Humanitarian & Compassionate Grounds
Overview of Humanitarian & Compassionate Grounds
Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Grounds in immigration law provide a pathway for individuals to seek permanent residence based on compelling personal circumstances. These grounds are designed to consider the unique hardships and challenges faced by individuals that may not be covered under standard immigration categories. H&C applications allow immigration authorities to exercise discretion and offer relief to those who might otherwise be inadmissible or ineligible for permanent residency.
Criteria for H&C Considerations
When assessing H&C applications, immigration authorities examine a range of factors. These include the applicant's ties to the country, the best interests of any children involved, and the potential hardships that the applicant would face if required to leave the country. Additionally, the applicant's establishment and integration into the local community, employment history, and overall societal contributions are considered. The goal is to evaluate the totality of the circumstances to determine whether it would be unjust or inhumane to deny the applicant permanent residence.