A Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) is the final, statutorily-mandated risk check before Canada removes a person to their country of origin. It is governed by section 112 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and is one of the most narrowly-scoped, time-pressured, and consequential applications in the entire immigration system. This guide explains who is eligible, how the application works in 2026, what the legal test is, and how to prepare a defensible PRRA file.

What a PRRA Is — and Is Not

A PRRA exists to ensure that no person is removed from Canada to a country where they face:

  • A risk of persecution on a Convention ground (s. 96 IRPA),
  • A risk to life or of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment (s. 97(1)(b)), or
  • A risk of torture (s. 97(1)(a)).

A PRRA is not:

  • A second refugee hearing.
  • An appeal of a refused refugee claim.
  • A general humanitarian remedy (use H&C for that — see our H&C guide).
  • A way to remain in Canada based on establishment, family ties, or hardship that does not amount to risk.

Who Gets a PRRA — and When

CBSA issues a PRRA notification when removal is imminent. You are typically eligible if:

  • You have a removal order that is now enforceable, and
  • You have been in Canada at least 12 months since any prior refugee refusal (the "PRRA bar"), unless your country is exempted from the 12-month bar.

You are ineligible for a PRRA if you:

  • Are inadmissible on serious criminality, security, organized crime, or human rights violations (you may receive a "restricted PRRA" assessing only s. 97 torture risk).
  • Are subject to extradition.
  • Have a pending refugee claim.

The 15-Day / 30-Day Clock

When CBSA serves the PRRA notice:

  • You have 15 days to indicate your intent to apply and submit the application form.
  • You then have an additional 15 days (30 days total) to file supporting evidence and submissions.

These timelines are strict and cannot be extended for ordinary reasons. Missing them ends the right to apply, and removal can proceed.

The Legal Test

The PRRA officer assesses the same legal grounds as the RPD (ss. 96 and 97 IRPA), but with three critical distinctions:

  1. Only new evidence may be considered (s. 113(a) IRPA). If your refugee claim was refused, you may only submit evidence that:

    • Arose after the RPD/RAD decision,
    • Was not reasonably available before that decision, or
    • You could not reasonably have been expected to present.

  2. The "new evidence" rule is strict. Federal Court jurisprudence (Raza v. Canada, Elezi v. Canada) limits PRRA officers to evidence that materially changes the risk analysis since the prior decision.

  3. Hearings are rare. Most PRRAs are decided on paper. An oral hearing is granted only where credibility is in issue, the evidence is central to the decision, and it would justify allowing the application (s. 167 IRPR).

If you were never a refugee claimant (e.g., you came on a study or work permit and never claimed), all your evidence is "new" and the s. 113(a) bar does not apply.

What to Submit

A defensible PRRA file typically includes:

  • Updated personal narrative focused on what has changed since any prior decision.
  • Country-condition evidence dated after the prior decision — DOS, UK Home Office, UNHCR, HRW, Amnesty, IRB NDP, expert reports.
  • Direct-threat evidence — recent letters, police reports, photographs, social-media threats, news articles naming you or your family.
  • Sworn affidavits from family, neighbors, or community members in the country of removal.
  • Medical and psychological evidence of trauma, injuries, or ongoing mental-health needs.
  • Legal submissions explaining why each piece of evidence is "new" under s. 113(a) and how it satisfies s. 96 or s. 97.

Stay of Removal

Filing a PRRA does not automatically stay removal in every case. The general rule (s. 232 IRPR): if you apply within the 15-day window after notification at a port-of-entry-style PRRA notice, removal is statutorily stayed until the PRRA is decided. Restricted PRRAs and certain other categories are not automatically stayed.

If you are scheduled for removal and need additional time, you may also need to:

  • Request a deferral of removal from CBSA, or
  • File a judicial review and a motion for a stay at the Federal Court.

Processing Times

PRRA processing in 2026 averages 6–18 months. During this time, if your removal is stayed, you may remain in Canada. Work and study permits during PRRA processing are limited; speak to a regulated representative before assuming you can work.

If the PRRA Is Approved

A positive PRRA decision generally results in protected person status. You may then apply for PR under the Protected Person Class within 180 days. Restricted PRRA approvals provide a stay of removal but do not automatically lead to PR.

If the PRRA Is Refused

A negative PRRA decision means CBSA can proceed with removal arrangements. Your options:

  • Judicial review at the Federal Court within 15 days (leave required, no automatic stay — a separate stay motion is required).
  • Subsequent PRRA — generally only possible if removal does not occur and 12+ months pass with materially new risk evidence.
  • H&C application (you can file at any time after a refugee refusal + 12 months, even after a negative PRRA, if humanitarian factors warrant).
  • Voluntary departure with assistance to mitigate future inadmissibility concerns.

Common Mistakes That Destroy a PRRA

  • Submitting evidence that pre-dates the refugee decision without explaining why it is "new."
  • Relying on general country-condition documents without tying them to personal risk.
  • Failing to address the prior RPD/RAD credibility findings head-on.
  • Missing the 15/30-day deadlines.
  • Treating the PRRA as a second refugee hearing — it is not.
  • Not retaining counsel until the last week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a PRRA if I've never claimed refugee status? Yes. If you have a removal order and have not previously been assessed for risk, all your evidence is considered "new" and the s. 113(a) bar does not apply.

Will a PRRA stop my removal? Filing within the 15-day window typically triggers a statutory stay until the PRRA is decided. Restricted PRRAs and out-of-time applications may not.

Can I work while my PRRA is pending? Generally no, unless you hold a separate valid work permit. PRRA itself does not authorize work.

Can I apply for both H&C and PRRA at the same time? Yes. They are distinct remedies with different legal tests. Many cases benefit from filing both.

Do I need a lawyer or RCIC? PRRA is an extremely technical, deadline-driven application with severe consequences. Unrepresented PRRAs have very low success rates. Retain counsel immediately upon receiving notice.

How long does a PRRA take to decide? Most decisions are issued in 6–18 months. During that time, if your removal is stayed, you remain in Canada.

Next Steps

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