Pre-removal risk assessment: How to apply
How to apply for a pre-removal risk assessment
If you’re eligible, a CBSA officer will give you an application form and instruction guide. You’ll be able to apply for a PRRA before we remove you from Canada.
You must complete the form and submit your application in
- 15 days, if you get the forms in person
- 22 days, if you get the form and the guide in the mail
We won’t remove you from Canada until
- you tell us that you don’t plan to apply for a PRRA
- you miss the application deadline
- we refuse your PRRA application
- you withdraw or abandon your PRRA application
Step 1: Complete your application
With your application, include
- a letter to explain the risk you would face if you leave Canada
- documents or evidence to demonstrate that risk
When we review your application, we’ll look at
- risk of persecution (as defined in the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees)
- danger of torture (see Article 1 of the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment)
- risk to your life or the risk that you may be subjected to cruel and unusual treatment or punishment
For some applications, like when someone is inadmissible for serious criminality, we don’t consider risk of persecution. Instead, we assess them on the danger of torture, risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment and risk to life.
Step 2: Submit your application
There are 2 ways to submit your application. You can
- submit and manage your application online
- mail your application to us
Regardless of how you submit it, we need to get your complete application before your application deadline or your removal order won’t be stayed.
Submitting and managing your application online has some benefits:
- You won’t have to include mailing time when working with your deadlines.
- When you submit your application online, we get it right away.
- If your application makes you eligible for a stay of removal, we’re able to register it faster since your application won’t take as long to get to us.
How to submit and manage your application online
We use Canada Post’s epost Connect service to manage your online application. This service allows for electronic file transfers that are secure, private and confidential. Also, the service is free.
You can use epost Connect to
- send us your application and supporting documents
- get information about your PRRA hearing, if you need one
- send additional information when we ask for it
- update your application and personal information if your circumstances change
When you ask to manage your application online, you’re consenting to communicate with us using Canada Post’s epost Connect about all parts of your PRRA application.
To start using epost Connect, follow the instructions in our application guide.
It’s important to format your email correctly and include the correct information so we can start your epost Connect account.
After you register, we only communicate with you about your PRRA application using your epost Connect account. This includes if we need more information or to schedule a hearing with you.
When submitting your application online, it’s considered received at the time that it’s recorded in epost Connect.
More details on how to use epost Connect are in our application guide.
How to mail your application to us
You can also mail your application to us at
IRCC ‒ Humanitarian Migration ‒ Vancouver
#300 - 800 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC
V6Z 0B6
Before you mail your package:
- Get the post office to confirm you have the correct postage.
- Make sure you’ve clearly written your full name and address in the top left corner of the envelope.
Keep your application up to date
You’re responsible for keeping your information up to date. If something changes after you apply that may affect your application, tell us about it using your epost Connect account or by mail.
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