Applying for H&C consideration is an exceptional measure – it is not simply another means of applying for permanent resident status in Canada.

You may apply for permanent residence from within Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds (H&C) if you:

• are a foreign national currently living in Canada;
• need an exemption from one or more requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) or Regulations in order to apply for permanent residence within Canada;
• believe humanitarian and compassionate considerations justify granting the exemption(s) you need; and
• are not eligible to apply for permanent residence from within Canada in any of these classes:
  • Spouse or Common-Law Partner;
  • Live-in Caregiver;
  • Caregivers: caring for children or people with high medical needs;
  • Protected Person and Convention Refugees; and

• You may not apply for H&C consideration if you:
• are a Canadian citizen,
• a permanent resident,
• have submitted an H&C application for which a decision has not been made,
• have an outstanding refugee claim,
• became a designated foreign national within the last 5 years.