Humanitarian & Compassionate
For people whose lives in Canada — establishment, hardship, and the best interests of a child — may justify permanent residence when no regular stream fits.
A humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) application asks IRCC to exempt you from usual requirements and grant permanent residence because of your circumstances. Officers weigh establishment in Canada, hardship if you must leave, and the best interests of any child. Approval is discretionary. This page does not quote a success rate.
Processing
Often 24–36 months
IRCC times change; some files take longer.
Status
Can file from inside Canada
Filing does not by itself authorize work or study.
Children
BIOC is central
Evidence must be about those children, not a slogan.
Removal
Not an automatic stay
A deferral is a separate request.
Who this is for
- You have real establishment in Canada and leaving would cause unusual hardship
- A child’s best interests would be seriously affected by removal or separation
- You do not qualify under Express Entry, family class, or a protection claim — or those routes failed
Who this is not for
- You have a straightforward skilled-worker or sponsorship file and have not tried it
- You want a fast work permit
- You expect a percentage chance quoted on a website
What RSTM handles
- Circumstances and BIOC assessment
- Establishment, hardship, and country-condition evidence plan
- Medical and community-support letters
- Written H&C submissions to IRCC
- Responses to procedural fairness letters
How this program works
- 1
Circumstances
We test establishment, hardship, and the best interests of any child against what officers actually grant — not against hope.
- 2
Evidence
We collect employment, school, medical, and community records that a stranger can verify.
- 3
Submissions
We write the H&C brief so each factor is tied to a document, not an adjective.
- 4
After filing
We answer IRCC requests. If removal is a live risk, we discuss a deferral as a separate step.
Documents and requirements
- Facts that go beyond inconvenience — hardship, establishment, or BIOC
- A document trail (leases, jobs, school, medical care)
- Honesty about status history, including any refusals or claims
Checklist
- Identity and status history in Canada
- Employment, tax, and school records
- Medical and psychological evidence where relevant
- Letters from schools, doctors, and community members who know the family
- Country-condition evidence if return would be dangerous or unusually harsh
Robert Makkar, RCIC · CICC licence R508785 · Toronto, Ontario
Advice specific to your circumstances is given in a paid consultation with a licensed RCIC — not by an automated score.
Verify licence with CICCFrequently asked questions
This page is preliminary information only. It is not legal advice, not a confirmation of eligibility, and not a guarantee of an invitation, approval, or any particular outcome. Advice specific to your circumstances is provided in a paid consultation with a licensed RCIC.
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