HM Group
Canada Immigration Specialists | Trusted Guidance. Successful Futures.
Compassionate Grounds
H&C Assessment

Speak confidentially with HM Group specialists to evaluate your unique circumstances and hardship factors.

  • Establishment in Canada
  • Best Interests of Children (BIOC)
  • Hardship & Discretionary Relief
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EXCEPTIONAL IMMIGRATION CONSIDERATIONS
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When Your Immigration Story Doesn't Fit the Standard Path

Your Story Matters. Speak With HM Group Today.

Not every immigration situation fits neatly into Canada's regular immigration programs.

For some individuals and families, there may be circumstances that deserve special consideration based on Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds.

H&C applications are designed for individuals who may face exceptional hardship or other compelling circumstances if they are required to leave Canada.

These applications are highly personal and are assessed on their individual circumstances. At HM Group, we understand that behind every H&C application is a unique story.

Our team helps you understand whether H&C may be an option for your situation and provides professional guidance throughout the process.

Your Story Matters

Compassionate, confidential, and professional assessment for exceptional cases.

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What Are Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds?

Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds allow eligible individuals to ask the Canadian government to consider granting permanent residence based on compelling circumstances.

Unlike many Canadian immigration programs, H&C applications are not based on a simple points system or a standard formula. Each case is considered individually.

IRCC may consider factors such as an applicant's establishment in Canada, family relationships, the best interests of children affected by the decision, and the hardship or consequences that may result from leaving Canada.

Because H&C is an exceptional remedy, presenting a clear, well-supported case is critical.

Want to Know If H&C Applies to Your Situation?

HM Group can review your circumstances and help you understand your options.

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When Might Someone Consider an H&C Application?

People consider H&C applications for many different reasons. Some common situations include:

Significant Life in Canada

Individuals who have lived in Canada for a significant period and built their lives, careers and community ties here.

Deep Family Ties

Individuals who have strong family ties in Canada, including children, parents, spouses or siblings.

Best Interests of Children

Families with children whose well-being, education or development would be negatively impacted by leaving Canada.

Exceptional Hardship

Individuals who face exceptional hardship or dangerous conditions if required to return to their country of origin.

Every situation is different. What matters is the combination of factors that make your case unique.


Establishment in Canada

One of the most important factors in an H&C application is how established you have become in Canadian society. IRCC evaluates:

Length of time you have lived in Canada

Employment history and financial stability

Volunteer work and community involvement

Property or asset ownership in Canada

Language proficiency & integration

Personal ties to local organizations


Family Ties in Canada

Having close family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents can be a compelling element in an H&C assessment.

The emotional and financial support systems you share with family members in Canada, as well as the hardship of separation, are evaluated carefully.


Best Interests of the Child (BIOC)

Canadian immigration law places significant weight on the Best Interests of any Child (BIOC) directly affected by an immigration decision.

Factors considered include the child's age, emotional development, education, medical needs, and the impact that separation or relocation to another country would have on their well-being.


Hardship Considerations

An H&C application may also demonstrate the hardship that an applicant would experience if forced to leave Canada.

This can include lack of medical treatment in the home country, discrimination, severe economic conditions, absence of social support, or risk of harm.


Personalized H&C Applications

No two H&C cases are identical. Because there is no standard checklist that guarantees success, every submission must be thoroughly customized.

At HM Group, we gather comprehensive documentary evidence, prepare compelling legal submissions, and present your unique personal circumstances clearly to IRCC officers.

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All consultations are handled with utmost confidentiality and empathy.

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Why Professional Guidance Matters

H&C applications require sophisticated legal arguments and thorough documentation. At HM Group, we provide:

Thorough Legal Submissions

Detailed written submissions highlighting relevant immigration law and case precedents.

Document Strategy

Guidance on gathering compelling supporting letters, community evidence and country condition reports.

Compassionate Approach

We understand the emotional weight of your situation and handle your file with empathy and care.

Dedicated Representation

Direct communication with immigration authorities on your behalf throughout the process.


Explore Your Options with HM Group

If you or your loved ones are facing challenging immigration circumstances, don't face them alone.

Our team can help determine whether an H&C application or another immigration strategy is best suited to protect your future in Canada.

Compassionate Grounds

Speak With HM Group Today

Your Story Matters. Let Us Help You Tell It.

Exceptional situations require dedicated advocacy. HM Group is committed to helping individuals and families present their strongest possible case.


Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone inside Canada may apply for H&C consideration, provided they do not have a pending refugee claim and are not subject to certain statutory bars (such as the 12-month bar following a rejected refugee claim, with limited exceptions).

Submitting an H&C application does not automatically stay an enforceable removal order. However, receiving Approval in Principle (Stage 1) provides substantial relief, and separate legal steps may be taken in urgent removal scenarios.

H&C applications generally take between 12 to 24 months, processed in two stages: Stage 1 (Assessment of H&C grounds / Approval in Principle) and Stage 2 (Medical, security, and background checks for Permanent Residence).

Once you receive Stage 1 approval (Approval in Principle), you become eligible to apply for an open work permit while Stage 2 is being finalized.

HM Group conducts an in-depth review of your circumstances, compiles comprehensive evidence, crafts persuasive legal arguments addressing establishment, BIOC, and hardship, and represents you before IRCC throughout the process.