COW – Pre-Removal Risk Assessment Process – May 28, 2026

• The pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA) process is an important safeguard in Canada's immigration system.
• It helps ensure a person isn't removed to a country where they face a risk of persecution, torture or serious harm.
• Applicants can provide evidence and have legal representation.
• Trained officers assess each case individually based on current country conditions and the facts presented.
• With exceptions for applicants with serious inadmissibilities, if a PRRA is accepted, the individual receives protected person status.
• Negative decisions can be reviewed by the Federal Court.

New ineligibility rules under C-12

• New asylum eligibility rules recently came into effect for claims made on or after June 3, 2025.
• People whose claims are found ineligible may still apply for a PRRA in most cases once the Canada Border Services Agency begins the removal process.
• We have increased PRRA processing capacity with additional trained officers.
• We also updated officer guidance to reflect recent court decisions.