Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations

Section A25(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) allows foreign nationals who are inadmissible or who are ineligible to apply in an immigration class, to apply for permanent residence, or for an exemption from a requirement of the Act, based on humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) considerations.

Note: A person is only allowed to have one H&C application under consideration at any time.

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

In order to be considered for an exemption from the usual requirements of IRPA, you must:

• clearly indicate in your application the specific exemption(s) you are requesting.
• provide all details related to your request including the reasons why you believe an exemption(s) should be granted on H&C grounds.
• demonstrate that there are sufficient and compelling reasons for you to be granted an exemption allowing you to apply for permanent residence from within Canada.

Note: The cost and inconvenience of returning to your home country to apply for permanent residence are not sufficient factors for H&C considerations.

How to apply online

Applying online is now the main way to apply for permanent residence.

Other formats

If you can’t apply online, and require accommodations, including for a disability, you can ask for the application in another format (paper, braille or large print).

The Instruction Guide (IMM 5291) will help you fill out the forms properly.

You must fill out these digital forms online

You’ll fill out these digital forms online (for yourself, and any family members 18 or older)

• Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
• Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)

You must also fill out these PDF forms

• you don’t need to sign them
• upload them to your online application
• as the principal applicant, you’ll electronically sign for the entire application, including those of your family members
  • Document Checklist [IMM 5280] (opens in a new tab)
    • Use your checklist to make sure you include all the forms and documents you need.

    

    Get help to open an application form or to fill one out in the Help Centre.

    Features

    Using an immigration representative

    If you want to appoint someone to do business with us on your behalf, you must

    • submit a Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (opens in a new tab) form
    • sign it digitally or by hand and get your immigration representative to do so also
    • upload it with your application

    An immigration representative (an immigration consultant or lawyer) can give you advice and help you with your application for a fee. But they can’t

    • open a portal account on your behalf
    • electronically sign the application for you
    • sign into the portal using your username and password

    A representative can fill out forms and communicate with us on your behalf through their own account. They can also

    • help you prepare the documents you need to upload
    • answer questions about the forms

    After you read the declaration, you must be the one who types your name. This is the legal requirement for your application to be considered “signed,” according to Canada’s immigration law.

    If you want to allow us to release information from your application to someone other than yourself who will not act as your representative you must

    • submit an Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual [IMM 5475] (PDF, 593.57 KB) form
    • complete the form and sign it by hand
    • upload it with your application

    Photo specifications

    You need one photo for each person on your application.

    Follow the instructions in the online application to scan and upload both sides of your photo.

    Technical issues

    If you’re having technical issues applying, contact us using the web form

    • under type of application/enquiry, choose technical difficulties from the drop-down menu
    • in the text box, specify the program you’re applying under
    • upload screenshots from your account that show us
      • the page where you’re having problems
      • the error message(s) you get

      If you need to upload a number of images, find out how to combine them into 1 document.

      Pay your application fees

      In most cases, your fees will include:

      • processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application
      • the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
      • biometrics
      • third-party fees

      Biometrics fee

      In most cases, you must pay a biometrics fee when you submit your application. Otherwise, you may experience delays. The biometrics fee covers the cost of collecting fingerprints and a digital photo.

      After you pay the biometrics fee with a complete application, we’ll send you a letter confirming that you need to give your biometrics and where you can go. You must show this letter when you give your biometrics.

      You must give your biometrics in person. Make sure to book an appointment if this service is offered. Find a collection point close to you.

      Submit your online application

      Before you submit your application, make sure you:

      • answer all questions
      • electronically sign your application (type your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
      • include your processing fee receipt
      • upload all the supporting documents

      If your application is incomplete, we’ll reject it. You’ll have to fix any errors and then re-submit it.

      How-to video

      

      Save Time: Send a Complete Application

      Find out if you are eligible

      

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