Humanitarian & Compassionate Applications
Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications commonly referred to as H&C Permanent Resident Applications are made for persons who do not meet the requirements to apply under one of the existing Permanent Residence programs. These persons do not meet the requirements for Permanent Residence under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and therefore submit H&C applications to overcome their ineligibility or inadmissibility.
Applicants who wish to submit and Humanitarian and Compassionate application can do so from inside or outside Canada. H&C applications made inside Canada, address factors like best interest of the child, establishment in Canada, De facto family members etc.). H&C applications made outside Canada are required to accompany applications for a Permanent Resident Visa under one of the existing federal programs (Family Class, Economic Class or Refugee).
It is also important to know some of the general rules and requirements when applying on humanitarian and compassionate grounds:
- A person can only apply on H&C grounds for permanent residence from within Canada or for a permanent resident visa abroad
- H&C applications from temporary residents will not be processed
- Factors such as persecution, risk to life and unusual treatment or punishment will not be taken into consideration.
- You cannot submit a H&C application whilst you have refugee claim pending.