H&C Immigration Glossary: Plain-English Definitions
Updated: Oct 26
The short answer: H&C stands for humanitarian and compassionate considerations. It is a request under section 25 of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) asking for an exemption from usual immigration rules, so a person living in Canada can apply for permanent residence on humanitarian grounds. IRCC calls it an exceptional measure. This glossary explains the terms you will meet in IRCC guides, letters and court decisions, grouped by theme. It is general information, not a prediction of any outcome.
This article is part of our humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) application guide.
The basics
H&C (humanitarian and compassionate considerations)
The name for the process under IRPA section 25(1). The Minister may grant permanent residence, or exempt a person from a requirement, if justified by humanitarian and compassionate considerations. See our complete H&C guide.
Section 25 (s. 25 IRPA)
The part of the law that creates H&C. Subsection 25(1.3) says that for a request from someone in Canada, the officer must not consider refugee or protection risk factors but must consider hardship. See PRRA vs H&C.
Exemption
Permission to be treated as meeting, or not being bound by, a rule you would otherwise have to meet. IRCC's guide says you must name each exemption you are asking for and explain why.
Sufficient and compelling grounds
IRCC's wording for what an applicant must show to justify an exemption. IRCC treats H&C as an exceptional measure. See is H&C a last resort?.
Exceptional measure
How IRCC describes H&C. It is not a regular immigration category.
What officers consider
Hardship
The difficulty a person anticipates if they had to leave Canada or apply from abroad. Guide 5291 does not define the word, and asks applicants to describe any hardship they believe they would suffer. Our guide to hardship and country conditions explains how evidence may be used.
Establishment in Canada
A factor IRCC names: how your life has taken root here, for example through work, community or family life. See establishment in Canada.
Best interests of the child (BIOC)
Section 25(1) requires the best interests of a child directly affected to be taken into account. IRCC says these interests are weighed with other factors and do not outweigh all other factors. See best interests of the child.
Family ties and separation
Relationships in Canada, and the effect of being separated from relatives, are also named by IRCC. See family ties and separation.
Dependent child
IRCC's guide says a child must generally be under 22 and have no spouse or common-law partner. A child aged 22 or older may be treated as a dependent child if financially dependent on a parent since before 22 because of a physical or mental condition. See including family members.
Process and documents
Approval in principle
IRCC's guide uses this phrase for a first-stage approval. It is not permanent residence, and further steps follow. IRCC's published description of the later stage is limited, so see what approval in principle means.
Stage one and stage two
Guide 5291 refers to "stage one" (the point at which an application may be approved in principle) but, in the version we reviewed, does not describe a stage two. We therefore do not describe later steps here; ask a representative or check IRCC's current instructions.
Right of permanent residence fee (RPRF)
A separate fee for becoming a permanent resident, in addition to processing fees. IRCC's guide notes dependent children are exempt. Check the IRCC fee list for current amounts and our forms and fees guide.
Procedural fairness letter
A letter in which IRCC tells you about a concern and invites a response before deciding. See procedural fairness letters.
GCMS notes
GCMS (Global Case Management System) is IRCC's case-processing system, and "GCMS notes" are the officer's recorded notes on a file. People usually ask for them through IRCC's access to information and privacy process. The request type, who may use it, fees and timing are set by IRCC, so check IRCC's access to information page and see requesting GCMS notes after a refusal.
Inadmissibility
A legal reason a person may not be allowed into or to stay in Canada. IRCC's guide lists criminality, health grounds, financial reasons and misrepresentation as examples. See criminal inadmissibility and H&C.
Temporary resident permit (TRP)
A permit that gives temporary status. IRCC says it is issued for a limited time, may be cancelled at any time, and does not permanently overcome inadmissibility. IRCC's guide lists the TRP holder class among the routes to consider before using the H&C application.
Removal and review
Removal order
A formal order to leave Canada. CBSA and IRCC describe three types. A departure order means leaving Canada within 30 days of becoming enforceable and confirming departure with CBSA; if that is not done, it becomes a deportation order. An exclusion order bars return for one year, or five years if issued for misrepresentation, unless an Authorization to Return to Canada is issued. A deportation order is a permanent bar unless an Authorization to Return to Canada is issued. See H&C with a removal order.
Pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA)
A separate process that assesses risk if a person is removed, using refugee protection grounds. It is not H&C. See PRRA vs H&C.
Judicial review
A request to the Federal Court to review an immigration decision. Leave (permission) of a Federal Court judge is needed first. Time limits are short: 15 days for a matter arising in Canada and 60 days for one arising outside Canada, with extensions only in limited circumstances. The Federal Court says you may represent yourself or have a lawyer; consultants cannot represent you there. If you receive a refusal, speak to a lawyer quickly. See after an H&C refusal.
Who can help
Authorized representative
IRCC says only lawyers, Quebec notaries, paralegals (in Ontario) and consultants licensed with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants can be paid for immigration advice. See choosing an H&C representative.
RCIC
A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, licensed by the College. See RCIC or lawyer?.
Next steps
If a term in an IRCC letter is unclear, we can explain it in context. E-Pathway Immigration can help you assess whether H&C considerations may be relevant, identify the evidence and questions that need attention, and understand your options. A decision remains with IRCC.
Related guides: H&C complete guide · Who can apply for H&C · Documents checklist · PRRA vs H&C · Is H&C a last resort? · H&C guide index
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources: IRCC: Humanitarian and compassionate considerations · IRCC Guide 5291 · IRPA s. 25 · CBSA: Enforcing removals · IRCC: Who needs an authorization to return · IRCC: Temporary resident permits · Federal Court: judicial review (immigration) · Federal Court: who may represent you · IRCC: Find out if your representative is authorized · IRCC: Learn about representatives · IRCC: Access to information requests · IRCC fee list
This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Immigration options and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a qualified representative for advice about your situation.
About the author
Domonic Cheung is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), licence R711344, with E-Pathway Immigration in Vancouver, BC. You can verify his licence on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) public register.
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