Under Section 112 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), applying for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) is often the last step before deportation. While there is no government fee for a standard PRRA, hiring an experienced immigration lawyer to draft the complex written submissions typically costs between $3,000 and $7,000 CAD depending on the volume of evidence required.
Understanding PRRA and Legal Costs in Canada
Facing removal from Canada is an incredibly frightening experience. 😨 If the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) tells you that you are ready to be deported, they will typically offer you a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) if you are eligible. The PRRA is a written application where you must prove to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that returning to your home country would put your life in danger or subject you to cruel and unusual treatment.
Because the PRRA is entirely a paper-based assessment, the quality of your written submission is the difference between staying in Canada or being placed on a plane. ✈️ You generally do not get a hearing. Therefore, hiring a skilled lawyer to gather country condition documents, medical reports, and draft detailed legal arguments is critical. Whether you are facing removal from Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver, reaching out to a dedicated refugee lawyer from our directory can give you the strongest chance of success.
Step-by-Step Process for a PRRA in Canada
The PRRA process moves extremely quickly, and missing a deadline means your deportation will proceed immediately. ⏱️ Here is how the legal process works once CBSA initiates contact.
Step 1: Receiving the Notification from CBSA
When CBSA calls you in for a removal interview, they will hand you the PRRA application forms. 📬 From the exact date you receive these forms, you have only 15 days to complete the application and submit it to IRCC. Submitting the form simply tells the government you intend to apply; it does not contain your full evidence yet.
Step 2: Gathering New Evidence
A PRRA is not simply a repeat of a failed refugee claim. You must present new evidence that arose after your initial Refugee Protection Division (RPD) hearing, or evidence you could not reasonably have provided earlier. 🔍 Your lawyer will spend weeks gathering updated human rights reports, fresh medical evaluations, and new sworn affidavits from witnesses back home.
Step 3: Submitting the Written Legal Submissions
After filing your initial form, you are granted an additional 15 days to submit all your supporting documents and the lawyer’s written submissions. 💼 This document is a massive legal brief detailing exactly how your new evidence meets the risk criteria under IRPA Section 112.
How Much Does a PRRA Lawyer Cost?
While the Canadian government does not charge a filing fee for a PRRA (unless you are applying for permanent residence simultaneously), professional legal fees are substantial. 💰
- Basic Legal Fees: For a straightforward case with limited documents, lawyers generally charge between $3,000 and $4,500 CAD.
- Complex Case Fees: If your case requires analyzing hundreds of pages of foreign documents, translating complex police reports, or hiring external medical experts, legal fees can range from $5,000 to $7,000+ CAD.
- Additional Disbursements: You must also pay out-of-pocket for ATIO-certified translations (often $50-$100 per page) and psychological assessments (typically $1,000-$2,500 CAD).
How Long Does the Process Take?
Once you submit your PRRA form within the 15-day limit, your deportation is legally put on hold (a statutory stay of removal). 📅 The processing time for IRCC to review your submissions and issue a final decision varies drastically. Currently, in 2026, most applicants wait between 6 to 12 months for a PRRA decision. If approved, you can apply for permanent residency. If refused, CBSA will immediately resume the deportation process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does applying for a PRRA guarantee my deportation is paused?
Generally, yes. Applying for your first PRRA triggers an automatic stay of removal. However, if this is your second PRRA, or if you are deemed inadmissible for serious criminality or security reasons, you do not get an automatic stay, and CBSA can deport you while the application is processing.
What happens if I miss the 15-day deadline?
If you fail to submit your application form within 15 days, you legally forfeit your right to a PRRA. CBSA will assume you do not fear returning and will finalize your flight arrangements.
Can I get Legal Aid for a PRRA in my province?
Yes, many provinces (like Legal Aid Ontario or Legal Aid BC) offer certificates to cover PRRA legal fees. However, you must undergo a strict merit assessment. Legal Aid will only fund your case if they believe you have a strong chance of winning based on new evidence.
Can I apply for a PRRA immediately after my refugee claim fails?
No. Under Canadian law, you are subject to a “12-month bar.” You generally cannot apply for a PRRA until 12 months have passed since your last negative decision from the IRB or Federal Court. (Exceptions apply for nationals of specific countries undergoing sudden crises).
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