Protection & Compassionate Pathways: Refugee Claims, PRRA & H&C Applications
Canada is committed to protecting individuals who face serious risks or exceptional hardship.
This page outlines three important immigration pathways that fall outside the traditional economic and family sponsorship streams. These options—Refugee Claims, Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA), and Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Applications—are primarily for individuals who are already in Canada or at a Canadian port of entry, and who need protection or have compelling personal circumstances that merit special consideration.
Refugee Claim
Refugee protection in Canada is available to individuals who cannot return to their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution or risk of serious harm. This protection is grounded in both international obligations and Canadian law.
These categories reflect Canada’s commitment to upholding international human rights and ensuring the safety of those at risk.
Making a Refugee Claim in Canada
You can make a refugee claim either at a Canadian Port of Entry (e.g., airport, land border) or at an inland Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) office:
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Port of Entry Claim: Made upon arrival in Canada to a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer.
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Inland Claim: Made if you are already in Canada. This typically involves submitting an application online through the IRCC portal.
For individuals outside Canada, refugee protection may be accessed through Canada’s resettlement programs:
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These include the Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) program, the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program, or the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) program.
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A referral from the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) or another authorized organization is usually required to begin the process abroad.
The Refugee Claim Process
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Eligibility Determination: An IRCC or CBSA officer will first determine if your claim is eligible to be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). Factors like previous claims in Canada or coming through a "safe third country" (e.g., the U.S. under the Safe Third Country Agreement) can affect eligibility.
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Referral to IRB: If eligible, your claim is sent to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the IRB, an independent tribunal.
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Basis of Claim (BOC) Form: You will need to submit a detailed Basis of Claim form outlining why you seek protection.
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Hearing: Most claimants will have a hearing before an RPD member, who will hear your testimony and review evidence.
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Decision: The RPD member decides whether to grant you refugee protection. If successful, you become a protected person and can apply for permanent residence. If refused, you may have options to appeal or apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment.
🛡️ Refugee Protection
Facing danger if returned home? Take the Next Step.
If you fear persecution or serious harm in your home country, you may be eligible to seek refugee protection in Canada. Turaco Immigration can assist with preparing and submitting your claim.
📞 Book a confidential consultation with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC-IRB), authorized to represent clients before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).
Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)
A Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) is an application that allows individuals facing removal from Canada to seek protection based on risks they would face if returned to their country of origin. It's often a last resort before deportation.
🕒 When Is a PRRA Applicable?
A Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) typically applies when the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) notifies you that removal proceedings are underway. You may be eligible if:
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Your refugee claim was rejected, withdrawn, or deemed abandoned
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Your judicial review request to the Federal Court was unsuccessful
A 12-month waiting period generally applies after a negative refugee or PRRA decision, unless exceptional circumstances exist—such as significant changes in country conditions or the best interests of a child.
📌 Key Considerations for a PRRA
🔄 Focus on New Evidence
If you’ve previously made a refugee claim, the PRRA decision will focus primarily on new evidence that emerged after your last decision.
⚖️ Core Risk Criteria
Officers assess whether removal would expose you to:
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Persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group
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Torture, risk to life, or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment
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Lack of safe alternatives within your country of origin
⚖️ Risks Assessed
IRCC officers will evaluate whether you would face:
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Persecution (based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group)
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Torture
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Risk to life or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.
📝 Application Format
The PRRA process is document-based, involving the submission of a written application (IMM 5508) supported by evidence and a detailed written submission outlining the risks you face.
👤 Who Makes the Decision?
PRRA decisions are made by an IRCC officer, not the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), which handles initial refugee claims.
✅ Outcome & Next Steps
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Positive PRRA Decision → You receive protected person status, and your removal is halted (unless you're otherwise inadmissible).
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Negative PRRA Decision → You may reapply after 12 months if new risks arise, or seek judicial review at the Federal Court.
🔍 How Is PRRA Different from H&C Applications?
While both are special measures outside standard immigration streams:
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PRRA focuses strictly on protection from risk upon removal
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H&C applications consider humanitarian factors, including establishment in Canada, family hardship, and the best interests of children.
🕒 Pre-Removal Risk Assessment
Removal proceedings underway? Take the Next Step.
If you've been notified of removal from Canada, you may qualify to apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA).
We can help you understand the process and support you in preparing your application.
📩 Schedule a consultation with a licensed RCIC-IRB, recognized by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants to represent individuals in protection and risk assessment matters.
"Even at the edge of removal, hope remains. One well-prepared voice can still turn the tide toward protection."
❤️ Humanitarian & Compassionate
The Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application is a discretionary pathway to permanent residence in Canada for individuals who do not qualify under regular immigration programs. It allows Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to grant exemptions from specific immigration requirements when compelling personal circumstances justify special consideration.
🔍 Key Factors Considered in an H&C Application
IRCC officers assess “all the circumstances” of your case, with particular focus on:
🏡 Establishment in Canada
How well you have built a life in Canada—your length of stay, work history, education, language ability, community involvement, and overall contribution to Canadian society.
👶 Best Interests of a Child (BIOC)
If children—especially Canadian citizens or permanent residents—would be directly affected by your removal, their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being is a top priority.
⚠️ Hardship if Removed
Undue hardship you would face if required to leave Canada, such as:
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Lack of access to necessary medical care
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Risk of violence, discrimination, or political instability
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Severe social or economic challenges in your country of origin
👨👩👧👦 Family Ties in Canada
Your meaningful connections in Canada, including family members beyond your dependents, such as siblings, extended relatives, or long-standing community support.
🧩 Other Unique Circumstances
Any exceptional or compelling elements that make your situation deserving of discretionary relief.
❤️ (H&C) Applications
Experiencing hardship in Canada? Take the Next Step.
If you are not eligible under other immigration categories, you may request permanent residence based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. This discretionary process considers personal hardship and establishment in Canada.
💼 Book a consultation with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC-IRB) to assess your eligibility and receive guidance on preparing a well-supported H&C application.
📌 Important Notes about H&C Applications
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🛂 Discretionary Process
H&C is not a right—approval is at the discretion of an IRCC officer under Section 25(1) of the IRPA.
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❌ No Alternative Options
Generally pursued when no other immigration class (economic, family, protected person) is available.
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✍️ Personal Statement is Crucial
A strong and honest narrative detailing your life, challenges, and connections in Canada is vital to success.
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📑 Supporting Evidence Required
Documents such as medical records, support letters, proof of community involvement, and employment history help prove the merits of your case.
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💰 Fees Apply
The application fee for H&C is $550 (adult) or $150 (child), submitted with Form IMM 5283.
✅ How Turaco Immigration Can Help
If you're navigating the complex pathways of Refugee Protection, PRRA, or Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) applications, Turaco Immigration offers professional support through:
🔍 Eligibility screening and risk assessment
✍️ Preparation of strong submissions and personal statements
📑 Organizing persuasive supporting documents
🤝 Referrals to experienced immigration lawyers for Federal Court judicial reviews, where legal representation is required
We work closely with strategic legal partners to ensure you receive the appropriate support at every stage of your immigration journey.
📞 Schedule a consultation to explore your options with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC-IRB). Let’s help you move forward with clarity and care.