Recent changes to Canada’s immigration framework have resulted in a notable surge in Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds applications for permanent residency. At Lyon Stern Partners, we’ve observed firsthand how these policy adjustments have dramatically reshaped the immigration landscape for many of our clients.

Section A25(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) allows foreign nationals who are inadmissible or who are ineligible to apply in an immigration class, to apply for permanent residence, or for an exemption from a requirement of the Act, based on humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) considerations.

The Growing Trend

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reports a 47% increase in H&C applications in 2025 compared to the same period last year. This significant uptick follows the implementation of more restrictive eligibility criteria across several traditional immigration pathways in late 2024.

“We’re seeing a remarkable shift in how people are pursuing permanent residency,” notes Michael Sigurdson, the managing partner at Lyon Stern Partners. “Many of our clients have built meaningful lives in Canada – they’re employed, integrated into their communities, and contributing to the economy – yet they find themselves otherwise ineligible for standard immigration programs due to technical requirements that don’t reflect their actual establishment in Canada.”

Who Is Affected?

The trend predominantly impacts individuals who have:

• Lived and worked in Canada for extended periods
• Established significant community ties
• Started families or businesses
• Contributed meaningfully to Canadian society
• Encountered technical barriers in other immigration streams

Why H&C Applications Are Increasing

The H&C pathway allows foreign nationals to apply for permanent residence based on exceptional circumstances and established connections to Canada. While historically viewed as a last-resort option, recent policy changes have transformed it into the primary avenue for many long-term residents.

“The government’s efforts to refine immigration programs have had the unintended effect of creating gaps in the system,” Sigurdson explains. “Many well-established individuals now find their only option is through humanitarian and compassionate grounds applications, which require detailed assessments of factors like community integration, family connections, and the best interests of any children involved.”

Challenges in the Current System

This surge presents several challenges:

• Processing times averaging 24 months, with some cases extending to three years
• Increased administrative burden on an already strained system
• Uncertainty for applicants who have built their lives in Canada
• Complex documentation requirements

Our Approach at Lyon Stern Partners

At our firm, we’ve developed specialized expertise in navigating H&C applications in this evolving landscape.

“The successful H&C application tells a compelling human story backed by substantial evidence,” says Sigurdson. “We work closely with clients to document their community involvement, employment history, and established ties to Canada, demonstrating that requiring them to leave would result in unusual, undeserved, or disproportionate hardship.”

Our tailored approach includes:

• Comprehensive assessment of individual circumstances
• Strategic documentation of Canadian establishment
• Expert preparation of submissions highlighting humanitarian factors
• Regular case monitoring and updates

Looking Forward

While IRCC has acknowledged the growing backlog and signaled that additional resources may be forthcoming, the immediate reality is that many qualified individuals face extended periods of uncertainty.

“These applicants represent exactly the type of newcomers Canada aims to attract through its points-based systems,” notes Sigurdson. “They’ve already proven their ability to integrate successfully into Canadian society. Our goal is to help bridge the gap between policy intent and implementation to achieve positive outcomes for deserving clients.”

For those navigating these complex waters, our team at Lyon Stern Partners offers specialized guidance tailored to the current immigration landscape. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your specific circumstances and potential pathways to permanent residency.