisions on written submissions and request interviews only in limited situations.

What happens if my pre-removal risk assessment is approved?

If approved, you receive refugee protection and can apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Can I appeal a refused pre-removal risk assessment?

You cannot appeal a pre-removal risk assessment refusal, but you may apply for judicial review at the Federal Court within 15 days.