Canada•North AmericaVaries
1,260 CAD
Permanent (upon approval)
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.
Must be in Canada (or applying for permanent residence from abroad in exceptional cases).
Must not be eligible 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.
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.
| 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 |
Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free trial.
Start Visa Discovery