Permanent Resident status based on Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Grounds is only possible under certain circumstances. H&C provides the flexibility to grant permanent residence status or a permanent resident visa to certain foreign nationals who would otherwise not qualify in any class. ​

There are some restrictions with respect to examination of applications for H&C consideration. ​

Restrictions on examination of applications:

• Certain people who have an outstanding H&C request

• Inadmissibilities for which an exemption may not be requested

• Other restrictions on H&C applications

• People who have made a refugee claim

• Calculating the 12 month bar

• Immediate application of the bar

• Exception – Medical condition posing a risk to life

• Exception – Best interests of a child (BIOC)

• Intake of applications for family members ​​ A humanitarian and compassionate assessment considers circumstances and factors that may be sufficiently compelling to allow for the requested exemption.