Other Immigration Services
Humanitarian & Compassionate Applications
Requests for an exception to normal immigration requirements based on compelling personal circumstances.
Overview
A Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application asks IRCC to make an exception to normal immigration requirements because of compelling circumstances — such as a person's establishment in Canada, hardship if they had to leave, or the best interests of a child involved.
This is a discretionary application, decided case by case rather than against a fixed checklist, so a clear, well-documented personal story matters a great deal.
Who may consider this: People facing compelling personal circumstances who don't qualify under a standard immigration category.
Eligibility Considerations
- Compelling personal circumstances that go beyond normal hardship
- No existing legal pathway reasonably available to address the situation
- Evidence supporting the specific grounds raised (establishment, hardship, best interests of a child, or others)
How It Works
Circumstance Assessment
We listen to your full situation and assess whether an H&C application is realistically appropriate.
Evidence Identification
We identify what evidence would best support the specific grounds in your case.
Submissions Preparation
A detailed written submission is prepared explaining your circumstances and supporting evidence.
Application Submission
The complete H&C application is submitted to IRCC.
Government Processing
IRCC reviews the application on a discretionary basis; processing times can be lengthy.
Decision
We explain the decision and, where relevant, next steps either way.
Documents You May Need
Document requirements vary by applicant and pathway — not every applicant needs every item below. We confirm your specific list during an assessment.
- Evidence of establishment in Canada (employment, community ties, length of residence)
- Evidence relevant to hardship if required to leave Canada
- Evidence relevant to the best interests of any child affected
- Supporting letters and personal statements
Common Issues to Watch For
These are presented to help you prepare, not to cause concern — most are avoidable with careful preparation.
- Submitting generic hardship claims without specific, personal supporting evidence
- Not addressing the best interests of a child clearly, where children are involved
- Treating H&C as a quick alternative when no compelling circumstances actually exist
How We Help
- Give an honest assessment of whether H&C is realistically suited to your situation
- Help identify and gather the evidence that matters most for your specific grounds
- Prepare thorough, well-organized written submissions
- Explain realistic timelines and outcomes throughout
Frequently Asked Questions
Is H&C a guaranteed way to stay in Canada?+
No — it's a discretionary request, assessed individually, and there's no guarantee of a particular outcome.
How long does an H&C application take?+
Processing times can be considerably longer than standard applications, and vary by case complexity and volume.
Can I include my children in an H&C application?+
Yes, and the best interests of any child affected are specifically considered as part of the assessment.
The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies, fees, processing times, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Please verify current requirements with official government sources or a qualified immigration professional before making decisions.