Eligibility

Humanitarian and compassionate grounds apply to people with exceptional cases. IRCC assesses these applications on a case-by-case basis. Factors we look at include:

• how settled the person is in Canada
• general family ties to Canada
• the best interests of any children involved, and
• what could happen to you if IRCC does not grant the request.

Other rules that apply to humanitarian and compassionate grounds:

• IRCC will not assess risk factors such as persecution, threat on life, cruel and unusual treatment.
• You may only ask for H&C grounds if you are applying for permanent resident status in Canada, or for a permanent resident visa abroad.
• You cannot have more than one humanitarian and compassionate grounds application at the same time.

H&C applications in Canada are based on a significant degree on the economic and cultural establishment. Ultimately, the strongest factor is the “best interests of the child. However, there are other factors that can enhance the H&C case. The applicant has to show history of stable employment, integrate into the community through community organizations, do volunteer work.