Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) consideration, provides the flexibility to grant permanent resident status or permanent resident visa to certain foreign nationals who would otherwise not qualify in any class and, in which there are compelling H&C grounds. Individuals who have no legal status would be eligible for H&C applications if they have established themselves in Canada by the following:
- Family ties to Canadian permanent residents or Canadian citizens
- Employment in Canada (often without a valid work permit)
- Education in Canada (often without a valid study permit)
- Volunteer work in Canada
- English and French skills that have become stronger
- Property in Canada
- Savings in Canada
- Social ties to their communities
It is important to prepare a strong submission letter and collect persuasive supporting documentation for under this category. H&C applications are assessed based on the applicant’s establishment in Canada and the degree to which the applicant would experience hardship if they were forced to apply outside of Canada.