On October 9, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made significant modifications to the Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) process, specifically for Venezuelan nationals.

Between October 10, 2023, and October 9, 2024, Venezuelan nationals whose refugee claims were rejected may be eligible to apply for a PRRA.

Applications from Venezuelan nationals in Canada

Under normal circumstances, refugee claimants are not eligible to apply for a PRRA for 12 months following a negative decision. 

However, IRCC has waived the 12-month waiting period for eligible Venezuelan nationals,

Eligibility to apply for a PRRA does not ensure approval to stay in Canada, as IRCC will evaluate each case on an individual basis. IRCC officers will continue to decide on each case individually based on the information provided. 

Venezuelan nationals and formal habitual residents of Venezuela who receive a final negative decision after October 9, 2024, are not qualify for the exemption and must wait 12 months before applying for a PRRA. This is because recent changes in Venezuela’s situation have been considered by IRCC.

For more details, please visit the official news release on the Canadian Government’s website.

Visit TWA Canada Immigration News for more related updates.