Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications

Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications, also known as H&C, are Canadian permanent residence applications. An individual could try to get permanent residence in Canada based on H&C if the individual is foreign national currently living in Canada without legal status. If you are one of those people, or you have friends who struggle with legal status in Canada, know there are options for you. This short guide will give you basic information about the application process for permanent residence in Canada based on Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds. 

Who Can Qualify for H&C?

An individual can apply for Permanent Residence based on H&C grounds if: 

• He or she is a foreign national who has been living in Canada for at least three years, 
• Need an exemption from one or more requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) or Regulations to apply for PR in Canada, 
• Believe humanitarian and compassionate considerations justify granting the exemption(s), 
• They are not qualified to apply for PR based on  other grounds, such as a temporary residence permit, protected person or convention refugees, spouse or common-law partner, live-in caregiver or caregiver who take care of kids or people with special medical needs.

What Are the Requirements for Applicants Who Want to Apply for PR Based on H&C?

Each case of applying for Permanent Residence under H&C is unique. Immigration officers, who make decisions about each case under humanitarian and compassionate grounds, must consider all evidence and relevant facts. Before the final decision, they will make a global assessment of relevant factors: how settled an individual is in Canada, do they have family ties in the country, what is the best interest of a child (if any is involved), and what might happen if a person’s request is denied. 

A significant component of H&C cases is what might happen to an individual if he must return to his country of origin. What could he suffer? This is why immigration officers must explore an applicant’s background. An individual needs to show all the difficulties he might suffer back home.  

Why Do You Need Legal Help Applying for Permanent Residence Based on H&C?

As we mentioned, all these cases are unique, and applying for PR in Canada under H&C isn’t an easy task for an individual. Immigration officers are looking for solid evidence before they make a decision. Making a solid case is essential, which is why you should get legal help. You can book an online appointment with our immigration lawyer and hope for a successful outcome.