Section 3 – After the Decision
Pre Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)
What is it?
If the 30 days have passed since your negative Refugee Hearing decision and you have not left Canada, you are now on a Deportation Order and can be considered under the Pre Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA).
It is appropriate to take up this application if you believe your life is still at risk or that you will suffer inhumane treatment e.g. torture, if you return to your country of origin.
(If you have previously made an unsuccessful refugee claim you cannot make a second claim but you could be assessed under this programme.)
The application and decision are done in writing, but, when called, you must still attend any interview with CIC in person.
Timing:
You will be asked to go for an interview. There you maybe notified about the PRRA application and will be given the deadlines and necessary information. CIC will take your photo, or will make arrangement to renew your passport.
- CIC must receive your application within 15 days of you receiving the notification.
- You must send any additional evidence to support your statement of risk within 30 days of receiving this notification.
- If the documents do not arrive on time, you can be removed from Canada.
Documentation:
You will need documents to sustain your argument of risk, identity documents, and updated information about your country and your case.
You need to provide NEW evidence that was not available at the time of your original hearing.
Show why you would be at risk:
- What kind of risk?
- How is it the same or different from the rest of the population?
- What would happen if you moved to another city or region of your country?
You can use magazine articles, personal letters, written testimonies, medical or police documents. Documents not in English or French have to be translated.
If you need more time to obtain documents, let CIC know the reasons.
You can apply for legal assistance with this.
This is a complex process for more information see PRRA and http://www.lss.bc.ca/ or speak to a VRSA staff person at SOS for Chinese speakers and MCC for Spanish speakers. For other languages use either organisation.
Results:
If you are successful with your PRRA application, you become a ”person in need of protection” and are eligible to apply for permanent resident status.
You will have to continue renewing your work permit, SIN card and IFH until you become a permanent resident.
If you are unsuccessful and receive a negative decision arrangements will be made to remove you from Canada very soon after.
