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Refugees & Protected PersonsImportant

Canada Changes Pre-Removal Risk Assessment Rules for Some People from Uganda

Some Ugandan nationals and former residents may be exempt from the usual 12-month waiting period for a pre-removal risk assessment after specified negative decisions.

Published
June 19, 2026
Last verified
September 7, 2026
Effective
June 19, 2026

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Important

A time-sensitive exemption may apply, but eligibility is case-specific.

What happened?

IRCC temporarily lifted the usual waiting period for some Ugandan nationals and former residents because of evolving security, political and human-rights conditions.

A PRRA assesses whether removal could expose a person to persecution, torture or serious harm. Eligibility to apply does not guarantee approval.

What changed?

  1. The waiting-period exemption may apply to specified negative decisions dated from June 20, 2025 through June 19, 2026.
  2. People receiving a final negative decision after June 19, 2026 generally remain subject to the 12-month waiting period described by IRCC.
  3. Restrictions can still apply in cases involving serious inadmissibility or exclusion from refugee protection.

Who is affected?

  1. Ugandan nationals or former residents with a qualifying negative asylum, PRRA or related Federal Court decision in the stated date range.
  2. People under a removal process who need to understand whether the exemption applies to their exact case.

What this means for you

  1. This is a legal and case-specific process. A general summary cannot determine eligibility or stop removal action.
  2. You can apply for a PRRA only after a CBSA officer tells you that you are eligible. Meeting the waiting-period exemption dates alone does not allow you to submit an independent application.
  3. People who may be affected should review the official notice and seek urgent help from an authorized representative or legal-aid service.

What should you do next?

  1. 1Check the date and type of the decision you received.
  2. 2Read the official eligibility details immediately.
  3. 3Keep your PRRA information current and tell IRCC about relevant changes.
  4. 4Contact a qualified immigration or refugee lawyer if removal action or a deadline may apply.

Does this affect me?

Start with your current status

Official sources

This GuideCAN summary was checked against the linked Government of Canada sources.

IRCC notice: Changes to the pre-removal risk assessment for UgandaIRCC: PRRA eligibility and the CBSA officer requirement

This article is general information, not legal advice or an eligibility decision. Immigration rules, dates and program instructions can change. Confirm your situation with IRCC or an authorized immigration professional.

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