Humanitarian & Compassionate Applications

Apply for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds

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Overview

In exceptional circumstances, you may apply for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) grounds if you would face unusual hardship if you had to leave Canada.

H&C Applications FAQ

Common questions about humanitarian and compassionate grounds

This option is generally considered when someone doesn't qualify under standard immigration programs but would face unusual, undeserved, or disproportionate hardship if required to leave Canada or apply for a visa from abroad.

Officers weigh factors like establishment in Canada, best interests of any children involved, family ties, health considerations, and the hardship you'd face if the application were refused.

Processing times can be lengthy, often over a year, since each application requires an individualized assessment. We help ensure your submission is thorough from the start to avoid unnecessary delays.

In many cases, yes. We assess your overall situation to determine whether an H&C application should run alongside another pending application or serve as a standalone option.

Need Help with an H&C Application?

Humanitarian and Compassionate applications require careful preparation and strong supporting evidence. Our experienced consultants can assess your case and build a compelling application.