Published by: Di Leone Group – Canadian Immigration Consultants
Date: May 5, 2025
When an individual faces deportation from Canada, they may, in certain cases, apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA). This process aims to protect people who could be in danger if returned to their home country.
What Does the PRRA Evaluate?
The Canadian government uses the PRRA process to assess whether returning someone to their country would expose them to:
Torture
Persecution
Threats to life, or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment
This is a vital humanitarian measure within Canada’s immigration system.
Who Can Apply for a PRRA?
Not everyone qualifies for a PRRA. A Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will inform you if you are eligible. Eligibility is only assessed once a removal order has been issued.
Common Situations Where PRRA May Be Allowed:
If your refugee claim was rejected
If you withdrew or abandoned a previous refugee claim
If your request for judicial review at the Federal Court was dismissed
In most cases, a 12-month waiting period applies before you can submit a PRRA application. However, there are exceptions based on your country of origin.
Countries Exempt from the 12-Month Waiting Period
If you are from one of the following countries, you may be eligible to apply without waiting a full year:
Venezuela
Nicaragua
Afghanistan
Iran
Russia
Syria
Somalia
Sudan
Yemen
(For the full and up-to-date list, refer to the official Government of Canada site.)
Who Cannot Apply for a PRRA?
You are not eligible for a PRRA if:
Your refugee claim was deemed ineligible under the Safe Third Country Agreement (e.g., you applied in the U.S.)
You are a recognized refugee in another country where you can safely return
You are already a protected person in Canada
You are subject to extradition
How to Apply for a PRRA
If eligible, a CBSA officer will provide you with the application form and a guide with instructions.
You must submit your application:
Within 15 days if the form is given to you in person
Within 22 days if the form is received by mail
Your application must include:
A description of the risk you would face if deported
Documents and evidence supporting your claim
What Happens After Applying?
Your application will be reviewed by an officer from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If needed, a virtual hearing may be scheduled.
You are entitled to have a legal representative—either a regulated immigration consultant or a licensed lawyer—assist you during the process.
If your PRRA is approved:
You will be recognized as a protected person and become eligible to apply for permanent residence.
If your PRRA is rejected:
You will be required to leave Canada.
You may seek a review of the decision at the Federal Court, although this does not automatically delay your removal.
Need Help with Your PRRA Application?
At Di Leone Group, our team of licensed immigration consultants and lawyers is here to guide you every step of the way.
📅 Book your initial consultation to assess your case 👉