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Canada’s New PRRA Measure for Israeli and Palestinian Nationals: Who Can Apply for Another Risk Assessment in 2026?

Canada has introduced an important temporary immigration measure that could provide another opportunity for certain Israeli and Palestinian nationals and former residents to seek protection in Canada. Announced on September 29, 2026, by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this measure allows eligible individuals to apply for another Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) even if they previously received a final negative decision on their refugee claim, an earlier PRRA application, or a related Federal Court case.

This announcement is particularly significant for individuals who may be facing removal from Canada but believe that returning to their country of origin could expose them to persecution, torture, or other serious risks.

Under Canada's regular immigration rules, individuals are generally required to wait 12 months after receiving a negative protection decision before becoming eligible for another PRRA. However, the new temporary measure creates an exception for qualifying individuals whose final negative decisions fall within a specific period.

Understanding this policy, its eligibility requirements, and the application process is essential before taking the next step. At I Can Help Immigration, we help individuals understand Canadian immigration options and navigate complex immigration procedures with informed guidance.

What Is a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) in Canada?

A Pre-Removal Risk Assessment, commonly known as PRRA, is an immigration protection process conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

It allows certain individuals who are facing removal from Canada to explain why they believe returning to their country of origin could put their safety or life at risk.

The assessment considers whether an individual could face:

• Persecution based on relevant grounds under Canada's refugee protection framework.
• Torture if returned to their country of origin.
• A risk to their life.
• Cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.

A PRRA is designed to assess the risks an individual may face if removed from Canada. It is not simply another opportunity to repeat an unsuccessful refugee claim. Applicants must provide relevant information and evidence that supports their protection concerns.

Why Is PRRA Important for Individuals Facing Removal?

Receiving a negative refugee decision can create significant uncertainty for individuals and their families. In some circumstances, a person may believe that conditions in their home country have changed or that returning would expose them to serious danger.

A PRRA provides an opportunity to have these risks assessed before removal, subject to the applicable eligibility rules.

For individuals who qualify under Canada's new temporary measure, the opportunity to submit another PRRA may be particularly important because it removes the usual 12-month waiting restriction.

Canada's New Temporary PRRA Measure for Israel and Palestine – 2026

On September 29, 2026, IRCC announced a temporary exception to the standard 12-month PRRA waiting period for certain nationals and former residents of Israel and Palestine.

Under this measure, individuals may be eligible to apply for another Pre-Removal Risk Assessment if they received a final negative decision on a qualifying protection-related matter between:

September 28, 2025, and September 29, 2026.

The measure applies to final negative decisions involving:

1. An asylum or refugee claim decided by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).
2. A previous Pre-Removal Risk Assessment application.
3. A Federal Court decision related to their immigration protection case.

This temporary exception recognises that changing conditions in a person's country of origin may create new or different protection concerns.

Importantly, this is not an automatic reopening of previously refused refugee claims. Eligible individuals must still submit a PRRA application and demonstrate the risks they may face if returned.

Who May Qualify for the New PRRA Exception?

Not every individual from Israel or Palestine automatically qualifies for this temporary measure. Eligibility depends on nationality or former residence, the type of previous decision, and the date that decision became final.

1. Israeli Nationals and Former Residents

Individuals who are nationals or former residents of Israel may qualify if they received a final negative decision on an asylum claim, previous PRRA application, or related Federal Court case within the specified period.

2. Palestinian Nationals and Former Residents

Palestinian nationals and former residents may also be eligible under the same temporary measure, provided their previous protection-related decision meets the applicable requirements.

3. Individuals With a Previous Negative Refugee Decision

People who previously applied for refugee protection in Canada and received a final negative decision from the Immigration and Refugee Board may qualify if the decision falls within the specified dates.

4. Individuals With a Previous Negative PRRA Decision

If an individual previously submitted a PRRA application and received a final negative decision during the qualifying period, they may also be eligible to apply again under this exception.

5. Individuals Whose Federal Court Cases Received a Final Negative Decision

The measure also covers qualifying individuals whose Federal Court proceedings related to their protection case resulted in a final negative decision within the specified period.

Important: Meeting the date requirement alone does not guarantee eligibility. Each applicant's immigration history and circumstances must be reviewed carefully.

Why Has Canada Introduced This Temporary PRRA Measure?

The protection concerns of individuals from Israel and Palestine must be considered in light of changing conditions in their regions of origin.

Canada's immigration authorities recognise that circumstances within a country can change significantly over time. A person's safety concerns may become different or more serious after their original refugee claim or PRRA application has been refused.

Under the regular rules, individuals are generally restricted from submitting another PRRA application for 12 months following a negative protection decision.

However, IRCC can introduce exceptions when there are significant changes in conditions in a country of origin.

The September 2026 announcement provides qualifying Israeli and Palestinian nationals and former residents with another opportunity to have their protection concerns assessed without waiting for the usual 12-month period.

This is particularly important for individuals who may have new evidence or updated information about the risks associated with returning to their country of origin.

What Happens If Your New PRRA Application Is Approved?

An approved PRRA can have important implications for an individual's immigration status in Canada.

If IRCC determines that the applicant meets the applicable protection requirements, they may receive protected person status.

This can provide an opportunity to pursue a more secure immigration future in Canada.

1. Protected Person Status

Individuals whose PRRA applications are approved may become protected persons under Canada's immigration system.

This means Canada has recognised that they meet the relevant protection requirements and should not be returned to a situation where they face the qualifying risks.

2. Opportunity to Apply for Permanent Residence

Protected persons in Canada may generally apply for Canadian permanent residence.

However, receiving a positive PRRA decision does not automatically grant permanent residence. Applicants must submit a separate permanent residence application and satisfy the applicable requirements.

3. Greater Immigration Security

Obtaining protected person status can provide greater certainty regarding an individual's ability to remain in Canada, subject to applicable immigration laws and any relevant exceptions.

4. An Opportunity to Plan for the Future

For individuals who have experienced uncertainty following a negative refugee decision, a successful PRRA may open another pathway towards establishing a more stable future in Canada.

How to Apply for Another PRRA Under the 2026 Temporary Measure

If you believe you qualify for Canada's new PRRA exception, understanding your previous immigration decisions and preparing the appropriate supporting documents are important steps.

Here is an overview of the process.

Step 1: Review Your Previous Immigration Decision

Start by identifying the final negative decision received on your previous asylum claim, PRRA application, or related Federal Court case.

Check the date of the decision and confirm whether it falls between September 28, 2025, and September 29, 2026.

Step 2: Confirm Your Eligibility

Review whether you meet the nationality or former-residence requirements and whether your previous decision falls within the categories covered by the temporary measure.

Your complete immigration history should also be considered.

Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents

Prepare relevant documents that can help explain your circumstances and support your protection concerns.

These may include:

• Passport or relevant identity documents.
• Previous refugee claim or PRRA decision letters.
• Relevant Federal Court decision documents, where applicable.
• Evidence of the risks you may face if returned.
• Updated country-condition information.
• Other supporting documents relevant to your individual circumstances.

Step 4: Prepare Your PRRA Application

Your application should clearly explain the protection concerns and provide relevant supporting evidence.

It is important to ensure that the information submitted is accurate, consistent, and properly organised.

Step 5: Submit Your Application Following IRCC Instructions

Follow the applicable IRCC instructions for submitting a PRRA application under the temporary exception.

Make sure all required information and supporting documents are included.

Step 6: Respond to Any Further Requests

IRCC may request additional information or documents while reviewing your application. Applicants should carefully follow all instructions and keep their application information updated.

Important: PRRA eligibility does not guarantee approval or automatically stop every removal process. Individuals facing removal should obtain advice about their specific circumstances and any applicable deadlines or legal obligations.

Why Should You Choose I Can Help Immigration?

Canadian immigration procedures can be complicated, especially when they involve previous refugee refusals, removal orders, Federal Court decisions, and protection assessments.

Understanding the applicable rules and identifying the correct immigration options are important before submitting an application.

At I Can Help Immigration, we aim to make immigration information easier to understand and help individuals explore the options available for their circumstances.

Here is how we can assist:

1. Immigration Eligibility Guidance

We can help you understand the eligibility requirements associated with the new PRRA temporary measure and identify the key details that need to be reviewed.

2. Review of Previous Immigration History

Previous refugee decisions, PRRA refusals, and Federal Court outcomes may affect your available options. Understanding your immigration history is an important part of assessing your next steps.

3. Guidance on Supporting Documents

We can help you understand the types of documents and information that may be relevant to your application.

4. Application Preparation Support

Proper preparation and accurate information are important when dealing with immigration applications. We can guide you through the relevant preparation requirements.

5. Understanding Your Future Immigration Options

If your PRRA is approved, we can help you understand the potential next steps, including the general permanent residence pathway available to protected persons.

Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your Canadian immigration journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canada's New PRRA Measure

1. Can I apply for another PRRA after receiving a negative refugee decision?

Under Canada's new temporary measure, certain Israeli and Palestinian nationals and former residents may qualify to apply for another PRRA if their final negative decision falls between September 28, 2025, and September 29, 2026.

2. Does the new PRRA measure apply to Palestinian nationals?

Yes. The temporary measure includes qualifying Palestinian nationals and former residents, subject to the applicable eligibility conditions.

3. Does the measure apply to Israeli nationals?

Yes. Eligible Israeli nationals and former residents may also benefit from this temporary exception.

4. What is the normal waiting period before applying for another PRRA?

Under the general rules, individuals are usually required to wait 12 months after a negative protection decision before becoming eligible for another PRRA. Certain exceptions apply, including the new measure for qualifying individuals from Israel and Palestine.

5. Will my removal from Canada automatically stop if I qualify?

No. Eligibility for the temporary PRRA measure does not automatically guarantee that removal proceedings will stop. Your individual circumstances and the applicable removal procedures must be considered.

6. Can I apply for permanent residence after my PRRA is approved?

Individuals who receive protected person status through an approved PRRA may generally apply for Canadian permanent residence, provided they meet the applicable requirements.

7. Does everyone who applies under this measure receive protected person status?

No. IRCC assesses every application individually. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the relevant protection requirements. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.

Contact I Can Help Immigration for PRRA Guidance in Canada

Receiving a negative refugee decision does not necessarily mean that you have no further immigration options. Canada's September 2026 temporary PRRA measure may provide another opportunity for eligible Israeli and Palestinian nationals and former residents to have their protection concerns assessed.

However, eligibility depends on several factors, including your nationality or former residence, the type of previous decision, and when that decision became final.

If you or a family member received a negative refugee or PRRA decision during the qualifying period, it may be worth reviewing your circumstances to understand whether this temporary exception applies.

I Can Help Immigration can help you understand the new PRRA measure, review your potential eligibility, and explore the next steps available under Canadian immigration rules.

Contact I Can Help Immigration today to discuss your circumstances and book an appointment for immigration guidance.

Your next step towards understanding your Canadian immigration options starts with the right information.