Canada Waives PRRA Waiting Period for DRC Asylum Seekers: An Important Update
- What Changed: The mandatory 12-month waiting period to apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) has been waived for certain nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
- Who is Affected: DRC nationals who received a final negative asylum or PRRA decision between July 5, 2024, and July 4, 2025.
- Key Takeaway: This policy provides an immediate opportunity for eligible individuals to have their risk of returning to the DRC reassessed due to worsening country conditions.
On July 4, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a significant policy change affecting certain asylum seekers from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Citing a severe deterioration of conditions in the country, the government has temporarily waived the standard 12-month waiting period for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) for a specific group of DRC nationals facing removal from Canada.
Who Does This Affect?
This temporary public policy specifically targets nationals from the Democratic Republic of Congo. You may be eligible to apply for a PRRA without a waiting period if you fall into one of the following categories:
- You received a final negative decision on your asylum (refugee) claim from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada or the Federal Court between July 5, 2024, and July 4, 2025.
- You had a previous PRRA application refused by IRCC during that same one-year period.
Individuals who receive a final negative decision on their asylum claim after July 4, 2025, will not be eligible for this exemption and will be subject to the standard 12-month waiting period. IRCC notes that any recent changes in the DRC would have already been considered in those cases.
Detailed Breakdown of the Changes
Understanding the Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)
A PRRA is a critical step in Canada's immigration system that serves as a final safety check before an individual is removed from the country. Its purpose is to assess whether a person would face persecution, torture, risk to life, or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment if returned to their country of origin. Normally, an individual must wait 12 months after their asylum claim is rejected before they can apply for a PRRA.
The New Exemption for DRC Nationals
Under this new policy, the 12-month wait is eliminated for the eligible cohort. This allows them to apply for a risk assessment immediately. 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 for a PRRA. It is important to note that eligibility to apply does not guarantee a positive outcome. Each PRRA application will be assessed individually by an IRCC officer based on the evidence provided.
Context and Implications (The "Why")
IRCC has implemented this change out of deep concern for the escalating crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The government's official announcement highlighted the worsening situation since the beginning of the year, citing "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 waiver acknowledges that conditions in a person's home country can change rapidly, and that information relevant to their safety may not have been available or as severe during their initial asylum hearing. For affected DRC nationals, this change provides a crucial and timely opportunity to present new evidence of risk to an IRCC officer before a removal order is enforced.
How to Prepare
If you believe you are affected by this announcement, here are some actionable next steps:
- Await official notification from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) if you are under a removal order.
- Begin gathering any new evidence or information that demonstrates the current risks you would face if you returned to the DRC.
- Ensure your contact information with IRCC and CBSA is current so you can be reached.
- Consider seeking advice from an immigration lawyer or a licensed consultant to help prepare your PRRA application.
Conclusion
This targeted policy change by IRCC is a direct response to a severe humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By waiving the 12-month PRRA waiting period for those with recently rejected claims, Canada is providing a vital safeguard for individuals who may be at risk. Affected DRC nationals are strongly encouraged to understand their eligibility and prepare to submit a thorough application that reflects the current dangers in their home country.