If you are a seasonal agricultural worker in Canada facing deportation, you may apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) if returning home puts your life in danger. You generally have 15 days to apply once notified by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and there is a $0 CAD government fee.
Every year, thousands of individuals come to Canada under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) to support farms in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. When contracts end, workers are expected to return to their home countries. However, if circumstances back home have changed and you face severe persecution or danger, being forced to leave can be terrifying.
Understanding your legal options is incredibly important when dealing with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The most common defence against an impending deportation is the Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA). It is highly recommended to seek guidance from a qualified immigration lawyer in our directory to help you build a strong case and protect your basic human rights. 👨⚖️
Step-by-Step Process for Filing a PRRA in Canada
Whether you have been working in Leamington, Ontario or the Fraser Valley in British Columbia, the PRRA process is a federal procedure managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The process moves quickly, so you must act fast to halt your removal.
Step 1: Receiving the PRRA Notification
You cannot simply apply for a PRRA at any time. Generally, you must wait until the CBSA officially notifies you that you are ready to be removed from Canada. They will give you a formal PRRA notification package. Once you receive this, your deportation is legally paused while you decide whether to apply. 📬
Step 2: Submitting the Initial Application Form
After receiving the notice, you strictly have 15 days to complete and submit the basic application form. If you miss this deadline, CBSA will assume you do not want to apply and will proceed with your removal. Submitting this form quickly is crucial to maintaining your legal protection.
Step 3: Gathering Evidence and Written Submissions
Once the initial form is submitted, you generally have another 15 days to provide your written evidence. This is where you explain exactly why you fear returning to your home country. A lawyer can help you gather country condition reports, news articles, and personal sworn affidavits to prove your life is at risk. 📚
Step 4: Awaiting the IRCC Decision
An IRCC officer will review your evidence. You usually do not need to attend a hearing, as decisions are mostly made on paper. If approved, you may be granted “protected person” status, which allows you to apply for permanent residence. If refused, the stay on your removal is lifted, and CBSA will schedule your departure.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Applying for a PRRA is designed to be accessible for vulnerable people, but legal representation is where the true costs lie. It is vital to budget for professional help when your safety is on the line.
- Government Application Fee: $0 CAD. There is no official fee to submit a PRRA application to IRCC.
- Translation Costs: $100 to $500 CAD. If your evidence is not in English or French, you must pay for certified translations.
- Lawyer Fees: Typically between $3,000 and $6,000 CAD, depending on the complexity of your risk profile and the volume of evidence required.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PRRA Filing Fee | $0 | Free of charge by IRCC |
| Document Translation | $100 – $500 | Varies by document length |
| Legal Representation | $3,000+ | Highly recommended for success |
How Long Does the Process Take?
The timeline for a PRRA can be stressful. While you only have 15 days to apply and another 15 days to submit evidence, the Canadian government can take much longer to make a final decision.
Currently, processing times for a PRRA can range from 6 to 12 months, depending on the backlog at IRCC. During this waiting period, your removal order remains on hold. You may also be eligible to apply for an open work permit so you can legally support yourself in Canada while you wait for the outcome. 📅
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I work in Canada while waiting for my PRRA decision?
Yes. Once you have submitted your PRRA application, you can generally apply for a temporary open work permit. This allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada to sustain yourself during the waiting period.
What happens if my PRRA is refused?
If IRCC refuses your PRRA, the CBSA will resume your deportation process. However, you may have the option to ask the Federal Court of Canada for a Judicial Review, though you must act extremely fast to pause the removal again.
Is a PRRA the same as making a refugee claim?
They are similar in that they both assess risk, but a PRRA is specifically for individuals who are already facing an active removal order. A refugee claim is usually made when you first arrive or before removal proceedings begin.
Do I absolutely need a lawyer for a PRRA?
While you are not legally required to have a lawyer, PRRA applications are highly complex and strictly evidence-based. Finding a skilled lawyer in our directory gives you the best chance of presenting a legally sound argument to IRCC.
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