School Records and IEPs as Evidence in an H&C Application
Updated: Oct 26
The short answer: School records can help show how a child is doing in Canada and what supports the child receives. Report cards, an individual education plan (IEP) or learning-support plan, and letters from teachers or support workers are examples. IRCC's H&C guide lists a child's education among the factors an officer may consider, and says you must give specific information and supporting documents. School records show the child's present situation. They do not show what services exist in another country, and they cannot promise any outcome. The decision is made by IRCC.
This article is part of our humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) application guide.
Why do school records matter in an H&C file?
Section 25(1) of IRPA requires the Minister to take into account the best interests of a child directly affected. IRCC's Guide 5291 names the child's education among the factors. Records from the school can show things a parent's statement alone cannot, such as attendance, progress, and the help the school provides.
What kinds of school documents might help?
Report cards and progress reports. They show participation and development over time.
An IEP or learning-support plan. The name and format vary by province and school board. A plan usually describes the child's needs and the supports in place. Ask the school what plan, if any, your child has.
Assessment reports held by the school, such as a psychoeducational assessment, where they exist.
Letters from a teacher, resource teacher, educational assistant or school counsellor. These can describe what they see in the classroom and the help they provide.
Letters from support workers who work with the child, if they feel able to comment.
Enrolment and attendance records, which show how long the child has been in school in Canada.
These are examples, not a required list. IRCC's guide does not list specific school documents.
How do I ask for them?
Start with the school office, principal or learning-support teacher. Many schools have a process for records requests, and it differs between provinces and boards.
Ask in writing and say what you need: copies of the plan, recent report cards, and perhaps a short letter.
Give people time. Teachers are busy, and some may need approval from the principal or board.
For a letter, offer a short list of topics, such as how long they have known the child, what supports they provide, and how the child responds. Make it easy to say no.
Ask for the author's name, role, contact details and date on the letter.
Professionals decide whether they can write. They should describe what they know firsthand. They should not be asked to make promises about immigration, and they are not required to comment on immigration law.
What about privacy and consent?
A child's school and health information is sensitive. A few points to keep in mind:
A parent or guardian usually asks for the child's records, but rules about who can access them and how vary between schools and provinces. If you are unsure, ask the school.
Teachers and support workers should agree to their letters being included. Tell them the letter will go to IRCC.
Your application goes to the Government of Canada. IRCC's guide says personal information is not disclosed to other organizations except as permitted under the Privacy Act.
If you want IRCC to give someone other than your representative information on your case file, IRCC's guide points to form IMM 5475, and says that person cannot conduct business on your behalf. A representative uses form IMM 5476.
Only include what supports the points you are making. A representative can help you decide what to submit.
What can school records show, and what can't they?
They can show:
The child's current needs and supports at school.
Progress, participation and routines.
How long the child has been in the Canadian school system.
They cannot show:
What services are or are not available in another country. For that, see medical care in the country of origin.
A medical diagnosis, unless the author is qualified to make one.
That an H&C request will be approved. IRCC says the child's best interests are weighed but do not outweigh all other factors.
Old records can look out of date. If a plan is from several years ago, consider asking for a current version. If a document is not in English or French, follow IRCC's translation rules; see H&C document translations.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an IEP for an H&C application?
In the IRCC guide text we reviewed, an IEP is not listed as a requirement. If your child has one, it may be useful evidence. If not, other records and letters may still describe the child's needs.
Should a teacher write about immigration?
No. A teacher should write about the child they know. The legal argument belongs in your application, not in their letter.
What if the school will not release a document?
Ask what the school's process is and whether another route exists, such as a letter summarizing the plan. Raise the problem early with a qualified representative so you can plan around it.
Next steps
If your child has special needs, request school records early because they can take time. Domonic Cheung has over a decade of experience working with special-needs matters. 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: Special-needs evidence · H&C and a child with autism · H&C letters of support · Best interests of the child · H&C documents checklist · H&C guide index
Last reviewed: October 2026
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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