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Humanitarian & compassionate considerations

Humanitarian and compassionate considerations. Contact Sunalini to discuss your circumstances and the support you need.

Humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) considerations may be relevant when someone would not normally qualify for permanent residence. These requests are assessed individually and are intended for exceptional circumstances.

The application needs to explain the person’s circumstances and support them with evidence. IRCC may consider establishment in Canada, family ties, the best interests of affected children and what would happen if the request were refused.

What an H&C request may address

Establishment in Canada

Explain the life you have built in Canada and provide evidence relevant to your circumstances. The assessment looks at the overall situation, rather than one document in isolation.

Family ties

Describe the family relationships involved and how the decision would affect them. Clear supporting records help explain those connections.

Best interests of children

Where a child is directly affected, explain the child’s needs and the likely impact of the decision. This is a specific factor in an H&C assessment.

Impact of refusal

Explain the consequences of refusal in your particular circumstances and support the explanation with relevant evidence. H&C requests have eligibility restrictions and do not automatically stop removal.

General information checked against Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) guidance on October 9, 2026. Requirements and program availability can change.