On June 19, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a notice temporarily exempting some Ugandan nationals and former residents of Uganda from the usual 12-month waiting period to apply for a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA). IRCC cited the evolving security and political situation in Uganda, including recent concerns about serious human rights violations.
IRCC clarified that this measure stems from current political and social conditions and is unrelated to immigration measures connected to the Ebola outbreak.
At a Glance
| Item | Detail |
| Notice issued | June 19, 2026 (IRCC) |
| What changed | Temporary waiver of the standard 12-month PRRA waiting period |
| Who it covers | Ugandan nationals and former residents of Uganda |
| Qualifying decision window | Final negative decision between June 20, 2025 and June 19, 2026 |
| Status | In effect (temporary measure) |
| Key caveat | Eligibility to apply is not approval — each case decided individually |
What Is a PRRA?
A Pre-Removal Risk Assessment is an evaluation of whether a person would face risks such as persecution, torture or serious harm if removed from Canada. It is generally available to individuals who have received a removal order. Normally, anyone who made a refugee claim or a previous PRRA must wait 12 months after a negative decision before applying again. IRCC can lift that waiting period when there is a sudden and significant change in conditions in a person’s country of origin — which is the basis for this Uganda measure.
Who Is Now Eligible to Apply
Ugandan nationals and former residents of Uganda may now apply for a PRRA if, between June 20, 2025 and June 19, 2026, they received a final negative decision on any of the following:
- An asylum (refugee) claim from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)
- A previous PRRA application
- A Federal Court decision related to their case
Eligibility by Decision Date
| Date of final negative decision | PRRA eligibility under this measure |
| June 20, 2025 – June 19, 2026 | May apply now — 12-month wait waived |
| On or after June 20, 2026 | Not eligible early — standard 12-month wait applies |
IRCC’s reasoning for the cut-off: people who receive a final negative decision after June 19, 2026 are not eligible to apply early because recent changes in Uganda’s situation would already have been considered during their asylum or PRRA process.
Important Caveats
- Eligibility is not approval. Being able to apply does not guarantee permission to stay. IRCC officers decide each case individually based on the information provided.
- Restricted PRRA for some. People subject to a removal order for serious inadmissibility, or who were previously excluded from refugee protection, may be eligible for only a restricted PRRA.
- Keep your application current. Applicants must keep their PRRA application up to date and inform IRCC of any changes.
If inadmissibility may affect your case, our overview of inadmissibility and refugee claims explains the common grounds and how they are addressed.
What Affected Individuals Should Do Now
- Confirm your decision date. Check that your final negative decision falls within the June 20, 2025 to June 19, 2026 window.
- Gather country-condition evidence. PRRA decisions turn on documented, current risk — detailed written submissions and credible country evidence matter.
- Verify whether a restriction applies. Serious inadmissibility or prior exclusion may limit your PRRA to a restricted assessment.
- Get a professional review before filing. A licensed RCIC consultant near you can confirm eligibility and structure the strongest possible submission within the deadlines.
How Earnest Immigration Can Help
Earnest Immigration and Citizenship Services is a CICC-regulated, RCIC-licensed consultancy with offices in Windsor, Ontario and Regina, Saskatchewan, and 130+ five-star ratings. Only RCIC-licensed consultants and immigration lawyers are legally authorized to represent you before IRCC.
Our team reviews your decision history, confirms whether the Uganda waiver applies, assembles country-condition evidence, and prepares a complete PRRA submission. We also advise on related options — from visa refusal remedies and judicial review coordination to Temporary Resident Permits — and on complex or cross-border matters through our immigration legal services in Windsor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the Uganda PRRA waiver?
Ugandan nationals and former residents of Uganda who received a final negative decision on a refugee claim, a previous PRRA, or a related Federal Court matter between June 20, 2025 and June 19, 2026.
Does this guarantee I can stay in Canada?
No. The measure only removes the 12-month waiting period for eligible applicants. IRCC still assesses each case individually, and being eligible to apply does not guarantee approval.
What if my negative decision is dated after June 19, 2026?
You are not eligible to apply early. The standard 12-month waiting period applies, because IRCC considers recent Uganda conditions already factored into decisions made after that date.
What is a restricted PRRA?
People subject to a removal order for serious inadmissibility, or who were previously excluded from refugee protection, may be eligible for only a restricted PRRA rather than a full assessment.
Should I use a licensed consultant for a PRRA?
It is strongly advisable. PRRA outcomes depend on well-documented, current risk evidence and precise submissions. A CICC-regulated, RCIC-licensed consultant can confirm eligibility and prepare a complete application.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration measures are time-limited and subject to change. Consult a CICC-regulated, RCIC-licensed immigration consultant or a licensed immigration lawyer for advice on your specific situation.
Source: IRCC notice, “Changes to the pre-removal risk assessment for Uganda,” Ottawa, June 19, 2026 (canada.ca).
