A humanitarian or compassionate visa is valid when you need to apply for a waiver of one or more requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

The definition is very broad, stating only that you must justify that there are compelling reasons to apply for humanitarian consideration. You must demonstrate with documents the hardship you anticipate in the event of leaving Canada, whether you have sought government assistance in your home country and the results or, if you have not, why not.

You may not be eligible for residency through the caregiver program, marriage, refugee or have a permanent resident permit. You could be declared inadmissible for health conditions, criminal record, financial reasons, or misrepresentation on your application.

Important:

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

Note: An individual may only have one H&C application under consideration at any one time.

The H&C deeming application is an exceptional measure - it is not simply another means of applying for permanent resident status in Canada.

To be considered for an exemption from the usual IRPA requirements, you must.

1. Clearly state in your application the specific exemption(s) you are applying for.
2. Provide all details related to your request, including the reasons why you believe an H&C exemption(s) should be granted.
3. Demonstrate that there are sufficient and compelling reasons for you to be granted a waiver to allow you to apply for permanent residence from Canada.

Note: The cost and inconvenience of returning to your home country to apply for permanent residence are not, in the absence of other compelling factors, sufficient factors for H&C consideration.

Application:

The application done via the internet is now the main way to apply for permanent residence.

If you are not able to apply online and need accommodations, for example, because of a disability, you can request the application in another format (paper, braille or large print). More details.

1. Create an account on the permanent residence application portal, here.

2. Follow the steps indicated in the guide for the registration of your account, here.

3. Complete the digital forms on the website and on the portal. Through the portal and your email, you will be informed of any information related to the application.

4. Complete the application

5. Pay the application fee

6. Wait for a response from the authorities who will review your case.

More information here.