How to Show a Parent Has No Real Support in the Home Country for H&C
Updated: Oct 26
The short answer: When an H&C request involves a parent, an officer may ask who would look after that parent in the country of origin. IRCC's guide lists separation from relatives, ties to Canada, health and country conditions among the factors it may consider, and says you must give specific information and supporting documents. To show a parent has no real support abroad, you usually need to document family composition, the parent's health, finances and who provides care today. General statements such as "there is nobody" may carry little weight without evidence. No document guarantees a result, and IRCC makes the decision.
This article is part of our humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) application guide.
Why is this question asked?
IRCC says H&C is an exceptional measure. Where a parent is part of the story, an officer may look at whether the parent depends on a family member in Canada and whether there is family or other support abroad. Section 25(1.3) of IRPA says that for requests made from inside Canada, hardship must be considered. In Kanthasamy v. Canada, 2015 SCC 61, the Supreme Court of Canada read "unusual and undeserved or disproportionate hardship" in a descriptive sense, not as separate thresholds, according to an Osgoode Hall Law School summary. That does not tell you what an officer will decide in your file.
What evidence can show family composition?
Siblings and other relatives abroad are usually the first thing an officer notices. Be complete and accurate.
A simple table of the parent's children, spouse, siblings and close relatives: name, relationship, country, age, health and occupation.
For each person, a short explanation of whether they live near the parent, and whether they are able to provide care, with reasons such as health, work, caring for their own children or distance.
Death certificates for a spouse or relatives who have died.
Documents showing family members who have moved away or live abroad.
IRCC's guide says family members outside Canada must be declared even though they cannot be included in the application. Differences between your forms and your explanation can raise questions, so keep them consistent. See family ties and separation.
What evidence can show the parent's health and care needs?
Medical reports or letters from the parent's doctor describing conditions, treatment and daily care needs.
Records of any home care, medications or assistive devices.
A statement from the person providing care now, describing what they do and how often.
See H&C medical evidence. If the parent's condition raises a medical question for admissibility, discuss it early with a representative.
What evidence can show finances?
The parent's income sources, such as pensions or savings, and whether they are enough to pay for care.
Proof of money you or others send, such as transfer records. A consistent record over time is easier to follow.
Information about housing and who pays for it.
Costs of care or housing in the country of origin, if you can find reliable information.
What evidence can show who provides care?
A written account from you of what you did for the parent before you left and what you do now.
Statements from neighbours, a community leader, a doctor or a caregiver who knows the parent's situation. Each should say how they know the parent.
Evidence of what the parent cannot do alone.
For dependency evidence in more detail, see parent dependency evidence.
What are the limits?
Statements need support. IRCC asks for specific information and supporting documents. A letter saying "no one can help" does not carry as much weight as a family table and records.
Siblings matter. If a brother or sister lives near the parent, an officer may ask why they cannot help. Explain honestly and with evidence. Do not leave gaps.
Do not overstate. Say clearly what you could not obtain and what you tried. Claims that cannot be supported can weaken your file.
Not decisive alone. The parent's situation is one factor alongside your own establishment in Canada. See establishment in Canada.
Country conditions. Evidence about services abroad should be specific. See hardship and country conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Can my parent be included in my H&C application?
IRCC's guide says the family members who can be included are a spouse or common-law partner and dependent children, and that family outside Canada cannot be included but must be declared. It does not list parents. A parent's own situation is usually presented as evidence in your file; ask a representative how it applies to you.
What if I have siblings abroad?
You must declare them. The best approach is to explain, with evidence, the real situation of each one. Do not hide or minimize them.
Do I need a notarized letter?
IRCC's guide does not address notarized letters. It has separate rules for certified copies and translation affidavits. If a document is not in English or French, follow IRCC's translation rules; see H&C document translations.
Next steps
If you are gathering evidence about a parent abroad, begin with the family table. It helps you see where evidence is missing. Every H&C situation is different. 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: Parent dependency evidence · Aging parent with health needs · Family ties and separation · H&C letters of support · H&C complete guide · H&C guide index
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources: IRPA s. 25 · IRCC: Humanitarian and compassionate considerations · IRCC Guide 5291 · Osgoode Hall: summary of Kanthasamy v. Canada
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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