Canada’s Humanitarian & Compassionate consideration is just one way that international workers can become permanent residents of Canada, particularly if they do not fulfill the criteria of other immigration programs. This can also be helpful in bringing more skilled foreign talent to Canada and even filling some of the country’s labor shortages.
This article will explain the Humanitarian & Compassionate consideration and some of its notable features, including how to apply.
What is the Humanitarian & Compassionate Consideration?
The Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) consideration aims to provide a potential route to residency for those who do not meet requirements for Canada’s other immigration programs. The consideration specifically addresses the needs of individuals who face extraordinary or exceptional circumstances, such as:
- Adverse conditions in the applicant’s home country
- Extraordinary family conditions
- Medical issues
- Past immigration violations
With the Humanitarian & Compassionate consideration, empathy is key in assessing each unique application.
Who Qualifies for the Humanitarian & Compassionate Consideration?
Qualifications for the Humanitarian & Compassionate consideration depend greatly on an applicant’s circumstance. To qualify, applicants must prove with strong evidence that their circumstances are exceptional and that they therefore deserve an exemption from standard immigration rules. In addition, applicants must:
- Be 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 that their circumstances justify humanitarian and compassionate considerations for granting the required exemption(s) for permanent residence
- Be ineligible to apply for permanent residence from within Canada in any of these classes:
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner
- Economic Class
- Protected Person and Convention Refugees
- Temporary Resident Permit Holder
What is the Process for Applying for the Humanitarian & Compassionate Consideration?
Currently, the main way to apply for permanent Canadian residence is by applying online. Applicants must fill out the following forms (for themselves and any family members 18 years or older):
- Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
- Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
- Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
- Document Checklist [IMM 5280]
- Supplementary Information [IMM 5283]
H&C applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, meaning no two applications are ever the same. Approval for permanent residence is not guaranteed through the H&C consideration, depending heavily on the compelling nature of each case. For more information on application requirements for the Humanitarian & Compassionate consideration, visit Canada’s official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Humanitarian & Compassionate consideration applications to process?
Processing times for Humanitarian & Compassionate consideration applications vary depending on the circumstance of each case. Incomplete applications may prolong the wait time to get approved and, in worse cases, lead to an application’s rejection altogether. To avoid this, prepare any necessary documents beforehand and provide as much relevant information as possible to initial applications to increase chances of approval.
How can the Humanitarian & Compassionate consideration help Canadian companies?
The H&C consideration can help Canadian companies with their international recruitment, which is important in growing Canadian businesses on a global scale. Many companies worldwide are looking to foreign workers as a way to reach new markets of both employees and consumers, especially at a time when technology and globalization are so crucial to a business’s success.
With labor shortages being common in many parts of Canada, investing in international candidates can relieve a Canadian business of its job vacancies. From there, Canadian employers can prioritize their business’s productivity and outputs more readily and efficiently.
In addition, hiring foreign workers from a range of cultural backgrounds can make a work environment more inclusive and even more innovative. A diverse workplace attracts those who want to feel supported and valued in their work, and in return, these skilled candidates bring new ideas and expertise to the workplace, helping the business to grow and expand.
How Can I Immigrate to Canada as an International Worker?
With the help of No Limit to Canada, your immigration journey to Canada can start as soon as today! No Limit to Canada streamlines the Canadian immigration process by saving you money and resources, assisting with necessary immigration documents, and offering valuable advice and support from start to finish.
Give us a call at 888-391-1115 or contact us via email at info@nolimittocanada.com. We are available to answer all your questions on immigration for international workers and help you find the Canadian immigration program that fits best for you.