IMMIGRATION SERVICE
Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C)
Discretionary relief when no other pathway fits.
When someone doesn’t qualify under a standard immigration category, an H&C application asks IRCC to grant permanent residence on compassionate grounds — establishment, hardship, and best interests of any children involved.
Eligibility requirements
- Significant establishment in Canada, or hardship if required to leave
- Best interests of any Canadian children considered
- No other faster pathway realistically available
Required documents
- H&C submission letter
- Establishment evidence
- Best-interests-of-child evidence
- Country conditions evidence
Processing time
24-36 months
Document checklist
ChecklistH&C
Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) · Sample client
Sample checklist for illustration only. Your personalised document checklist is prepared after your consultation.
Required documents
Optional documents
Required forms (official IRCC downloads)
Internal — consultant workflow
1. Intake — confirm goals and gather background
2. Assess eligibility and select pathway
3. Prepare & review the document checklist
4. File the application with IRCC
5. Track, respond to requests, and report to client
★★★★★
“After eight years in Canada, they built the strongest case for us to finally stay for good.”