Other Permanent Residence Options to Check Before Choosing H&C
Updated: 2 days ago
The short answer: IRCC describes H&C as an exceptional measure. It is for people in Canada who need an exemption and who are not eligible for the spouse or common-law partner, economic, protected person or temporary resident permit holder classes. Before choosing H&C, it makes sense to look at the other permanent residence pathways IRCC lists and check whether any might apply to you. This is a high-level overview, not an assessment. Programs change, and IRCC decides every application.
Why check other options first?
The IRCC H&C page says the cost and inconvenience of returning home to apply are not enough on their own, and that applicants must show sufficient and compelling grounds. IRCC also says H&C applicants cannot be eligible under the classes listed above. So the first step is to confirm that no regular pathway fits.
What pathways does IRCC list?
IRCC's permanent residence overview groups programs as follows:
Work-based
Express Entry: an online system that manages applications under the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. You create a profile, and only invited candidates are asked to apply.
Caregivers: IRCC's page marks several caregiver pilots and programs as closed. Check the page for what is open.
Regional
Provincial Nominee Program: provinces and territories choose people for their local economy. Each sets its own requirements. IRCC says you first choose a province or territory, which determines how you apply.
Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots, the Atlantic Immigration Program, and Quebec-selected skilled workers and business programs. Quebec runs its own selection.
Family
Family sponsorship: spouse, partner or dependent children, an adopted child and certain relatives. IRCC marks the parents and grandparents stream as paused on its page. See our pages on spousal and common-law sponsorship, relative sponsorship and parents and grandparents sponsorship.
Refugees and protected persons
Permanent residence for protected persons: for people who have been granted protected status.
Special programs
IRCC lists a pathway for foreign nationals who were in state care: people in Canada who arrived before age 19, were in the legal care of a child and family services provider, and may now face removal.
The Start-up Visa and self-employed programs are shown as paused on the page we reviewed.
IRCC also has an explore programs tool for finding options. When you use it, write down each program you rule out and the reason, such as a missing requirement or a closed stream. That record can also help a representative see what has already been considered.
What if nothing fits?
If no regular pathway fits, IRCC lists factors such as establishment in Canada, ties to Canada, the best interests of children, health, family violence, separation from relatives and country conditions. None of these factors guarantees an outcome. IRCC's 2026-2028 levels plan sets a total permanent resident target of 380,000 a year, with an H&C line of 1,100 admissions in 2026 (range 1,000 to 3,000) and 1,000 in 2027 and 2028. That line also covers public policy and permit holder classes, and targets count people admitted, not applications received. See our complete H&C guide.
What other things should I check?
Time: H&C processing times can be long. Check IRCC's processing times tool.
Status: Applying for H&C does not give you status, and IRCC's guide says it does not stop removal. If you have a removal date, speak to a lawyer promptly.
Temporary options: Whether you may keep or restore temporary status is a separate question to check with IRCC.
Inadmissibility: IRCC says to resolve issues such as criminality or misrepresentation first where possible.
Other applications: Only one H&C application can be under consideration at a time.
Next steps
If you are comparing pathways, a case review can help sort out which questions to ask first. 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: H&C complete guide · H&C approval rate and chances · Spousal and common-law sponsorship · Humanitarian and compassionate service page · H&C guide index · Do I have an H&C case?
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources: IRCC: Humanitarian and compassionate considerations · IRCC: Immigrate to Canada · IRCC: Express Entry · IRCC: Provincial Nominee Program · IRCC: Family sponsorship · 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan
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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