New Hope for DRC Nationals: Canada Announces Major Change to Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) Rules
- What Changed: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is temporarily waiving the standard 12-month waiting period for certain individuals to apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA).
- Who is Affected: Nationals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who received a final negative asylum decision or PRRA refusal between July 5, 2024, and July 4, 2025.
- Key Date: The policy change was announced on July 4, 2025, in response to rapidly worsening conditions in the DRC.
In a significant policy update on July 4, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a critical change affecting nationals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) facing removal from Canada. Citing a severe deterioration of conditions in the DRC, the government is lifting the 12-month waiting period for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) for a specific group of individuals. This measure provides a new opportunity for those affected to have their risk of returning to the DRC re-evaluated in light of the current crisis.
Who Does This Affect?
This urgent measure is targeted at a specific cohort of DRC nationals currently in Canada. You may be eligible to apply for a PRRA without a waiting period if you are:
- A national of the Democratic Republic of Congo who received a final negative decision on a refugee claim from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) or the Federal Court between July 5, 2024, and July 4, 2025.
- A DRC national whose previous Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) application was refused by IRCC during that same one-year period.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will be responsible for advising eligible individuals who are subject to an enforceable removal order that they can now apply. It is important to note that individuals who receive a final negative decision on their claim after July 4, 2025, are not covered by this waiver. They will be subject to the standard 12-month waiting period, as the current country conditions would have been considered in their initial claim.
Detailed Breakdown of the Changes
This announcement represents a key exception to standard Canadian immigration enforcement policy.
The 12-Month Waiting Period Waiver
Under normal circumstances, an individual must wait 12 months after a final refusal of their asylum claim before they can apply for a PRRA. However, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act allows IRCC to grant an exemption to this rule when there is a "sudden and significant change in conditions in a claimant’s country of origin." IRCC has determined that the current crisis in the DRC meets this threshold, triggering this temporary waiver.
The PRRA Process and What It Means
A Pre-Removal Risk Assessment is a final safety check to ensure a person is not being sent back to a country where they could face persecution, torture, or a risk to their life. By allowing eligible DRC nationals to apply sooner, Canada acknowledges that the risks they face today may be different from when their claim was first heard.
It is critical to understand that being eligible to apply for a PRRA does not guarantee a positive outcome or the ability to remain in Canada. IRCC officers will assess each application individually based on the new evidence and information provided.
Context and Implications (The "Why")
The government's decision is a direct response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In its official announcement, IRCC expressed deep concern over the situation, noting "grave human rights abuses, including the execution of children, forced recruitment of minors, systematic sexual violence against women and girls, and the persecution of ethnic groups."
This policy change underscores Canada's commitment to its international obligations and the principle of non-refoulement, which forbids a country from returning asylum seekers to a territory where they would be at risk. For affected DRC nationals, this waiver is a crucial lifeline, offering a chance to present new evidence of risk that has emerged since their last decision.
How to Prepare
If you believe you are affected by this announcement, here are some actionable next steps:
- Await Notification: The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will advise eligible individuals about their ability to apply for a PRRA.
- Gather New Evidence: Begin collecting documentation and information that demonstrates the current risks you would face if returned to the DRC.
- Keep Your Information Current: The government notice reminds applicants that they are "responsible for keeping their PRRA application up to date and informing IRCC of any changes."
- Consult Official Sources: For the most accurate and detailed information, always refer to the official .
Conclusion
IRCC's decision to waive the PRRA waiting period for certain DRC nationals is a significant and time-sensitive development. It provides a vital safeguard for individuals whose home country has experienced a dramatic and dangerous shift in conditions. While this does not guarantee protection, it ensures that Canada's immigration system can respond dynamically to world events and reassess risk based on the most current information available, offering new hope to those in a precarious situation.
