Pre Risk Assessment Application (PRRA)

While both seek protection, a refugee claim is usually heard by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) through an oral hearing. 

A PRRA is a paper-based application reviewed by an IRCC officer, often occurring after a refugee claim has already been refused or declared ineligible. In a PRRA, you generally cannot resubmit evidence that was already considered during your refugee claim; you must provide "new" information. 

Submission Deadlines:

• 15 days to submit the PRRA form if received in person

• 22 days to submit the PRRA form if received by post

• 30 days to submit detailed written submissions and supporting evidence

Approval grants you the right to stay in Canada, but your specific status depends on your background:

• Protected Person Status: Most applicants become "Protected Persons," allowing them to live in Canada indefinitely.

• Path to Permanent Residence: Once you are a Protected Person, you can immediately apply for Permanent Residence (PR).

• Stay of Removal (Inadmissibility): If you are inadmissible due to serious criminality or security issues, you will not get Protected Person status. Instead, your deportation is "stayed" (paused), allowing you to stay in Canada only until it is safe to return to your country.

If your PRRA is rejected, you must leave Canada. Here is a breakdown of the immediate consequences:

• Removal Proceedings: The "stay of removal" is lifted, and the CBSA will proceed with your deportation.

• Federal Court Review: You can apply to the Federal Court of Canada for a judicial review challenging the decision.

• No Automatic Stay: Simply applying for a review does not stop your deportation; you must specifically request and be granted a "stay of removal" by the Court to remain during the process.

• Medical Coverage (IFHP): Your Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) coverage will remain active until you actually depart from Canada.