Travel & Citizenship

Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) in Canada: Who Can Apply and the Deadlines

4 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. Who is eligible?
  3. What are the time limits and bars?
  4. What risk is assessed?
  5. What happens after the decision?
  6. How do you apply?
  7. Common mistakes
  8. FAQ
    1. Does applying stop removal?
    2. Can I apply again after a refusal?
  9. Key takeaways
  10. Related guides
  11. Sources

What is a PRRA? A pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA) is how Canada assesses claims of persecution, torture, risk to life, or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment before a person is removed. IRCC makes the decision, and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) starts the process for eligible people. This is a high-stakes area, so read the notice you receive carefully and speak to an authorized representative.

Quick answer

  • If you are eligible, CBSA tells you that you may apply when your removal order is being enforced.
  • IRCC’s briefing says applications are required within 15 days, and supporting documents are due within 30 days.
  • An application made on time stays the removal order until a PRRA decision is made.
  • A positive regular decision gives protected person status, and you can then apply for permanent residence.

Who is eligible?

  • Failed refugee claimants.
  • People whose claims were ruled ineligible to be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board, including those recognised as Convention refugees in another country who can be returned there.
  • People who never made a refugee claim, for example someone who overstayed a visa.

What are the time limits and bars?

Rule What IRCC states
Application Required within 15 days
Supporting documents Due within 30 days; applicants who cannot meet this are given a new 30-day period
Failed refugee claimants Cannot apply for a PRRA for 12 months after the last negative decision of the Refugee Protection Division or Refugee Appeal Division, or a negative leave or judicial review decision from the Federal Court
Evidence A failed claimant’s PRRA is limited to new or newly obtained evidence of risk

Those 15- and 30-day figures come from an IRCC briefing that discusses pandemic-era flexibility, so always follow the dates in your own notification.

What risk is assessed?

The PRRA and the Refugee Protection Division consider the same factors and threshold under sections 96 and 97 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (the Refugee Convention grounds and the Convention Against Torture). A “restricted” PRRA, for people inadmissible on serious grounds, is based on section 97 only.

What happens after the decision?

Decision Result
Positive (regular) Protected person status; you can apply for permanent residence
Positive (restricted) A stay of removal until circumstances change in the source country, but no protected person status
Negative You must leave or be removed from Canada

How do you apply?

Use the Application for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (IMM 5508). IRCC’s form page says the principal applicant completes it, and a spouse or common-law partner and dependent children aged 18 or over complete it too if they are in Canada. You give as much detail as possible about your reasons and list supporting documents with page numbers, and you sign electronically. If you do not wish to apply, Section G, the Statement of No Intention, applies. The form page does not state the fee or eligibility rules, so use the guide in your kit. If you have a representative, see IMM 5476.

Common mistakes

  • Missing the application or document deadline.
  • Filling the form on a phone or tablet instead of a computer with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  • Giving too little detail about why you fear return.
  • Not attaching supporting documents with page numbers.

FAQ

Does applying stop removal?

IRCC states that when a person applies on time, their removal order is stayed until the decision.

Can I apply again after a refusal?

This guide gives no rule on repeat applications because the IRCC pages reviewed do not state one.

Key takeaways

  • CBSA notifies eligible people; deadlines are short.
  • A timely application stays removal until a decision.
  • Seek help from an authorized representative.

Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Removal matters are urgent and individual; consult an authorized immigration representative.

Sources

  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Pre-Removal Risk Assessment 101 (Program Advisory Committee briefing)
  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Application for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (IMM 5508)

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