Pre-Removal Risk Assessment
PRRA · Official name: Pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA)
A Pre-Removal Risk Assessment is a last check, before someone is removed from Canada, of whether they would face persecution, torture, a risk to life or cruel and unusual treatment if sent back. You cannot ask for one yourself: a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer tells you if you can apply. In most cases you must wait 12 months after your last negative decision. If the assessment is positive, most people become protected persons and can apply for permanent residence.
3 entry rules for Canada based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Entry refused after a stay in DR Congo in the last 21 days
If you're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you've been in DR Congo in the last 21 days, you can't enter Canada, board a flight to Canada or connect through a Canadian airport, unless you fall under an exemption.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada (PHAC, page date 2026-10-08) New Temporary Border Measures in Response to the Ebola Disease Outbreak (PHAC, 19 Jul 2026) Government of Canada extends temporary border measures in response to Ebola disease outbreak (PHAC, Aug 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Quarantine after a stay in DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan in the last 21 days
If you're allowed into Canada after being in DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the last 21 days, you'll get a health check on arrival and must quarantine for 21 days, report to public health within 48 hours and check your temperature every day.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada (PHAC) Government of Canada introduces temporary border measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak (PHAC, 26 May 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Visa applications paused after a stay in DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan
If the last country you lived in, as stated on your application, is DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, Canada has suspended visitor visas, eTAs and permanent resident visas and paused new decisions. This depends on where you live, not your nationality.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Temporary measures (IRCC, page date 2026-09-28) Government of Canada introduces temporary border measures (PHAC, 26 May 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in Canada
Finance
3
Currency
Canadian Dollar
CAD
Canadian Dollar
Cost of living
90
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
14–33%
Income tax (national)
Federal top rate applies above CAD 258,482 (2026); provinces/territories add their own income tax (roughly 4% to 21% at the top), giving combined top rates of about 44% to 54%.
Living
1
Happiness
#24 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Who it’s for
People in Canada facing removal whom the CBSA has told they are eligible to apply, including some people whose refugee claim was refused or found ineligible.
Eligibility
CBSA must tell you that you can apply
You can only apply if a CBSA officer tells you that you are eligible, usually by giving you a Notification Regarding a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment with the application kit.
12-month bar
In most cases, wait 12 months after your last negative decision or withdrawal before applying.
12 months
Waiting period after last negative decision
- Applies after a negative Immigration and Refugee Board decision
- Applies after a negative decision on a previous PRRA
- Applies if you abandoned or withdrew a refugee claim or PRRA application
- Applies if the Federal Court refused to review your claim or PRRA decision
Official wording
In most cases you must wait 12 months after your last negative decision: a negative Immigration and Refugee Board decision, a negative decision on a previous PRRA, abandoning or withdrawing a refugee claim or PRRA application, or the Federal Court refusing to review your refugee claim or PRRA decision.
Country exemptions from the 12-month barSome nationalities
Nationals of some countries may be exempt from the 12-month bar, based on conditions in their country.
Exemptions announced in 2026
- Ugandaexemption announced
- June 2026
- Israel and Palestinedecision dates covered, inclusive
- 30 September 2025 to 29 September 2026
- IRCC decides which countries are exempt
- Israel and Palestine exemption covers IRB, Federal Court or previous PRRA decisions
Official wording
IRCC can exempt nationals of some countries from the bar based on conditions there. In 2026 IRCC announced exemptions for nationals of Uganda (June 2026) and of Israel and Palestine (for IRB, Federal Court or previous PRRA decisions made between 30 September 2025 and 29 September 2026, inclusive).
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The full steps, your rights while you wait, and free legal help contacts are free for anyone with an e-Passage account. You can turn on sensitive mode for discreet emails.
- 3 more requirements
- 4 documents
- 1 fee
- 6 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Official sources
- IRCC - Pre-removal risk assessment
- IRCC - PRRA: Who can apply (2025-12-19)
- IRCC - PRRA: How to apply
- IRCC - PRRA: Decision on your application (2026-04-07)
- IRCC - Guide 5523, Applying for a PRRA
- IRCC program delivery update - PRRA bar exemption, Israel and Palestine (2026-09-29)
- IRCC program delivery update - PRRA bar exemption, Uganda (2026-06-19)
