Guide 5291 - Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations

For help with Completing an application form visit the CIC Help Centre.

This application includes:

On July 23, 2009, the temporary suspension of removals to Burundi, Liberia and Rwanda was lifted. Find out more.

This application is for persons in Canada who would suffer excessive hardship if they had to return to their home country to apply for permanent residence in Canada as required by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Cost and inconvenience are not considered excessive hardship.

Note: The “Supplementary Information – Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations” Form (IMM5283) was amended in June 2012 due to the legislative changes introduced with the Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act (Bill C-31). Applicants are asked to use this amended form. The previous version of this form will continue to be accepted until October 31, 2012 only. After this date, any applications with the previous version will be returned.

How to use this application package

Read the instruction guide to complete your application forms

Use the new Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008]. It can be completed and saved on a computer. You will need Adobe Reader 8.1 or higher.
Filling the form electronically is easier and reduces the risk of errors that can slow down the application process.
Trouble downloading? Right-click on the link and select ‘Save Target As…’

Complete, validate, print, sign and date your application forms

To ensure you submit all the pages:

IMM 0008:

Click on the “Validate” button at the top or bottom of the form.
Note: Validating the form before printing ensures you have answered all the questions and will avoid delays in processing your application.
A last page with barcodes and a signature line will automatically be created.
Print, sign and date the form.
- Print on white, bond-quality and non-glossy paper
- Use of a laser printer is recommended
Place the barcode page on the top of each individual package.

Other forms:

Use the Document Checklist to make sure you include all the other forms and documents you need.

Pay the fees

You have two options to pay fees:

Pay your fees online (preferred option).
Pay your fees at a financial institution in Canada.
You will need an original receipt mailed to you, which can take two to three weeks.