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LEGAL SERVICES

H&C Permanent Residency

Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications

  • Step 5.1 - Select the visa type
  • Step 2 - Apply to visit Canada
    Explanation Select the appropriate application you'd like to make (visit)
  • Step 6 - Representative information
    Explanation Select "No" if you are making a personal application for you or your family. If you'd like to apply on someone else's behalf - choose "Yes" and indicate your relationship
  • Step 18.2 - Answer security and criminality questions part 2
  • Step 18.1 - Answer security and criminality questions part 1
  • Step 8.2 - Answer questions on your government ID
    Explanation Answer questions truthfully. Explain any US or Canadian visas that you may hold
  • Step 14 - Provide financial information on your funds
    Explanation Show your financial ability to pay for the entire stay. Assets do not count, only money that you can access immediately from your bank account. Potential questions How much money should I show? There is no set amount. But it's recommended to demonstrate you have at least $10,000 per person for every month and/or a permanent source of income like salary. Can someone sponsor me? Yes, parents, spouses, or business can sponsor you. In this case, indicate how much money they have in their account and provide a financial affidavit in supporting documents.
  • Step 4 - Select the number of applicants
    Explanation You may apply as a group (family/company) or alone. Potential questions Can I represent my group in the application? Yes, you will need to provide more information on your relationship and submit a group application with supporting documents for everyone.
  • Step 3 - Agree to the conditions and start the application
  • Step 19.2 - Answer medical background questions part 2
    Potential questions What if I have a medical condition/disease listed among the questions? Answer truthfully and explain in your letter of explanation how you are not a threat to the Canadian public and are able to cover your own medical expenses.
  • Step 15 - Outline all of your post-secondary education
  • Step 7 - Provide personal information from your government ID (passport)
  • Step 8.1 - Provide your travel document ID
    Potential questions Can I use an expiring passport? It's possible but not recommended. Apply to renew your passport to get a longer duration of your travel document.
  • Step 16 - Provide your activities history
    Explanation Give details of all your employment and activities for the past 10 years. Review your entries and make sure you included something for all time periods in the past 10 years. Do not include any entries that you already put for post-secondary education, military, or police force (if that was your only occupation at that time). Potential questions What if I did not work for some time? If you were unemployed, incarcerated, or retired in the last 10 years, select that option from the menu and tell us for how long. What if I was/am a student? If you were a student at a secondary school, select 'unemployed'.
  • Step 23 - Select your preferred language(s)
  • Step 12.1 - Indicate your country of residence
    Explanation The country of residence is the country where you reside (live). Potential questions What if I live in a country different than my country of citizenship? Such cases are more difficult, to increase your chances - apply from the country of citizenship (or the country you have most ties to).
  • Step 9 - Explain your citizenship
    Potential questions What if I have multiple citizenships? Answer "yes" to "are you a citizen of more than one country?" and indicate all of your citizenship. For your application, use the country you have more ties to.
  • Step 17.2 - Answer travel history background questions
    Explanation If you have stayed beyond validity or been refused a Canadian or US visa - provide explanation.
  • Step 5.2 - Choose the purpose for your travel
  • Step 5.3 - Provide travel details
    Explanation Provide a brief overview of what you plan to do/see/visit in Canada. This may be to visit a friend/family. Potential questions Can I skip this section? No, provide a brief overview. How detailed do I need to be? Do not overwhelm this section with too much information. Use your Statement of Purpose to convey your background and intentions.
  • Step 21 - Provide information about your children
  • Step 22 - Add information on your parents
  • Step 19.1 - Answer medical background questions part 1
    Explanation Questions related to work require a 'no' answer as you're applying for a visitor visa.
  • Step 12.2 - List all the countries you lived in for more than 6 months in the last 5 years
    Explanation This could include only your country of citizenship/residence if you have not left or made brief (under 6 months) visits.
  • Step 1 - Sign in/sign up on the IRCC Portal
    Explanation The IRCC Portal is a new way to make a visitor visa application. Creating an account is simple and requires an email address. Potential questions Why use the IRCC Portal over the GCKey Platform? The main benefit of the IRCC Portal over the old GCKey Platform is ease of use, an applicant does not need to fill out IMM forms. Can I apply on behalf of my parents? Yes, you will need to declare yourself as a representative in this case.
  • Step 10 - Indicate if you have a national ID
  • Step 11 - Provide names you used in the past
    Explanation If you used a different named in the past (maiden name for instance), provide it in this section.
  • Step 24 - Provide an email address for communication
  • Step 20 - Indicate your marital status
    Explanation If you're married/divorced - add information about your spouse.
  • Step 13 - Indicate your biometrics information
  • Step 19.3 - Answer medical background questions part 3
  • Step 17.1 - Outline your travel history
    Explanation Give details of all your travels for the past 5 years. If you did not travel - say 'no'. Potential questions What if I traveled to one country multiple times per month? In case of multiple visits per month, simply indicate it once.
  • Step 25 - Add a contact phone number
  • Step 1 - Upload your national ID, such as a passport
    Explanation Upload all used pages of your passport Potential questions What if my passport expires soon? It's recommended to use a new passport valid for as long as possible.
  • Step 3 - Upload any other documents required by IRCC
    Explanation You may be required to upload marriage certificates, birth certificates or other documents specific to your case.
  • Step 2 - Upload your proof of funds
    Explanation Show your financial ability to pay for the entire stay. Assets do not count, only money that you can access immediately from your bank account. Potential questions How much money should I show? There is no set amount. But it's recommended to demonstrate you have at least $10,000 per person for every month and/or a permanent source of income like salary. What documents can show funds? Bank statements, bank drafts, notarized gift deeds, etc. Can someone sponsor me? Yes, parents, spouses, or business can sponsor you. In this case, indicate how much money they have in their account and provide a financial affidavit in supporting documents.
  • Step 1 - Upload your Letter of Explanation or Statement of Purpose
    Explanation Upload a custom LOE or SOP under 'Additional documents'. The letter should communicate your case to the visa officer and explain your intentions as well as background. ⚠️ Important ⚠️ If you're unsure about how to make a strong SOP or LOE - try our SOP Builder Visitor Visa. This powerful AI system is trained on frameworks used by immigration lawyers to make a custom letter of explanation in minutes. It has helped applicants in over 30 countries.
  • Step 2 - Upload your employment letter/business documents
    Explanation To support your ability to cover travel expenses - demonstrate a consistent source of income such as employment or self-employment. It's recommended to merge a job contract with salary statements to prove income.
  • Can changes be made to your PR application after it's submitted?
    No changes cannot be made on the portal after submission, but you must update IRCC on any changes via a Webform.
  • What documents are crucial for work experience evidence when applying for PR after an ITA?
    You need reference letters, employment agreements, taxation documents, pay slips, and possibly a labor market impact assessment for arranged employment.
  • How do you find and compare your job with the NOC descriptions?
    Use the government's NOC database to compare the government's NOC description with your job offer to ensure they align.
  • What is the significance of a job offer in the Express Entry profile?
    A valid job offer can provide additional points in the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) and can be crucial for the success of the application. It must be supported by an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) or an offer of employment if exempt.
  • What are "optional documents" in the context of a PR application?
    Optional documents include any additional information or explanations that could not be included in the main sections of the application, such as letters of explanation.
  • What might happen if you're unable to support the full score of your ITA?
    If your score is adjusted based on provided documents and it falls below the cutoff of the draw, your application may be refused.
  • What does the PR application portal look like, and what information does it include from the Express Entry profile?
    The PR application portal includes sections that are automatically filled with information from your Express Entry profile. It also requires additional information like personal history, education, and work experience.
  • Can remote work experience from outside Canada be counted towards the CEC program?
    No, the work experience must be gained inside Canada.
  • What is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program?
    The CEC program is a federal immigration stream that allows individuals who have work experience in Canada to apply for permanent residency.
  • What should you do after receiving an ITA?
    You should start gathering all documents to support your Express Entry score, especially those that may take more time, such as police certificates.
  • What should you do if your Express Entry profile is not selected within a year?
    You can re-enter your profile into the pool, attempt to increase your score, or explore other immigration options such as provincial nominee programs.
  • What if your family situation changes after receiving an ITA, like getting married or having kids?
    Family members can be added to the application at any time during the process, but you must provide the additional family information form (IMM 5406) and pay applicable fees.
  • What's the recent update about medical exams for PR applications?
    The medical exam is no longer required upfront. IRCC will request it after submitting your application.
  • What is crucial to take seriously after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada?
    After receiving an ITA, it's crucial to take the next steps seriously to maximize the ITA, like submitting supporting documents, and eventually secure permanent residency.
  • What is the best investment you can make in your immigration process?
    Having an immigration lawyer review your file is considered the best investment to avoid mistakes in such a crucial application. Professional guidance can remove certain risks when filing for PR in Canada.
  • What happens after you submit your Express Entry profile?
    Your profile enters the Express Entry pool, and if you are selected during a draw based on your score, you will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
  • What specific details must a job offer include for the CEC program?
    A job offer should include the job title, hours per week, pay per hour, and duties because a visa officer will compare these details against the NOC standards.
  • Does paid vacation count towards the 1,560 hours for the Canadian Experience Class program?
    Yes, paid vacation time can count towards your work hours requirement for the CEC program.
  • How can I apply for Permanent Residency in Canada?
    To apply for PR in Canada you need to start by selecting an immigration stream. You can get PR through a federal (Canada-wide), most popular being CEC, or provincial pathway (province-specific).
  • How do you start an application for Express Entry?
    Go to the GC Key website, scroll down to "Apply to Come to Canada," and then select "Apply for Express Entry."
  • Why is it important to fill in all gaps in your personal history in the PR application?
    IRCC wants to have a complete timeline without any gaps, even if those periods were times of unemployment or travel.
  • What is the significance of the Use of Representative form in the PR application process?
    If your application is being submitted through an authorized representative like a lawyer or consultant, this form must be completed to authorize them to represent you.
  • Why is it important for the job duties listed in the job offer to match the NOC description?
    If the job duties do not match the NOC description, it may disqualify the application, as it must be consistent with the duties of the claimed NOC category.
  • What additional documents might you need after receiving an ITA?
    Additional documents may include updated passport pages, stamps, visas, and documents for any dependents such as passport copies, birth certificates, and marriage certificates.
  • Is the Canadian Experience Class program available in all provinces?
    Yes, it is available in all provinces except for Quebec.
  • What is NOC, and how does it relate to the CEC program?
    NOC stands for National Occupational Classification, which categorizes jobs based on skill level and type of work. For the CEC program, you need to have experience in certain NOC skill levels.
  • What are the main requirements for the Canadian Experience Class stream?
    The main requirements include having work experience in Canada, fulfilling a minimum of 1,560 hours of paid work, and having work experience in a job classified as NOC 0, A, or B skill level.
  • Can you accumulate the required 1,560 work hours for the CEC faster than one year?
    No, you cannot count more than 30 hours per week, so it will take at least one year to accumulate the required hours.
  • What important documents should be collected from day one of employment for the CEC application?
    Important documents include a job offer, pay stubs, an employment verification letter, a record of employment, and an employment contract.
  • What are the minimum requirements to apply for PR in Canada?
    To apply for the Canadian Experience Class, you will need have at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada, there is no minimum education requirements but you will be asked to demonstrate English or French proficiency. Learn if your job falls under the CEC program by using our PR Indicator.
  • What information do you need to provide when creating an Express Entry profile?
    Information required includes personal details, language test results, education, work experience, and other relevant details.
  • How long is an Express Entry profile valid in the pool?
    An Express Entry profile is valid for one year after submission.
  • How is the selection for provincial nominee programs related to the Express Entry profile?
    When you select a province in your profile, it indicates your interest in that province and could open opportunities for provincial nominee programs.
  • Who Can Apply?
    Individuals who have made Canada their home and face hardship if returned to their country of origin. Applicants with family ties in Canada, particularly those with children whose well-being would be adversely affected by the applicant's departure. Those facing undue hardship in their home country that cannot be alleviated. It's important to note that individuals with pending refugee claims or those who have been denied refugee status may face restrictions on applying for H&C consideration.
  • An example H&C PR case
    A Nigerian citizen who has lived in Canada for over 5 years, unable to obtain PR through Express Entry, belongs to the LGBTQ community and is in obvious danger if returns home.
  • What is H&C Consideration?
    H&C consideration allows for certain individuals who are otherwise ineligible for PR to apply within Canada based on exceptional circumstances. These may include, but are not limited to, establishment in Canada, ties to the community, the impact of their departure on Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and the best interests of children involved.
  • What you get
    PGWP application from start to finish. Have an immigration lawyer represent your case to avoid legal mistakes. PR application from start to finish. From identifying the best PR streams to full submission, you will have an immigration lawyer working for your future.
  • Why get the bundle
    Big picture. Having an immigration lawyer assess your case at the Post-Grad Work Permit application stage can help us identify a quicker and better pathway to PR for you and your family. Confidence. Be sure about your next few years when you are applying for PR. Timesaving. Don’t want to spend days going deep into the complexities of PGWP and PR? This service is the premium support you need.
  • Is 30 minutes enough for me?
    Yes. Even in the case of a 'complicated file', our team is trained to analyze the case and prepare solutions in the time they have with you. We achieve this by preparing for the consultation through the information you provide in the booking form.
  • How much is it?
    A consultation with our immigration lawyers is 100 to 150 USD. The rates are affordable relative to other firms. We believe in access to legal support for all.
  • What happens after the consultation?
    If you decide to get legal assistance from us, tell your lawyer and we will inform you of the next steps. This would entail payment for the service of choice and a retainer.

What's included in our services?

Comprehensive Application Assistance

We guide you through the entire H&C application process, starting with an initial assessment to determine your eligibility and prospects for success.

Continuous Support

From the moment you engage our services, we stand by you throughout the application process, offering support, legal advice, and representation.

Document Preparation and Submission

Our team ensures that all necessary documents are meticulously prepared and submitted. This includes the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008), Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669), Additional Family Information (IMM 5406), and the critical Humanitarian and Compassionate considerations narrative that outlines your unique circumstances.

Liaison with Government Authorities

We act as your representative with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), handling all communications and ensuring your application is given the attention it deserves.

Overcoming Inadmissibility

We provide expert advice on addressing issues of inadmissibility due to criminality, health, financial reasons, or misrepresentation, ensuring that every possible pathway to overcoming these obstacles is explored.

Legal Fee

H&C requires case-by-case scrutiny, as each application is at the discretion of an IRCC officer. To increase your chances, you may choose to work with an immigration lawyer. Our legal fee is $7,000 USD. Flexible payment options are available if you require a payment plan.

How to start

Have a legal consultation

Book a legal consultation to discuss your case

What do you need to know

Working in the meantime

An H&C applicant can get a work permit or study permit after their application is approved at the first stage.

Travel to your home country

A successful H&C applicant who receives permanent residency is able to travel or get legal status in their country of nationality, unlike a ‘protected person’ under asylum.

The government fees

An H&C applicant must pay a processing fee to apply. The current fees are $1,085 for each adult with the right of PR

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