Pathway finder
Stay on humanitarian grounds: I am in Canada without status, or my status is ending
Routes people usually look at
1
An H&C application from inside Canada
It can be made by someone without status, as long as no bar applies, for example a pending refugee claim or a pending H&C application.2
Restoring or extending status
If your status has only recently ended or is about to end and you are still eligible.3
A temporary resident permit
In some cases, while other options are considered.
What’s usually involved
- Check that no bar applies to an H&C application.
- Gather evidence of your life in Canada: work, taxes, community, family.
- Gather evidence of hardship if you had to leave.
- Write clear submissions that tie each piece of evidence to the factors the officer weighs.
- Respond quickly to any request from IRCC.
Documents you’ll typically need
Timing
There is no deadline to apply, but delay can matter if the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) becomes involved. For processing, see IRCC’s processing times page.
Common pitfalls
- Assuming time in Canada alone is enough
- Not addressing hardship with evidence
- Thinking the application prevents removal
- Using the H&C to argue refugee-type risk, which the officer cannot weigh in the same way
This is general information, not legal advice about your situation.
Talk it through with Manny
Bring this summary. Consultations in English, Punjabi and Hindi.