In some cases, you may be able to apply to stay in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate (often called H&C) grounds. This is another way to apply for permanent resident status. Humanitarian and compassionate grounds or reasons can be anything that makes others feel compassion and want to help. If you decide to make an H&C application, you must give any reasons that you believe support your application. You must also give any evidence that shows why you believe there are humanitarian and compassionate reasons to allow you to stay in Canada.

 Process to apply

An H&C application has 2 stages. You can only stay in Canada if your application is approved at both stages:

1. You are allowed to apply for permanent residence in Canada for humanitarian and compassionate reasons, and
2. You are approved for permanent resident status in Canada.

If you are approved at the first stage, you could still be refused at the second stage. This happens if you don’t meet the requirements for permanent resident status. Because IRCC doesn’t usually interview you, it is important to: 

• send the best evidence you have to support your application, and
• explain all your reasons to stay in Canada.

Step 5 talks about the types of evidence you can use to show you lived with your partner and to prove abuse or neglect. It is the best legal help to