Will You Have an H&C Interview? What to Expect and How to Prepare (2026)
The short answer: IRCC's guidance does not say H&C applicants are routinely interviewed, and it states that the right to be heard "does not require an absolute right to an interview." An officer can still schedule one, for example when there are questions about the information in your file. IRCC does not publish how often this happens, so no one can tell you the odds. If you are called, know your own file, answer truthfully, and ask for clarification if you do not understand a question.
Does IRCC interview H&C applicants?
Not as a standard step that we could find. IRCC's H&C instructions that we reviewed do not say that every applicant is interviewed. IRCC's administrative law guidance for H&C decision-making says: "The right to be heard does not require an absolute right to an interview." IRCC's general procedural fairness guidance says something similar, and adds that an interview "may be the most appropriate way to proceed" in some cases.
IRCC's guidance for in-Canada H&C processing says that when fraud or misrepresentation related to a material fact "has occurred or is suspected," decision-makers must request written information or schedule an interview. So an interview is one option for an officer, alongside written requests.
We did not find any IRCC statistics on how many H&C applicants are interviewed, and we will not guess. See what happens after you apply for the wider process, or the H&C guide hub.
How would you be told about an interview?
IRCC's procedural fairness guidance tells decision-makers that an interview invitation should contain enough detail for the applicant to prepare. Read any notice carefully and follow its instructions on date, place or format, and what to bring. We did not find a single IRCC page that sets out the notice for every H&C case, so rely on the wording of your own letter. Keep your contact details and online account up to date so you do not miss it.
What happens at an interview?
IRCC's general staff guidance on conducting interviews (not written specifically for H&C) lists steps including reading the file in advance, explaining the purpose and format of the interview, asking questions, verifying your information, giving you "the opportunity to refute/explain," and explaining what happens next. An officer may also ask for more documents, but IRCC tells officers to ask only if it is "necessary in order to make a decision."
Can you bring an interpreter or a representative?
Interpreters: IRCC's procedural fairness guidance says that if you are interviewed, you may bring an interpreter or be provided one in certain circumstances. IRCC's interpreter instructions say the officer in charge decides whether the application could have a significant impact on the client, and a client who still wants an interpreter is responsible for finding one. Ask in writing, early, and do not assume.
Representatives: the IRCC page we found on counsel at interviews distinguishes between detained and released people and talks about "counsel." It does not address H&C interviews or consultants specifically, so we cannot say how it applies. Ask IRCC and your representative before the date, and check your notice. See choosing a representative.
Must the officer let you respond to concerns?
IRCC's guidance says applicants must "have a meaningful opportunity to provide a response to concerns about their application." If an officer relies on information from other sources, IRCC says they must tell you and give you a chance to respond. Concerns can be addressed at the interview or afterwards (for example, by a procedural fairness letter). See what a procedural fairness letter is. If you were refused, see options after a refusal and how to request GCMS notes.
What if you miss it?
We could not find an IRCC page that says what happens to an H&C application if you miss an interview. Do not assume nothing will happen. If you cannot attend, contact IRCC in writing before the date, explain why, and keep proof. See your status while waiting.
How do you prepare honestly?
This is not about rehearsing answers. It is about being accurate.
Know your own file. Re-read your forms, personal statement and documents. See the personal statement guide and documents checklist.
Make sure your documents are accurate. If something has changed since you applied, or you find an error, tell your representative and update IRCC through the proper channel.
Answer truthfully. Section 16(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) says a person who makes an application "must answer truthfully all questions put to them for the purpose of the examination."
Say if you do not understand. Ask the officer to repeat or explain the question. Say so if you do not remember something, rather than guessing.
Understand the risk of misrepresentation. Section 40(1)(a) of the IRPA makes a person inadmissible "for directly or indirectly misrepresenting or withholding material facts relating to a relevant matter that induces or could induce an error in the administration of this Act." Section 40(2) says the inadmissibility continues for five years, counted from different events depending on whether the determination is made outside or inside Canada. Ask a regulated professional how this applies to you.
Who does this affect?
H&C applicants who receive a request for an interview
Applicants whose file contains unclear dates, gaps or past refusals
Applicants who need an interpreter
Families whose accounts need checking for accuracy
What should you do?
Read any IRCC letter fully and note the deadline.
Contact your representative the same day.
Re-read your whole file and flag inconsistencies.
Ask in writing about an interpreter and who may attend.
Gather originals and copies of key documents.
Attend, answer truthfully, and keep notes afterwards.
Received an interview notice? E-Pathway Immigration, led by Domonic Cheung, RCIC (R711344) in Vancouver, can review your file and your options. Book a case review.
Frequently asked questions
Does everyone with an H&C application get interviewed?
IRCC's guidance does not say so. It says the right to be heard does not require an absolute right to an interview.
Can an officer decide without an interview?
IRCC says a right to be heard does not necessarily include an interview, but you must have a fair chance to respond to concerns.
Can I bring a lawyer or consultant?
IRCC's page on counsel at interviews does not address H&C specifically. Ask IRCC and check your notice before the date.
What if I do not speak English or French well?
IRCC's guidance says you may bring an interpreter or be provided one in certain circumstances. Ask early.
What if I made a mistake in my application?
Tell your representative before any interview. Misrepresentation can lead to a five-year inadmissibility finding under IRPA section 40.
Key takeaways
IRCC does not say every H&C applicant is interviewed, and it publishes no figure we could find.
You must have a meaningful chance to respond to concerns.
Know your file, keep your documents accurate and answer truthfully.
Ask about interpreters and attendance in advance.
The bottom line
An interview, if it happens, is a chance to explain your file accurately. The best preparation is knowing your documents and telling the truth.
Questions about your situation? E-Pathway Immigration, led by Domonic Cheung, RCIC (R711344) in Vancouver, can review your situation. Book a case review.
Last reviewed: November 2026
Sources: IRCC, Humanitarian and compassionate: Administrative law principles to guide H&C decision-making; IRCC, Procedural fairness; IRCC, Humanitarian and compassionate: Processing in-Canada applications; IRCC, Conducting interviews; IRCC, Using the services of an accredited interpreter; IRCC, Counselling applicants during interview; Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, s. 16; Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, s. 40.
This article provides general information only. It is not legal advice and does not create a client relationship. 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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