What Happens After You Submit an H&C Application? Step by Step (2026)
The short answer: After you submit an H&C application online and pay the fees, IRCC checks that it is complete. An incomplete application is rejected (IRCC's guide says "returned") and has to be corrected and sent again. This is a screening step, not a refusal. If it is complete, IRCC sends a letter telling you to give biometrics. The file then waits for a first-stage decision (approval in principle), which IRCC may delay while it asks for more information or sends a procedural fairness letter. After approval in principle comes a second stage with medical, security and admissibility checks before any final decision. Applying does not stop or delay a removal order. IRCC told Parliament in March 2026 that most new applicants in its "H&C and Other" category should expect to wait more than 10 years, so check IRCC's processing times tool for the current estimate.
What happens right after I submit?
IRCC's page says that you pay your fees online, answer all questions, sign electronically by typing your full name as it appears on your passport, include your processing fee receipt and upload all supporting documents. IRCC then checks the application. IRCC's H&C page says that if an application is incomplete, it is rejected (Guide 5291 says "returned"), and you must fix the errors and submit again. This is a screening step, not a refusal on the merits. Check the notice IRCC sends you for how your fees are handled.
Keep a copy of everything you submitted, your payment receipt and every message from IRCC. You will need them later, including if IRCC asks a question or you need to update your file.
When do I give biometrics?
IRCC says most applicants pay the biometrics fee when they submit. After you pay and submit a complete application, IRCC sends a letter that tells you that you must give biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) and where to go. You must bring that letter and give biometrics in person, and book an appointment where one is offered. IRCC's fee list shows the biometrics fee, which is currently $85 per person or $170 for a family of two or more applying together. Confirm the current amount before you pay.
Will IRCC ask for more documents or send a procedural fairness letter?
It can. If an officer needs a missing document, IRCC can ask for it. If an officer has a concern that could lead to a refusal, such as doubts about a document or about information you gave, fairness rules generally require IRCC to tell you and give you a chance to respond. That is what a procedural fairness letter does.
The deadline to respond is written in the letter itself, so read it the day you receive it. See our guide to procedural fairness letters for how to respond.
What is stage one (approval in principle)?
H&C applications under section 25(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) are decided in two stages. At stage one, an officer decides whether your humanitarian and compassionate reasons justify an exemption from the usual requirements. IRCC's guide says that if it approves your application in principle, it will tell you in writing and give you information on the next steps, such as medical instructions and background checks.
Approval in principle is not a final approval. Read more in our guide to H&C approval in principle.
What happens at stage two?
At stage two, IRCC checks that you and your family members meet the remaining requirements for permanent residence, including medical, criminal and security admissibility. IRCC's guide says you do not need an immigration medical exam before stage one, and that IRCC will give instructions if one is needed. IRCC does not publish a step-by-step description of how long stage two takes, so do not rely on a timeline you read elsewhere.
How long does the whole process take?
IRCC told Parliament's immigration committee in March 2026 that most new applicants in the "H&C and Other" category can expect to wait more than 10 years for a decision, and that times are expected to stay high. The reason is that IRCC can admit only as many H&C applicants as the Immigration Levels Plan allows each year, and many more people are waiting. Check IRCC's processing times tool for the current estimate, and see H&C processing time in 2026.
What happens if the application is refused?
IRCC says there is no right to appeal a refused H&C application. In some cases you can ask the Federal Court to review the decision. This is called judicial review. It needs the court's permission (leave), has very short deadlines (15 days if the decision was made in Canada, 60 days if made outside Canada, under IRPA s. 72) and only checks whether the decision was lawful and reasonable. Only a lawyer can represent you in Federal Court. Another option is a new application with new evidence. See what to do if your H&C is refused.
Does applying stop a removal order?
No. IRCC says that applying for H&C will not prevent or delay your removal from Canada. If you have a removal order, you must leave by the date on it unless a court orders otherwise. A stay of removal is a separate request to the Federal Court that a lawyer handles, and it is not automatic. See our guide to applying with a removal order.
What should I do while I wait?
Keep your contact details and address current with IRCC.
Keep your own status valid if you can. An H&C application does not give you status. See does H&C give legal status.
Do not work without authorization. See working while waiting for H&C.
Add new evidence of your life in Canada as it happens, and keep copies.
Reply to every IRCC letter by its deadline.
Frequently asked questions
What happens after I submit my H&C application?
IRCC checks it is complete, tells you to give biometrics if it is, and then the file waits for a first-stage decision. An incomplete application is rejected and must be corrected and resubmitted.
Do I get a biometrics letter after submitting an H&C application?
Yes. According to IRCC, after you pay with a complete application, IRCC sends a letter that tells you that you must give biometrics and where to go.
What is the difference between stage one and stage two?
Stage one decides whether your humanitarian and compassionate reasons justify an exemption (approval in principle). Stage two checks medical, criminal and security admissibility before permanent residence can be granted.
How long will I wait for a decision?
IRCC told Parliament in March 2026 that most new applicants in its "H&C and Other" category should expect to wait more than 10 years. Check IRCC's processing times tool for the current estimate.
Does applying for H&C stop my removal?
No. IRCC says applying will not prevent or delay removal. Only a court can stay a removal, and that is a separate request handled by a lawyer.
Can I contact IRCC to find out what is happening?
You can check your application through the account you used to apply and respond to any letter that IRCC sends. Always follow the contact method in IRCC's letters.
Key takeaways
An incomplete H&C application is rejected and must be sent again.
After a complete application, IRCC sends a biometrics letter.
Approval in principle (stage one) is not a final approval.
Stage two checks medical, criminal and security admissibility.
Expect a long wait, and keep your own status valid.
The bottom line
Submitting is the start of a long process, not the end. The most useful things you can do afterwards are to give biometrics promptly, answer every IRCC letter on time, keep your status valid and keep your evidence up to date.
Not sure where your H&C application stands? E-Pathway Immigration, led by Domonic Cheung, RCIC in Vancouver, can review your situation. Book a case review.
Related guides: H&C complete guide · How to apply for H&C · H&C approval in principle · H&C processing time · H&C services in Vancouver · H&C guide index
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources: IRCC: Humanitarian and compassionate considerations · IRCC Guide 5291 · IRCC committee briefing, March 2026 · IRPA s. 25 · IRPA s. 72 · 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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