Other Permanent Residence Pathways
Canada recognizes that not every situation fits a standard immigration stream. Humanitarian & Compassionate grounds allow individuals with strong ties to Canada to apply for PR based on their specific circumstances.
Who Is This For?
- You have been living in Canada for an extended period and have strong establishment here
- Returning to your home country would cause unusual, undeserved, or disproportionate hardship
- You have Canadian-citizen or PR children or dependents whose best interests would be affected
- You face exceptional circumstances not addressed by other immigration pathways
- You are not inadmissible on grounds that cannot be overcome (serious criminality, security)
- Each H&C case is unique — there is no standard checklist of requirements
How It Works
- 1
Confidential case assessment
We review your personal situation in detail — your time in Canada, family ties, hardship factors, and any barriers to returning home.
- 2
Build a compelling H&C submission
An H&C application must tell your story powerfully and document all relevant factors with strong evidence.
- 3
Gather supporting documentation
Evidence may include tax records, children's school records, employment letters, community support letters, country condition evidence, and medical documentation.
- 4
Submit the H&C application to IRCC
The application is submitted with the prescribed fee. IRCC officers review it on its own merits.
- 5
Respond to IRCC requests
IRCC may request additional information or an interview. Our team prepares you for every step.
- 6
Receive a decision
If approved, you receive PR status. If refused, we advise on appeal or alternative immigration options.
Why ITC iLand for This Program?
Humanitarian and compassionate applications require more than immigration knowledge — they require the judgment to know when a case has merit and how to present it compellingly. With over 10,000 applications processed across all program types since 1998, ITC iLand's RCICs bring the depth of experience that complex, high-stakes cases demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
H&C applications are for people who face unusual, undeserved, or disproportionate hardship if required to leave Canada. IRCC considers factors such as establishment in Canada, ties to the country, best interests of any children in Canada, and country conditions in your home country.
H&C applications are among the slowest processing streams — typically 36–48 months or longer. They are not recommended as a primary pathway but may be appropriate in specific hardship circumstances. ITC iLand assesses whether an H&C is the right strategy for your situation.
Generally, you cannot apply for H&C while a refugee claim is pending or within 12 months of a negative refugee decision. There are exceptions for the best interests of a child.
IRCC periodically creates special immigration programs for specific groups — for example, pathways for Afghan nationals, Ukrainian nationals, or healthcare workers during specific policy windows. ITC iLand monitors these and advises clients when they may qualify for a special measure pathway.
A refugee claim is based on fear of persecution in your home country due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group membership. H&C is based on establishment in Canada and hardship. They are separate legal processes with different criteria and outcomes.
After You Land — We Stay With You
SIN, banking, housing, school enrollment and citizenship countdown — ITC iLand stays with you.
There is Always A Way