Canada•North AmericaHumanitarian and Compassionate Grounds
At a Glance
Varies
CAD $1,260
Permanent (upon approval)
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Living in Canada
Overview
Discretionary permanent residence pathway for foreign nationals in Canada facing significant hardship who lack a standard immigration category.
Canada's H&C process lets foreign nationals in Canada seek permanent residence without qualifying under a standard immigration class. They must show they would face significant, undeserved hardship if removed, and that their Canadian establishment — work, family, community — justifies an exemption. Fully discretionary.
Approved applicants receive permanent residence. Fees are CAD 660 (processing) + CAD 600 RPRF. Processing outside Quebec exceeds 26 months; current backlog means new applicants may wait considerably longer. Children up to age 21 can be included. Only one H&C application may be active at a time.
This visa is ideal for long-established residents who have no viable standard immigration pathway and can show genuine hardship if removed from Canada.
Curious about life in Canada?
Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.
Cost Breakdown
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be in Canada (or applying for permanent residence from abroad in exceptional cases).
Must not be qualifying to apply for permanent residence under standard immigration classes (e.g., Express Entry, family sponsorship, protected person).
Must demonstrate significant, unusual, and undeserved hardship if required to leave Canada.
Must demonstrate strong establishment in Canada (work, community, family ties).
Must demonstrate the best interests of any minor children directly affected by the decision.
Must not have a pending refugee claim (must withdraw it before applying).
Must not be subject to the 'one-year bar' (unless specific exemptions apply, such as the best interests of a child or medical risks).
Must not have been designated a foreign national within the last 5 years (if applicable).
Only one H&C application can be active at a time.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Proof of identity (passport, national ID, birth certificate).
Proof of establishment (employment records, tax documents, pay stubs, lease agreements, utility bills).
Evidence of community involvement (volunteer records, letters from community leaders).
Evidence of family ties in Canada (marriage certificates, birth certificates of Canadian relatives).
Medical records (if health issues are a factor).
Evidence regarding the best interests of children (school records, letters from teachers/counselors).
Evidence of potential hardship in the home country (country condition reports, documentation of risks).
Personal statement/submission letter explaining the request for exemption.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Provides a pathway to permanent residency for individuals who do not qualify under any other immigration program.
- Allows for the consideration of unique, exceptional personal circumstances that standard programs cannot account for.
- Can be used to overcome certain inadmissibility issues.
- Focuses on the applicant's integration and contribution to Canadian society.
Worth Knowing
- It is a highly discretionary process; approval is not guaranteed even if hardship is demonstrated.
- It is not a substitute for standard immigration programs and is considered an 'exceptional measure'.
- The cost and inconvenience of returning to one's home country are generally not considered sufficient grounds for approval.
- The application process is complex and often requires professional legal assistance.
- Applicants may be subject to removal from Canada while the application is being processed.
- Risk factors like persecution or threats to life are typically handled through the refugee system, not H&C.
Application Process
Determine qualification and ensure all other standard immigration pathways are exhausted.
Complete the required digital forms
Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008), Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669), and Additional Family Information (IMM 5406).
Complete the Supplementary Information form (IMM 5283) to detail the specific exemptions requested and the reasons for the H&C request.
Gather comprehensive supporting evidence, including a detailed personal statement/submission letter.
Pay the required government processing fees.
Submit the application online via the IRCC Permanent Residence portal.
Provide biometrics when requested.
Wait for the decision (the application is discretionary and processed on a case-by-case basis).
If approved in principle, complete medical, criminal, and security checks to receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Application Forms
Go to application portal| IMM 0008 Generic Application Form for Canada | Fill online |
| IMM 5669 Schedule A – Background/Declaration | Fill online |
| IMM 5406 Additional Family Information | — |
| IMM 5283 Supplementary Information: Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations | Fill online |
| IMM 5280 Document Checklist: Humanitarian & Compassionate Considerations | Fill online |
| IMM 5291 Guide 5291 – Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations (Instruction Guide) | Fill online |
Related visas
More visas in Canada
Humanitarian visas in other countries
- S2 Healthcare Visitor Visa
United Kingdom
- National Visa for Medical Treatment
Germany
- Exceptional Residency
Honduras
Living in Canada
Ready to see if the Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds is your visa path?
Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.
Start Visa Discovery