Deferral Request
A deferral of removal is a formal request to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to temporarily halt deportation. This is not an automatic process—it requires a well-documented case that presents strong reasons to justify postponing your removal. A deferral is often sought when individuals are at immediate risk of deportation but have valid grounds for reconsideration.
What Happens After We Submit Your Deferral Request?
- CBSA Decision:
- CBSA officers review the request and decide whether to defer your removal.
- If Approved:
- You are granted temporary relief from deportation.
- During this time, we assist with additional steps to secure your long-term immigration status, such as Humanitarian and Compassionate applications or Pre-Removal Risk Assessments (PRRA).
- If Denied:
We can pursue further legal actions, such as judicial review in Federal Court, to challenge the decision.
The Process of Requesting a Deferral of Removal in Canada
- 1. Case Assessment
A thorough evaluation of the individual’s circumstances is conducted to determine if there are valid grounds for requesting a deferral. Common reasons include:
- Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds: Family separation, hardship, or other personal considerations.
- Risk in the Country of Origin: Evidence of persecution, torture, or severe harm if returned.
- Medical Concerns: Critical medical conditions that require treatment unavailable in the home country.
- 2. Submission of the Deferral Request
The deferral request is submitted directly to the CBSA officer handling the deportation. This includes a detailed written statement outlining the reasons for the request and any supporting documentation to substantiate the claims.
Key Elements of the Request:
Explanation of the new or urgent circumstances that justify delaying removal.Evidence such as medical records, risk assessments, or proof of integration into Canadian society.
- 3. Supporting Documentation
The success of the deferral request heavily depends on the quality of the supporting evidence. This may include:
- Reports from medical professionals, psychologists, or other specialists.
- Affidavits or letters from family members, community leaders, or employers.
- Documentation demonstrating risks in the home country, such as expert opinions or country condition reports.
- 4. Review and Decision by CBSA
The CBSA officer reviews the submitted request and supporting documents to decide whether a deferral is warranted.
Factors Considered:
- The immediacy and severity of the risks posed by removal.
- The impact on the individual’s health, safety, and family.
- Whether the request aligns with Canada’s humanitarian obligations.
- 5. Outcome of the Deferral Request
If Approved:
- The removal is temporarily postponed, providing time to pursue other legal remedies or applications, such as a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) or Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application.
If Denied:
- Other legal options, such as judicial review, may be pursued to challenge the decision.
Differences Between a TRP and a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
TRP (Temporary Resident Permit)
- For individuals who are inadmissible to Canada or do not meet entry requirements.
- Issued for exceptional cases where the need to enter outweighs potential risks.
TRV (Temporary Resident Visa)
- For eligible individuals who meet all standard entry requirements.
- Commonly issued for tourism, business, or family visits.
Temporary Resident Permit for Criminal Inadmissibility
If you have a criminal conviction, such as DUI or theft, you may be inadmissible to Canada. In such cases, you can apply for a TRP if:
- You have a compelling reason to visit Canada.
- You can prove rehabilitation or show that your offense is not a serious threat to Canadian society.
For minor criminal offenses committed more than five years ago, you may also consider applying for criminal rehabilitation, which can permanently resolve your inadmissibility.
Benefits of a Temporary Resident Permit
- Legal Entry: Provides a legal pathway for individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to enter Canada temporarily.
- Flexibility: Allows individuals to visit Canada for specific, time-sensitive reasons.
- Opportunity for Resolution: While not permanent, holding a TRP can pave the way to demonstrate good conduct, potentially helping with future visa or rehabilitation applications.
The Temporary Resident Permit is an essential option for those with inadmissibility issues, allowing them to access Canada legally and responsibly for temporary purposes.