The humanitarian and compassionate assessment: Ability to establish in Canada

This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.

Applies to

  • overseas

In most cases, applicants should be able to demonstrate that they will not be a burden to Canadian society. In order to make this determination, you may consider both the resources of the applicant and any meaningful support, including employment opportunities, offered by their Canadian connections.

The degree of the applicant’s establishment may be measured with questions such as the following:

  • Does the applicant have a history of stable employment?
  • Is there a pattern of sound financial management?
  • Has the applicant remained in one community or moved around?
  • For applicants who spent extended time in Canada:
    • Did the applicant integrate into the community through involvement in community organizations, voluntary services or other activities?
    • Did the applicant undertaken any professional, linguistic or other studies that show integration into Canadian society?
    • Do the applicant and their family members have a good civil record in Canada? (e.g. no criminal charges or interventions by law enforcement officers or other authorities for domestic violence or child abuse).

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