When your immigration situation is complex, you need a thoughtful strategy.
We assess possible immigration options for people in Canada facing humanitarian circumstances, lack of status or situations of vulnerability.
Humanitarian immigration services
These programs may apply to different circumstances. Eligibility can only be determined through an individual review.
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For people in Canada facing exceptional circumstances who wish to request permanent residence. Factors may include family ties, establishment in Canada, the best interests of children and hardship if required to leave.
See IRCC requirements ↗Want to learn more?
If you have lost your status or face an immigration barrier, a TRP may allow you to stay temporarily in exceptional circumstances where there is a compelling reason. Loss of status alone is not enough.
Examples of situations we assess:- Expired status when ordinary restoration is no longer available.
- Unauthorized work or studies accompanied by compelling circumstances.
- Exceptional humanitarian or family hardship.
- Family violence or dependence on an abusive relationship.
- Human trafficking or serious exploitation.
If IRCC issues a TRP valid for 6 months or more, you may be able to apply for an open work permit. Depending on the category, IRCC also provides a process to request the two together. Neither is automatic, and a TRP is not permanent residence.
See IRCC requirements ↗Want to learn more?
For workers in Canada who hold an employer-specific permit and experience, or risk experiencing, abuse: harassment, threats, hours used to intimidate, unpaid or withheld wages, or unsafe employer-provided housing. Not every workplace disagreement qualifies. A valid employer-specific permit, or a timely extension application, is normally required.
See IRCC requirements ↗Want to learn more?
If your visitor, study or work status expired, restoration may be possible, generally within 90 days, subject to eligibility conditions. You must stop unauthorized work or studies while awaiting the required authorization. Special measures may have different rules.
See IRCC requirements ↗Lost your status or facing difficult circumstances?
We first assess whether your status can be restored. If that pathway is unavailable, we review whether exceptional circumstances could support another immigration option.
First we assess. Then we plan.
Personal circumstances and supporting evidence matter. Not every difficult situation qualifies for humanitarian relief; our review helps identify whether a particular option may apply or whether another approach is needed.
Get a Free Initial AssessmentProfessional guidance, without unrealistic promises.
Initial questionnaire
Tell us about your situation through an official channel.
Profile review
We identify relevant documents, risks and possible options.
Strategy & quote
We explain the process, scope of services and fees.
Representation
If you retain us, we move forward with preparing your case.
What you should know.
Is my information confidential if I don't have legal immigration status in Canada?
Yes. We treat the information you share as confidential and use it to assess your situation and respond to your request. Requesting an assessment does not mean that we report your immigration situation to the authorities. We only share information with your authorization or when required by applicable law.
Can I apply for H&C if I do not currently have immigration status?
Some individuals without status may be able to consider a humanitarian and compassionate application. Suitability depends on the individual circumstances; filing does not automatically provide legal status or permission to work.
What is the difference between H&C and a TRP?
H&C is a discretionary permanent residence pathway based on humanitarian considerations. A TRP is a temporary permit that may be issued in justified circumstances. These are different processes with distinct criteria and risks.
Can an abused worker apply for an open work permit?
An open work permit category exists for vulnerable workers who meet specific conditions. The current work permit, employment circumstances and supporting evidence must be reviewed.
Can Canvisas guarantee a result?
No. IRCC makes the decisions. Canvisas can review the evidence, explain risks and provide representation where appropriate.
Let’s discuss your situation.
Request a free initial assessment so our team can conduct a preliminary review and explain the recommended next step. If you need professional representation, fees are discussed separately.
Trust & accountability
An assessment does not guarantee eligibility or approval. Specific terms are confirmed when services are retained.