Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations, and Refugees
Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Applications
For many individuals who do not qualify for standard immigration streams, an application based on Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) considerations is a vital lifeline. This process allows the government to consider factors such as your establishment in Canada and the “best interests of any children” involved.
At Karb Law, we specialize in telling your story. We meticulously document your community involvement, volunteer work, employment history, and family ties in Canada to show why you should stay. An H&C application is a highly discretionary process; therefore, we focus on creating a narrative that compels the immigration officer to grant permanent residency based on your unique circumstances.
Refugee Protection and the IRB Process
Canada has a legal obligation to protect those fleeing persecution, war, or cruelty. If you fear returning to your home country because of your race, religion, political opinion, or membership in a social group, you may be a “Convention Refugee.”
The process involves a complex hearing before the Refugee Protection Division (RPD). We assist claimants from the initial Basis of Claim (BOC) form—the most important document in your file—to the final hearing. Our team provides a safe space for you to share your experiences, ensuring that your testimony is consistent, credible, and legally sufficient to meet the high threshold for international protection.
Post-Claim Options: Appeals and Judicial Reviews
If a refugee claim or an H&C application is refused, it is a devastating moment, but it is not necessarily the end of the road. Karb Law provides experienced counsel for Refugee Appeals (RAD) and Judicial Reviews at the Federal Court of Canada.
We analyze the decision-maker’s reasons for errors in law or unreasonable findings of fact to build your appeal. Additionally, we assist with Pre-Removal Risk Assessments (PRRA) and stays of deportation for those in urgent situations. We understand that in refugee and humanitarian law, the stakes are life and death, and our firm is dedicated to exhausting every legal avenue to keep your family safe.
Your safe haven starts here
Navigating life-changing H&C or Refugee claims? We provide the compassionate advocacy needed to secure your family’s future in Canada.
Frequently asked questions
Can a paralegal file a Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application?
An H&C application is submitted directly to IRCC and is outside a licensed paralegal’s scope, but our legal team can assist with preparing and filing an H&C application.
What refugee matters can Karb Law represent me in?
Refugee protection claims are heard by the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board, with appeals to the Refugee Appeal Division (RAD). These hearings are within a paralegal’s scope and we represent clients at them directly.
Do you need an immigration lawyer?
Karb Law provides comprehensive immigration legal services across the Greater Toronto Area. Angelina Shuster, a paralegal licensed by the Law Society of Ontario, represents clients at hearings before the Immigration and Refugee Board and other tribunals, and our team assists with the full range of your immigration matter — including applications to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Contact us to discuss the best way forward for your case.
Official resources
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)
- Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Justice Laws)
External links are provided for general information only and are not legal advice.
