Humanitarian (H&C) Application

A middle age woman with short hair smiles gently as she sits at a rustic wooden kitchen table, holding a ceramic mug. She is looking out a window, and sunlight illuminates her face and the room. In the background, a child's drawing is on a refrigerator, and a geranium plant sits on the windowsill. A pair of worn boots is by a door. The atmosphere is warm and peaceful.
A middle age woman with short hair smiles gently as she sits at a rustic wooden kitchen table, holding a ceramic mug. She is looking out a window, and sunlight illuminates her face and the room. In the background, a child's drawing is on a refrigerator, and a geranium plant sits on the windowsill. A pair of worn boots is by a door. The atmosphere is warm and peaceful.
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Overview

A Humanitarian and Compassionate application (H&C) is one of the most unique pathways in Canadian immigration — and one of the most misunderstood.

It allows people who don't qualify for standard PR programs to apply for permanent residency based on their personal circumstances, the life they've built in Canada, and the hardship they would face if forced to leave.

There are no points, no draws, and no guaranteed outcome. The final decision rests entirely with an immigration officer. That makes how your case is built and presented more important than in almost any other application.

We work extensively with Ukrainian nationals applicants navigating H&C applications in Canada.

Is it for you?

You have been living in Canada for years but don't qualify for any standard PR program.

You or your family face serious hardship or danger if returned to your home country.

You have Canadian-born children whose best interests would be significantly affected by your departure.

You are exploring every available option to remain in Canada permanently.

In Canada

Immigration Consultation

Permanent Residence

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is H&C the same as a refugee claim?

    No — they are completely different processes. A refugee claim is based on persecution and is heard by the Immigration and Refugee Board. An H&C application is submitted directly to IRCC and is assessed based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, establishment in Canada, and the best interests of any children involved.

  • What are my chances of being approved?

    H&C is genuinely one of the least predictable programs in Canadian immigration. There are no points or objective criteria — the decision is entirely at the discretion of an immigration officer. This doesn't mean it's not worth pursuing as we see a lot of success with H&C applications, but it does mean going in with realistic expectations. We will give you an honest assessment of your case before recommending you apply.

  • Does applying for H&C affect my other immigration applications?

    No — an H&C application runs completely independently of any other program or stream you may be pursuing. It does not affect your Express Entry profile, PNP application, or any other pathway.

  • Should I just wait for my H&C decision and not pursue anything else?

    We strongly advise against it. H&C decisions can take years, and approval is never guaranteed. We always encourage clients to pursue every other viable pathway in parallel — H&C should be part of your strategy, not your only plan.

  • Is H&C the same as a refugee claim?

    No — they are completely different processes. A refugee claim is based on persecution and is heard by the Immigration and Refugee Board. An H&C application is submitted directly to IRCC and is assessed based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, establishment in Canada, and the best interests of any children involved.

  • What are my chances of being approved?

    H&C is genuinely one of the least predictable programs in Canadian immigration. There are no points or objective criteria — the decision is entirely at the discretion of an immigration officer. This doesn't mean it's not worth pursuing as we see a lot of success with H&C applications, but it does mean going in with realistic expectations. We will give you an honest assessment of your case before recommending you apply.

  • Does applying for H&C affect my other immigration applications?

    No — an H&C application runs completely independently of any other program or stream you may be pursuing. It does not affect your Express Entry profile, PNP application, or any other pathway.

  • Should I just wait for my H&C decision and not pursue anything else?

    We strongly advise against it. H&C decisions can take years, and approval is never guaranteed. We always encourage clients to pursue every other viable pathway in parallel — H&C should be part of your strategy, not your only plan.

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