H&C applications are assessed on compassionate grounds - every situation is unique. Our
consultants treat your case with the care and discretion it deserves.
An H&C application lets you ask IRCC to grant permanent residence based on your
establishment in Canada, hardship, and the best interests of any children involved - even if you don't qualify
through standard immigration pathways. We help you build and present the strongest possible case.
Flat fee · No hidden costs · IRCC gov't fees separate
H&C cases are complex and deeply personal. We take time to understand your full
situation before building your application narrative.
1
Confidential consultation - we assess your H&C factors and hardship
2
Upload supporting documents, letters, and evidence of establishment
3
AI and consultant build your H&C narrative and supporting package
4
Consultant reviews every detail and submits to IRCC on your behalf
Confidential · No obligation · All situations welcome
What you need to know
What is an H&C application?
An H&C application - formally known as an application for permanent residence on Humanitarian and
Compassionate grounds under Section 25 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA)
- is a discretionary pathway that allows people in Canada to request permanent residence based on their
unique personal circumstances.
Unlike Express Entry or other points-based programs, H&C is not about meeting a checklist. It asks IRCC
officers to weigh the totality of your situation - your ties to Canada, the hardship you
would face if asked to leave, your contributions to your community, and the best interests of any children
in your life - and decide whether granting you status is justified.
H&C is not only for people with no status. It can be used by people on temporary permits, people facing
removal, or those who don't qualify under standard pathways due to health, age, or other factors.
Important: H&C does not pause removals
Filing an H&C application does not automatically stop a removal order. If you are
facing removal, speak to a consultant immediately - there may be additional steps required to defer
removal while your case is reviewed.
Quick Facts - H&C
Legal basisSection 25, IRPA
Decision typeOfficer's discretion
Outcome (if approved)Permanent
Residence
Who can applyAnyone in Canada
Application fee (adult)$570
CAD
PR card fee$50 CAD
Right of PR fee$575 CAD
Medical exam requiredYes
(upfront)
BiometricsYes (if applicable)
Processing time24–48+ months
Pauses removal?No (seek legal
advice)
GetNorthPath fee$499 CAD
(flat)
What IRCC weighs
The factors that make an H&C case
There is no points system. Officers weigh all relevant factors together. The strength
of your case depends on the depth and quality of the evidence you present across these dimensions.
Establishment in Canada
High weight
How deeply are you rooted in Canada? Officers look at the length and quality of your
ties here - community, employment, property, family.
Length of time in Canada (years, not months, carries more weight)
Stable employment history and contributions to employers and community
Property ownership, leases, financial ties
Community involvement - volunteering, religious institutions, associations
Canadian citizen or PR family members (spouse, children, parents)
Canadian-educated children deeply integrated in schools
Hardship if Removed
High weight
What would happen to you if IRCC said no? Officers consider conditions in your country
of origin and the personal impact of departure.
Country conditions - instability, discrimination, persecution, violence
Personal health conditions requiring Canadian medical care
Separation from Canadian citizen or PR family members
Loss of livelihood built over years in Canada
Risk to personal safety or well-being on return
Language and cultural re-integration difficulties after years abroad
Best Interests of Children
High weight
If any children are involved - yours, in your care, or affected by your case - their
interests are given primary consideration by officers.
Children born in Canada (Canadian citizens) affected by your removal
Children deeply integrated into Canadian schools and communities
Disruption to children's education, health care, or stability
Children who know no other country than Canada
Single-parent situations where removal would separate a child from their primary
caregiver
Employment & Financial Ties
Medium weight
Consistent employment and economic integration strengthen establishment claims.
Years of employment with Canadian employers
Tax filing history and CRA records
Business ownership or self-employment in Canada
Financial independence from government programs
Country Conditions
Medium weight
Officers consider objective conditions in your country of origin, particularly where
generalized hardship applies.
Political instability, conflict, or civil unrest
Discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation
Inadequate medical or social services for your personal situation
Country of origin documentation from reputable sources
Health & Personal Circumstances
Case-by-case
Serious health conditions, caregiving responsibilities, or other deeply personal
circumstances are weighed individually.
Serious medical conditions treated in Canada and unavailable abroad
Mental health impacts of separation or removal
Caregiving role for Canadian citizen family members
Trauma or personal safety risks specific to your situation
Is H&C right for you?
Common situations that support an H&C application
H&C is designed for people who fall outside standard pathways but whose
circumstances compel a compassionate response. These are some of the situations we commonly work with.
Long-term residents
Family ties
Families with children
Health circumstances
Facing removal
Strong H&C
factors
You have lived in Canada for 5 or more years, building employment, community, and social ties
You arrived on a temporary basis and your situation changed - a relationship ended, your employer
closed, or your permit lapsed
You have deep community integration - volunteering, religious institutions, professional associations
You have filed Canadian taxes and demonstrated financial self-sufficiency
Returning to your country would mean starting over in a place you no longer have meaningful ties to
Evidence to gather
Employment letters, pay stubs, T4s, and CRA tax records for every year in Canada
Reference letters from employers, community organizations, places of worship
Lease agreements, mortgage documents, utility bills showing Canadian address history
Photos, certificates, and records of community involvement
Strong H&C
factors
You have a Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse, common-law partner, or children
Your relationship is genuine but you don't qualify for spousal sponsorship due to a bar, pending
application, or other complication
Separation would cause significant hardship to your Canadian family members
You are the primary caregiver for elderly Canadian citizen parents or relatives
Key
considerations
H&C and spousal sponsorship can be filed simultaneously - your consultant will advise on strategy
Evidence of relationship genuineness is critical - photos, shared finances, communication history
If in a relationship of 2+ years duration you may qualify for a temporary open work permit while the
H&C is processed
Strong H&C
factors
You have Canadian-born children (citizens) who would be severely affected by your removal
Your children have grown up entirely in Canada - Canadian schools, friendships, identity
Children's best interests are given primary consideration by IRCC officers under s. 25(1) IRPA
You are a single parent - removal would separate children from their only caregiver
Evidence for
children's BIOC
School enrollment records, report cards, teacher reference letters
Children's birth certificates (especially if born in Canada)
Medical records if children have ongoing Canadian health care needs
Psychologist or social worker letters documenting the impact of potential removal
Strong H&C
factors
You have a serious medical condition that is being treated in Canada and is unavailable or
inaccessible in your country of origin
Your mental health has been significantly and negatively affected by your immigration situation
You are a caregiver for a seriously ill Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member
Medical records, specialist letters, and evidence of treatment in Canada strengthen your case
substantially
Key
considerations
Medical inadmissibility may be assessed separately - your consultant will advise on how health
factors interact with your application
Strong medical documentation from Canadian physicians is essential
Country of origin reports on health care access strengthen hardship arguments
Urgent - seek
help immediately
An H&C application does not automatically defer a removal order - additional
steps are required
You may be able to apply for a deferral of removal through CBSA while your H&C is processed
A Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) may also be available depending on your situation
Time is critical - contact us immediately for an urgent confidential consultation
What we do
Assess your full situation and advise on all available options - H&C, PRRA, judicial review
File your H&C application as quickly as possible with a strong evidentiary package
Advise on CBSA deferral requests and coordinate with legal counsel where required
For complex removal cases, we may recommend working alongside an immigration lawyer in addition to
our consultant
Limitations
H&C is not available in all situations
Certain people are barred from making an H&C
application, or face restrictions on when they can apply. Understanding these limitations upfront prevents
wasted time and fees.
If you have made a refugee claim in Canada and it has not yet been
decided, or if you have received protected person status, you generally cannot make a
simultaneous H&C application. This is a statutory bar. Once a refugee claim is rejected and all appeals
exhausted, H&C may become available - speak to your consultant about timing.
Cannot apply - designated foreign nationals
If you were part of an irregular arrival and have been designated
as a Designated Foreign National (DFN), you are barred from making an H&C application for 5 years
following the designation. This applies to certain boat arrivals and large group irregular entries. Ask your
consultant if this applies to you.
Limited weight - short time in Canada
H&C relies heavily on establishment, which takes years to
build. If you have been in Canada for less than 2 years, your establishment arguments will be weaker. This
doesn't mean you can't apply - especially if other factors like children, health, or extreme hardship are
strong - but managing expectations is important. Your consultant will give you an honest assessment.
Limited weight - inadmissibility
Serious criminal convictions or security-related inadmissibility
make H&C significantly harder - though not automatically impossible. Officers must still weigh H&C
factors, but a serious criminal record will weigh heavily against you. Misrepresentation findings can also
complicate your case. Your consultant will give you a frank assessment of the impact on your application.
What you'll need
Building your H&C evidence package
An H&C application lives or dies on the quality and depth of its evidence. Our
AI helps organize and present your supporting documents - your consultant ensures the narrative is compelling
and legally sound.
Identity & Immigration Status
Valid passport - all pages Required
All previous passports (to show time in Canada)
Current and past permits, visas, or status documents
Record of Landing / PR card (if applicable)
Birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable)
Establishment Evidence AI organizes
Lease agreements or mortgage documents (entire Canada history)
Employment letters, pay stubs, T4s for each year
CRA tax filing notices of assessment
Bank statements, financial records
Community, volunteer, religious organization letters
Family & Children
Evidence
Birth certificates for all children (especially Canadian-born)
School enrollment records, report cards, teacher letters
Canadian citizen or PR family member status documents
Country of origin documentation (UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, US DOS)
Personal letters describing hardship and risks on return
Evidence of discrimination, threats, or personal risk
News articles or reports on conditions in your region
Police reports, court documents (if applicable)
Health & Personal
Circumstances
Medical records and specialist letters (Canadian physicians)
Mental health assessments or therapy records
Evidence that required treatment is unavailable abroad
Disability documentation (if applicable)
Caregiver evidence for ill Canadian family members
Application Forms AI fills
IMM 5291 - Application to Change Conditions / Extend Stay
Schedule A - Background & Declaration
IMM 5669 - Schedule A Background Declaration
Medical exam results (upfront with application) Required
H&C narrative letter - built by consultant
How GetNorthPath works
From consultation to submission - 5 steps
Your H&C case is built with care. AI handles organization and forms. Your consultant
handles the narrative, strategy, and submission.
1
Confidential Consultation
We assess your full situation - time in Canada, family, hardship, and H&C eligibility
- before any commitment.
Free · Confidential
2
Document Collection
You upload all evidence through our secure portal. AI organizes and indexes everything by
factor category.
AI-organized
3
Narrative Building
AI drafts the initial H&C narrative from your evidence. Your consultant rewrites,
strengthens, and personalizes it.
AI + Consultant
4
Consultant Review
Your ICCRC-registered consultant reviews every document, strengthens weak points, and
approves the final package.
Expert review
5
Submit to IRCC
We submit the complete H&C package to IRCC and track your file. You're updated at
every milestone.
Submitted
What happens after you apply
The H&C process - what to expect
H&C applications are among the slowest IRCC
processes. Understanding what happens and when helps you plan and stay informed.
Application submitted & acknowledged
IRCC acknowledges receipt of your application and confirms your file is open. You
receive a UCI number to track your file.
Within 4–8 weeks of submission
Background checks & security screening
IRCC, CBSA, and RCMP conduct background and criminal record checks. Medical exam
results are verified with IRCC's medical unit.
3–12 months
Officer review & potential request for more information
The IRCC officer assigned to your case reviews all evidence. They may issue a
Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) requesting additional information or your response to concerns. This is
common - we guide you through it.
Ongoing - 12–36 months after filing
Procedural Fairness Letter response (if issued)
If IRCC has concerns, you have 30–60 days to respond with additional evidence or
arguments. We help you draft the strongest possible response.
Response due within 30–60 days of PFL
Decision issued - approved
If approved, you receive a letter confirming you have been granted an exemption and
can proceed to confirm permanent residence. Right of PR fee applies at this stage.
Typically 24–48 months total
Decision issued - refused (options remain)
If refused, you may have the option to apply for Judicial Review at the Federal
Court, or to submit a new H&C application with stronger evidence. Your consultant will advise on
next steps.
Options exist - act quickly
Why GetNorthPath
Expert compassion. AI precision. $499 flat.
Confidential, non-judgmental consultation
We understand that H&C applicants often come with complex, sensitive situations.
Our consultants listen first, advise second - without judgment. Every consultation is strictly
confidential.
AI-powered narrative drafting
Our AI reads your documents, identifies your strongest H&C factors, and drafts an
initial narrative organized around establishment, hardship, and BIOC. Your consultant then builds it
into a compelling personal statement.
Evidence gap detection
H&C applications are refused most often due to insufficient evidence, not
ineligibility. AI scans your document package and flags gaps before submission - giving your consultant
time to seek additional supporting letters or records.
ICCRC-registered consultant review
Every H&C package is reviewed and approved by a licensed immigration consultant.
They bring legal knowledge, case strategy, and professional judgment to your submission - going beyond
form-filling to advocate for your case.
What traditional firms charge vs. GetNorthPath
Immigration law firm$5,000–$15,000+
DIY (high risk of refusal)$0 - not
recommended
GetNorthPath$499 CAD flat
GetNorthPath includes
Confidential H&C assessment
AI narrative drafting
Evidence gap detection
All forms auto-filled
ICCRC consultant review
IRCC submission
PFL response supportAvailable
(add-on)
Pricing
Transparent, honest pricing
One flat fee covers your full H&C application - narrative, forms, review, and
submission. IRCC government fees are paid directly to the government.
Humanitarian & Compassionate Application
Section 25 IRPA · Includes all GetNorthPath services
Right of Permanent Residence fee: $575 CAD (if approved)
$
PR card: $50 CAD
$
Medical exam: varies by panel physician
$
Biometrics: $85 CAD (if applicable)
Note on complexity: H&C cases vary significantly in complexity. For unusually complex
situations - multiple inadmissibility factors, active removal orders, or cases requiring judicial review -
we may recommend working alongside an immigration lawyer. We will tell you this clearly at your
consultation.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What are my chances of success with an H&C application?
+
H&C approval rates vary significantly - overall, only about 40–60% of H&C
applications are approved, and the rate depends almost entirely on the strength of your evidence and how
well your case is presented. Applications with strong establishment evidence, credible hardship arguments,
and a well-written narrative supported by third-party letters consistently outperform poorly documented
applications. At your free consultation, we'll give you an honest assessment of your specific situation
before you decide to proceed.
Can I work in Canada while my H&C application is being
processed?
+
Not automatically. An H&C application does not itself grant you authorization to work.
However, you may be able to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or, if you have a qualifying
relationship with a Canadian citizen or PR, an open work permit while your H&C is processed. Your
consultant will assess your options at the consultation. If you currently have a valid work permit, you
should apply to maintain or extend it separately - do not rely on the H&C to cover your work
authorization.
Will filing an H&C application stop my removal?
+
No. Filing an H&C application does not automatically stay or defer a removal order. If
you have an active removal order and have filed an H&C, you must separately request a deferral of
removal from CBSA. CBSA may grant a deferral if your H&C has been filed and there are compelling
circumstances - but this is discretionary and not guaranteed. If you are facing imminent removal, contact us
immediately. In some cases, a lawyer may need to seek a judicial stay from the Federal Court.
I had a refugee claim refused. Can I apply on H&C grounds
now?
+
Potentially yes - but timing matters. While a refugee claim is pending, you generally
cannot file an H&C application simultaneously (there is a statutory bar). However, once a refugee claim
is refused and all appeals to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) are exhausted, the H&C bar is lifted.
There is also a one-year bar after a final negative refugee decision, during which H&C applications may
still be filed but officers cannot consider the same H&C factors that were considered in the refugee
claim. Your consultant will advise you on timing and strategy based on exactly where you are in the refugee
process.
How important is the H&C narrative letter?
+
Extremely important. Unlike points-based programs, H&C is a discretionary assessment -
an officer reads your application and makes a human judgment. The narrative letter ties all your evidence
together into a coherent, compelling story. It must be detailed, truthful, organized around the legal
factors IRCC considers, and written with the specific officer audience in mind. This is where our consultant
adds the most value - transforming a pile of documents into a convincing case for why you deserve to stay in
Canada.
What is a Procedural Fairness Letter and what do I do if I get
one?
+
A Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL) is a letter from IRCC telling you that an officer has
concerns about your application and giving you an opportunity to respond before a final decision is made.
Common reasons include: concerns about establishment claims, questions about credibility, criminal history,
or medical admissibility. You typically have 30–60 days to respond. A well-drafted PFL response can turn a
likely refusal into an approval. GetNorthPath supports PFL responses as an add-on service - let your
consultant know immediately if you receive one.
My application was refused. What are my options?
+
A refused H&C application is not the end of the road. You have several potential
options: (1) Apply for Judicial Review at the Federal Court - if the officer made a legal error or failed to
consider evidence properly, a Federal Court judge can send the case back for redetermination. You typically
have 15 days to file for judicial review (this requires a lawyer). (2) Submit a new H&C application with
stronger evidence and a more compelling narrative - there is no bar on reapplying. (3) Explore other
pathways - Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, or spousal sponsorship. Your consultant will walk you
through your options at a post-refusal consultation.
Your life is here. Let's make it official.
Book a free, confidential 30-minute consultation. We'll review your situation honestly -
including your H&C factors, realistic chances, and the best strategy for your case.