How to Apply for PR on Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds in Canada

If you’ve run out of immigration options but still have strong reasons to stay, applying for PR on Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds in Canada might be your lifeline. This isn’t a typical application; it’s a bold request asking the government to make an exception because your situation is that compelling. Whether you’ve built a life in Canada, have Canadian-born children, or face real hardship if forced to leave, this pathway allows you to present your case directly to IRCC. But here’s the catch: you need to go beyond filling out forms. You’ll need powerful evidence, personal stories, and a clear picture of what makes your case unique. If you’re wondering how to apply for PR on humanitarian and compassionate grounds in Canada, make sure your application is strategic, sincere, and supported by strong documents.

This is your chance to show that Canada isn’t just where you are, it’s where you belong. Some people find themselves living in Canada without status, ineligible for traditional immigration programs, and unsure of what to do next. That’s where Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications come into play, a unique and often misunderstood pathway to permanent residency in Canada.

What Is an H&C Application?

Not everyone fits into a tidy immigration category. You might not qualify for Express Entry, and maybe sponsorship isn’t on the table either. That’s where Canada’s Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application comes in. It’s not a loophole, it’s a last-resort legal pathway for people already in Canada who can’t leave without serious consequences.

So, what is a Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application, really? It’s your opportunity to ask Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to look past the standard rules and focus on your story. You’re basically saying: “I know I don’t meet the normal requirements, but sending me back would be cruel, unfair, or dangerous—and here’s why.”

H&C applications are built on compassion, credibility, and context. You’ll need to prove that leaving Canada would cause unusual, disproportionate hardship, whether it’s due to medical needs, fear of persecution, family separation, or the best interests of a child. The bar is high, but the program exists for a reason: life is messy, and Canada recognizes that sometimes, rules need to bend in the face of real human suffering.

This isn’t just paper work, it’s about building a persuasive, evidence-backed narrative that shows your connection to Canada, your contributions here, and why going back just isn’t a fair or realistic option. If you’ve been asking, “What is an H&C application and how do I apply?”  The short answer is: with honesty, strategy, and a whole lot of proof. This isn’t just another form, it’s a lifeline, if done right.

Who Can Apply for Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds in Canada?

Not everyone qualifies for this pathway but if your situation falls outside the norm and you’ve built a life here, it might just be your shot. 

1. Individuals Living in Canada Without Legal Status
   You’ve overstayed a visa, maybe a visitor record or a study permit expired. Or maybe your refugee claim was refused, and now you’re stuck in limbo undocumented but still here. The Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) application is one of the only remaining pathways to ask Canada for permanent status based on your current reality, not just your paperwork. You’re not just someone without a status you’re someone still trying to do the right thing. That matters.
2. People With Deep Roots in Canadian Society
   This isn’t just about being physically present. IRCC looks at how embedded you are in your community. Have you lived here for years? Held a steady job? Volunteered? Built friendships, helped your neighbours, contributed to your local church, mosque, or community center? All of that counts. If Canada is your home in every way but on paper, this application gives you a way to prove it.
3. Applicants Who Would Face Serious Hardship or Risk Abroad
   Let’s say returning to your home country isn’t just inconvenient, it’s unsafe. Maybe you’ll face discrimination based on your gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Maybe there’s no access to life-saving medical treatment. Or maybe political instability makes life unpredictable and dangerous. The Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) application process allows you to say: “I’m not just asking to stay for convenience, I’m asking because going back would put me at serious risk.”
4. Parents of Canadian-Born Children or Other Dependents
   If you have a child who was born in Canada or a dependent who relies on you their best interest matter. A lot. Canadian law places huge weight on how a child would be affected by removal. Would they lose access to school, healthcare, or emotional stability? Would they be uprooted from everything they’ve ever known? If yes, this becomes one of the strongest pillars of your Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) case.

In essence, if you’ve made Canada your home and there are exceptional reasons why you should not be deported, you may qualify under humanitarian and compassionate grounds

What Do Officers Look For in an H&C Application?

There’s no fixed checklist for Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) success but that doesn’t mean officers decide at random. Every case is judged on its own facts, and immigration officers are trained to look for key themes that show whether your situation is truly compelling. So if you’re asking, “How do I strengthen my H&C application in Canada?”, here’s exactly what needs to stand out:

1. Your Level of Establishment in Canada

This one’s huge. The officer wants to know: Have you made Canada your home? That means more than just being here physically it’s about proving that you’ve built a life with real roots. If you’ve held a job, started a business, volunteered in your community, paid taxes, built friendships, or stayed active in your local church or mosque these are all signs you’ve invested in Canada. Bonus points if you’re financially self-sufficient or have built strong relationships here. This isn’t about perfection it’s about showing genuine commitment and contribution.

2. Hardship If You’re Forced to Return

This is where you explain why leaving Canada isn’t just hard it’s unfair, unsafe, or even dangerous. Immigration officers know that moving is inconvenient, but that’s not enough. You need to show that returning would cause you unusual, disproportionate hardship. Are there threats to your safety? Would you face medical neglect, domestic violence, political instability, or deep social stigma? Maybe your country lacks infrastructure for someone with your health condition, gender identity, or background. The stronger the evidence (like medical records, expert letters, or country reports), the more convincing your case will be.

3. Best Interests of Any Children Involved

If you’re a parent, this could be the strongest part of your application. Officers are legally required to consider the best interests of the child, especially if the child is Canadian-born or has been raised here. Think about their emotional stability, mental health, education, and access to services like healthcare. Would removing you or them from Canada disrupt their development or security? Even if the child isn’t a citizen, their connection to Canadian life matters. Include school letters, pediatrician reports, teacher statements anything that paints a clear picture of how removal could impact their well-being.

Bottom line? The more detailed, personal, and documented your story is, the better your chances. H&C applications are less about ticking boxes and more about telling the truth clearly, powerfully, and with evidence that backs every word. Need help? That’s where we come in. At Akrami & Associates, we’ve helped hundreds navigate this emotional, complex process with care, strategy, and results.

These are not cookie-cutter submissions, each H&C case is a deeply personal, often emotional story backed by evidence, references, and legal arguments. That’s why many applicants seek professional help in preparing the application.

Common Reasons for Refusal in a Canadian H&C Application

Let’s not sugarcoat it, Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications in Canada get refused all the time, and when they do, it’s often because of preventable mistakes. Officers aren’t just skimming your file; they’re scrutinizing every word, every document, and every gap. If you’re thinking about applying under Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds, here are the most common reasons for refusal you need to avoid:

1. Lack of Compelling Evidence

Saying “I’ve built a life here” isn’t enough, you have to prove it. This is one of the top reasons Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications are denied. Officers want detailed documentation: pay stubs, school letters, community involvement, psychological reports, proof of hardship. If you’re submitting vague statements without solid backup, your case may fall flat. H&C isn’t about intentions—it’s about evidence that speaks louder than words.

2. Weak Ties to Canada

It’s not just about being in Canada physically, it’s about being connected. If you’ve lived here for years but haven’t worked, studied, volunteered, or formed relationships that root you to the country, IRCC might view your presence as temporary or superficial. To succeed, you need to show that removing you would disrupt a stable, established life in Canada.

3. Gaps or Inconsistencies in Your Personal History

IRCC doesn’t just review your present they look at your past. Unexplained gaps in timelines, contradictions in previous applications, or inconsistencies in your story can seriously damage your credibility. If something doesn’t line up, and you don’t address it upfront, the officer may assume the worst. Be proactive. Be transparent. Every detail matters in a Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) case.

4. Past Criminal or Immigration Violations

If you’ve overstayed a visa, worked without authorization, or had run-ins with the law, these red flags can weigh heavily against you. But here’s the thing: they don’t automatically kill your application. What matters is how you explain them. Have you shown remorse, rehabilitation, or taken legal steps to correct past errors? With the right approach, even a rough past doesn’t have to define your future.

Unlike other immigration pathways, Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) is not something you can just reapply for if it’s refused, at least not easily. A rejection can follow you and make future attempts much harder. That’s why building a strategic, clear, and compassionate Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application from the start is everything. At Akrami & Associates, we don’t just fill forms, we build narratives that work. Let us help you tell yours.

Refugee Claims vs. H&C Applications: Similar Intentions, Different Rules

At first glance, a refugee claim and a Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application in Canada might seem like two ways of asking for the same thing, protection and a chance to stay. And in some ways, that’s true. Both are intended for people who cannot return to their home country. But the how, why, and what’s required are totally different.

Let’s start with the core of a refugee claim:
It’s based on fear of persecution. If you’re fleeing your country because of serious threats to your life or freedom based on things like your race, religion, political views, gender, sexual orientation, or membership in a vulnerable group, you may qualify for refugee protection. Canada takes these claims seriously and offers a formal hearing through the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), legal representation, and appeal rights.

Now compare that to a Humanitarian and Compassionate application (H&C):
Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) is not about persecution it’s about hardship. Maybe your country is poor, unstable, or dangerous. Maybe you’ve built a life in Canada over the years and uprooting would cause extreme disruption. Maybe you have a child in school here, or medical needs you can’t address back home. Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) is about asking for compassion not protection under international law.

Here’s where they overlap:

• Both apply when someone doesn’t want, or can’t, go home.
• Both require detailed documentation and personal storytelling.
• Both can lead to permanent residence in Canada.

But here’s where they differ big time:
✅ A refugee claim must be made quickly (often at the border or soon after arriving). Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) can be made later, even after losing status.
✅ Refugee decisions are made by the IRB with a full hearing; Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications are reviewed by IRCC officers on paper only.
✅ Refugee claimants may get legal aid, work permits, and health coverage. Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applicants often don’t.
✅ You can’t usually file an Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) if your refugee claim was recently denied unless you meet very specific exceptions.

So, which path is right for you?
If you’re truly in danger and meet the UN definition of a refugee, your best shot is to file a refugee claim. But if your case is based on long-term establishment in Canada, hardship, or the best interests of your child, then H&C may be your better option.

How We Can Help

At Akrami & Associates Immigration Law Firm, we’ve worked with individuals and families across Canada facing difficult immigration situations. We know that behind every Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application is a story, of resilience, fear, love, and determination.

We help by:

• Conducting a full eligibility assessment 
• Gathering and organizing persuasive supporting evidence 
• Drafting compelling personal submissions that speak directly to IRCC decision-makers 
• Preparing legal arguments that align with immigration law and policy 
• Guiding you through every step of the process, without judgment or jargon 

Our legal team has experience handling complex Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) cases, and we’ll fight to give your story the strongest possible chance.

A Humanitarian and Compassionate application is not for everyone. It’s for those who’ve exhausted other options and are living in legal limbo, but who have compelling, human reasons to remain in Canada.

If that sounds like your situation, don’t delay. These applications are time-sensitive and complex, but with the right guidance, they can change lives.

📞 Need help building a strong H&C case? Contact Akrami & Associates Immigration Law Firm today.
We’re here to listen, guide, and fight for your place in Canada, because sometimes, compassion is the most powerful policy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Applications

1. Can I apply for an H&C application if I have a removal order or am out of status in Canada?
Yes, many Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applicants are individuals who are out of status or have received a removal order. In fact, this pathway exists for those who have no other viable immigration options. However, timing and legal strategy are critical, especially if you’re facing removal. We strongly recommend speaking to an immigration professional before proceeding.

2. Do I need to be in Canada to apply under Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds?

Yes, Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications are only available to individuals inside Canada. If you’re outside the country, this pathway does not apply. There are other immigration programs that might be more suitable for you if you’re looking to enter Canada from abroad.

3. How long does it take to process an H&C application?
Processing times vary, but it typically takes 12 to 24 months. During this time, your case is reviewed in-depth by IRCC on a case-by-case basis. In urgent cases, such as medical issues or child welfare concerns, you may request expedited processing, though this is not guaranteed.

4. Can I work or access healthcare while waiting for a decision on my H&C application?
If you submit your application with a request for a work permit, you may become eligible for one while your case is being processed. However, access to healthcare and social benefits depends on provincial policies and your legal status. This is where proper legal guidance is essential to ensure you remain protected during the waiting period.

5. Is hiring a lawyer or immigration consultant necessary for an H&C application?

While it’s not legally required, Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications are highly complex and emotionally detailed. A poorly prepared application can easily be refused. At Akrami & Associates Immigration Law Firm, we help build strong, evidence-backed submissions that increase your chances of success, and we ensure your story is told with the depth, compassion, and legal precision it deserves.