What Evidence Can Be Submitted in a PRRA?
· Harjeet Arora, RCIC-IRB
A PRRA should be built around evidence that addresses the person’s risk if removed. The usefulness of a document depends on the legal test, prior findings and the person’s procedural history.
Personalized evidence
Documents can include threats, medical or police records, affidavits, communications, identity or membership evidence, and other material connecting the applicant personally to the alleged risk.
Country-condition evidence
Objective reports can help establish the broader conditions in the country of return, but general conditions alone may not prove a personalized risk.
New evidence after a refugee refusal
Where there was an earlier refugee claim, the timing and availability of evidence can be important. Counsel should address why later material changes or answers the prior risk assessment rather than simply repeating the old record.
Keep the application current
Material developments before a decision should be assessed for possible updating in accordance with the applicable process.
See PRRA representation.
Related guidance: Does filing a PRRA stop removal?
Organizing a useful evidence record
Prepare a timeline of incidents, identify the source and date of each document, and explain how the material relates to the applicant’s personal circumstances. Where relevant, translations, supporting declarations and updated country information should be organized consistently. The evidence must respond to the applicable legal test and any findings in earlier proceedings.
Discuss a PRRA evidence review.
General information only. Evidence strategy is case-specific.