Received a “Notice of Removal”? You Have One Final Line of Defense.

If you have received a direction from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to report for removal, the Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) is likely your last opportunity to stay in Canada. It is a formal application to prove that returning you to your home country would put your life in danger.

At Cambria Law, we handle urgent PRRA submissions. We know that this is not just paperwork; it is a life-or-death argument. We move quickly to compile the new evidence needed to pause your deportation.

The Golden Rule: “New Evidence Only”

Most self-represented applicants fail because they try to re-argue their old Refugee claim. This will lead to an automatic refusal.

Under the law, a PRRA officer can only consider:

  1. New Facts: Risks that have arisen after your refugee hearing or last decision.

  2. New Evidence: Documents that were not reasonably available during your previous hearing.

  3. Changed Country Conditions: If a new war, law, or government crackdown has occurred in your home country since your refusal.

Our Strategy: We don’t recycle old arguments. We hunt for fresh evidence—new police reports, recent human rights updates, or changes in your personal circumstances—to prove a current risk.

Does a PRRA Stop My Deportation?

Yes. In most cases, applying for a PRRA triggers a regulatory stay of removal.

  • The Effect: CBSA cannot deport you while a decision is pending.

  • The Timeline: Processing can take months, giving you time to remain in Canada with legal status (including a Work Permit).

  • The Exception: If you are a “repeat” applicant or inadmissible for serious criminality, you may not get an automatic stay. We assess your status immediately to warn you of risks.

Who Is Eligible for a PRRA?

You typically become eligible for a PRRA when:

  1. You are facing removal from Canada.

  2. Your 12-month “waiting period” (after a failed refugee claim) has expired.

    • Note: If you come from a country with a sudden spike in violence, the 12-month bar may be waived.

What Happens If You Win?

If your PRRA is accepted, you become a Protected Person.

  • This allows you to apply for Permanent Residence immediately.

  • You are safe from deportation.

What Happens If You Lose?

If refused, your removal order becomes active again. However, we can challenge a negative PRRA decision at the Federal Court (Judicial Review) if the officer ignored your new evidence.

Don’t Wait for the Airport Interview.

If you have received a PRRA form from CBSA, you have a strict 15-day deadline to submit your forms and 15 more days for evidence. Missing this deadline means deportation.