Humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) considerations assessment: Former Canadian citizens or permanent residents
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
Applies to in-Canada and overseas
See also Restrictions on the examination of H&C applications and requests.
Former Canadian citizens or former permanent residents may request permanent resident status on H&C grounds. As with all applications, cases involving former Canadian citizens or permanent residents must be considered based on their individual circumstances.
Although not exhaustive, decision-makers must follow these guidelines:
- Confirm that the applicant:
- was a Canadian citizen and has lost their citizenship. If necessary, confirm loss of citizenship with the Centralized Processing Center (CPC) Sydney. Include the applicant’s name, date and country of birth;
- was a permanent resident and has lost that status. If necessary, confirm loss of permanent residence;
- has exhausted all their options before requesting H&C.
- If the applicant is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and has exhausted other options, decision-makers will consider:
- why and how the applicant lost their Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status and determine if they would have lost it under the present Acts
- the hardship that the applicant would experience, if the application or request is refused
- the situation of family members in Canada
- whether there are strong cultural and/or emotional ties to Canada
- whether there are close relatives, friends and support in another country
- whether there is a degree of establishment in Canada
For more information about the loss of permanent residence status, see:
For more information about hardship in an H&C assessment, see:
For more information about citizenship, see: