With few exceptions, applications for permanent residence in Canada must generally be made from outside the country and every applicant must meet the prescribed criteria for the immigration program he is applying under.

If you currently live in Canada, and are not eligible to apply for permanent residence status in any other category, or if you do not meet the requirements of the law, you may apply for permanent residence from within Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

Humanitarian and compassionate grounds applications are approved only in exceptional circumstances and may take several years to process. You will be required to show that you would experience unusual and undeserved or disproportionate hardship if you were required to leave Canada.      The best interests of a child directly affected by the decision made on your application will be relevant in the consideration of your application. A sponsorship undertaking will also be important if you are unable to support yourself.

A humanitarian and compassionate grounds application will not prevent or delay your removal from Canada if you are under a removal order.

For more information, please contact: immigrate@skilledworkerscanada.com