Refugee / Humanitarian & Compassionate / PRRA
Canada provides several legal pathways for individuals who cannot return to their home country safely or who face exceptional hardship. This service covers three related but distinct pathways:
**Refugee Claims (Convention Refugee / Person in Need of Protection)** A refugee claim is made by a person already in Canada who fears persecution in their country of nationality or habitual residence based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group (the Geneva Convention grounds), or who faces a personalized risk of torture, risk to life, or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment. Claims are heard before the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). If the claim is accepted, the claimant becomes a "protected person" and can apply for permanent residence.
**Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) Applications** An H&C application allows a foreign national in Canada to apply for permanent residence on the basis of humanitarian and compassionate considerations — such as establishment in Canada, family ties, the best interests of children, or hardship that would result from removal. H&C is a discretionary pathway assessed by IRCC officers. It is not a protection claim and does not require a finding of persecution.
**Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)** A PRRA is an application to IRCC by a person facing removal from Canada to assess whether they face risks — persecution, torture, risk to life, or cruel and unusual treatment — if returned to their country. PRRAs are available to individuals after a failed refugee claim in most cases, or to those who have not made a refugee claim. There is no government fee to apply for a PRRA.
These three pathways are often interconnected and may be pursued simultaneously or in sequence depending on the individual's circumstances. The $7,000 + HST flat fee covers one primary application in one of these pathways; if multiple applications are filed together, this is confirmed at intake.
What Is Included
- Intake consultation and assessment of applicable pathways (refugee claim, H&C, PRRA)
- Preparation of the refugee claim or Basis of Claim (BOC) form and narrative
- Document compilation and evidence strategy for RPD hearing
- Preparation for and attendance at the IRB Refugee Protection Division hearing (refugee claims)
- Preparation of an H&C application including personal statement, establishment evidence, and best interests of children analysis (where applicable)
- Preparation of a PRRA application with risk narrative and supporting country conditions evidence
- Research and preparation of country condition documentation
- Response to IRCC or IRB requests for additional information
- Preparation of the permanent residence application after a positive refugee determination or H&C approval
What Is Not Included
- Government fees (H&C PR: $1,210/adult + $175/child; protected person PR: $635/adult + $175/child; PRRA: no fee)
- Biometrics fees ($85 per person if required)
- Appeals to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) — quoted separately
- Federal Court judicial review of negative decisions — quoted separately
- Translation fees for documents not in English or French
- Medical examination fees
- Representation in criminal or other non-immigration proceedings
Who This Service Is For
Information Required from You
- 1Passports and travel documents for all applicants
- 2Personal account of events giving rise to the claim or H&C circumstances (provided by the applicant)
- 3Any documentary evidence of persecution, risk, or hardship (police reports, medical records, news articles, affidavits)
- 4Proof of establishment in Canada (employment, taxes, community involvement, bank statements) — for H&C
- 5Evidence of children's ties to Canada (school records, medical records) — for best interests of children analysis
- 6Police certificates from all countries of residence for 6+ months since age 18
- 7Any prior immigration history in Canada and previous decisions (refugee decisions, removal orders, etc.)
Common Add-Ons
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Limitations
- •These are complex, high-stakes legal proceedings. Outcomes depend on the individual facts of each case and are assessed by independent decision-makers at the IRB or IRCC.
- •This flat fee covers one primary application. If multiple pathways are pursued simultaneously (e.g., H&C combined with PRRA), this is confirmed at intake.
- •Appeals to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) and Federal Court judicial reviews are not included and are quoted separately.
- •Approval is not guaranteed. The IRB and IRCC make independent decisions based on the evidence and applicable law.
- •Protected persons who receive a positive refugee determination do not pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) on their subsequent PR application.
Pricing Scenario
Preparation of a refugee claim and Basis of Claim (BOC) narrative, document compilation, and representation at the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) hearing. If the claim is accepted, the protected person PR application is included.
Legal fee
$7,000
+ HST
Basis of Claim form and narrative
Country conditions research and evidence package
RPD hearing preparation and representation
Protected person PR application (after positive determination) — included
Government fees (separate)
Protected person PR application after positive determination: $635 per adult, $175 per child. No RPRF. Biometrics $85 per person if required. IRCC fees paid directly to IRCC.
This service is provided by a third party. By requesting this service, you consent to us sharing your inquiry with one of our partner law firms, and you may be contacted by them, pursuant to our Privacy Policy.
Requesting does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Subject to conflict check and acceptance.
Prices are for the stated scope only. Additional complexity, urgency, disbursements, HST, or government fees may apply.
Refugee Claim (RPD)
$7,000
+ HST