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 to grant permanent residence on exceptional grounds. Applicants must clearly demonstrate why their case deserves special consideration — for example, long-term residence in Canada, strong community ties, or significant hardship if removed from Canada.
Key considerations include:
- Establishment in Canada
• Family ties and community involvement
• Best interests of any children affected
• Conditions in the applicant’s home country
• Health, safety, or humanitarian concerns
2. When Can You Apply?
Applicants can submit an H&C application from within Canada, even if they lack valid status. However, submitting an H&C does not automatically stop removal — a separate deferral or stay of removal must be requested if needed. Applicants must provide all supporting evidence with the initial submission.
3. Current Processing Times (IRCC 2024–2025 Data)
As of late 2025, IRCC data indicates significant delays across all H&C streams. Based on government transparency reports and published statistics:
| Location / Category | Approx. Processing Time |
| In-Canada (outside Quebec) | ≈ more than 10 years |
| In-Canada (Quebec) | ≈ More than 10 years |
| Older / general H&C estimates | 22–36 months |
Processing times are calculated from when IRCC receives a complete application until a final decision is made. Delays can increase if background checks, medicals, or additional verifications are required.
4. Why the Delays?
IRCC cites several reasons for extended timelines:
• A backlog exceeding 45,000 H&C applications in the in-Canada inventory.
• Limited annual admission quotas for H&C and other discretionary categories.
• Resource constraints and higher complexity in many files.
• Increased demand linked to global crises and humanitarian measures.
5. What Applicants Should Expect
While IRCC’s posted processing times suggest 10 years, many cases take longer.
To strengthen an H&C case, ensure the application is thorough, well-documented, and includes strong humanitarian evidence such as letters of support, community involvement, and proof of establishment in Canada.
6. Key Takeaways
- H&C is not a fast-track program; patience is required.
• Completeness and clarity in documentation reduce delays.
• Applicants under removal orders should seek deferral or stay if necessary.
• IRCC continues to face a growing backlog — plan accordingly.
For official updates, applicants should monitor IRCC’s processing time tool and check the following official link: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html
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Authored by Fatme Ghandour, RCIC-IRB
