Understanding Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) Applications — 2025 Overview
October 20th, 2025
Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications offer individuals in Canada a pathway to apply for permanent residence when they do not meet standard immigration requirements. Under section 25(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), officers can grant exemptions based on factors like establishment in Canada, best interests of children, and hardship upon return. 1. What is an H&C Application? An H&C application is a discretionary process allowing IRCC officers […]
Protected Person Applications and Processing Delays — 2025 Overview
October 18th, 2025
Canada offers protection to individuals who fear persecution, torture, or risk to life if returned to their country of origin. Once a person is recognized as a Protected Person or Convention Refugee, they may apply for permanent residence (PR) in Canada. However, recent years have seen considerable delays in processing both inland and overseas family applications. 1. Understanding Protected Person Status A ‘Protected Person’ is someone who has been determined […]
Inland vs. Outland Spousal Sponsorship in Canada: Which Is Right for You?
October 15th, 2025
When a Canadian citizen or permanent resident wishes to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence, there are two main pathways: Inland and Outland sponsorship. Understanding the difference between these options is crucial — it can affect processing time, travel ability, and work permit eligibility. 1. Inland Spousal Sponsorship (Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class) This option applies to couples who are living together in Canada, where […]
Understanding the Recent Surge in IRCC Processing Times — What’s Behind the Delays?
October 6th, 2025
Introduction In 2025, both applicants and immigration professionals have noticed a significant increase in wait times across multiple Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) programs. Although IRCC publishes official processing estimates on its website, real-world timelines are often far longer. This article explores the causes behind these delays, how processing times are calculated, and what applicants can do to navigate the situation. 1. What IRCC Officially Says IRCC explains on […]