Lately, I’ve been getting more and more requests to review humanitarian applications — some ask for a full review, some want a consultation, and some just need advice. And you know what? It gave me a new perspective: not everyone can afford to have a professional prepare their entire application. And the mistakes I see in these files are often critical. Some of them I didn’t even notice before, because I’ve long been looking at the process from the inside — through the eyes of an immigration professional.
Based on my experience and work with clients, I’ve put together the key mistakes and misconceptions that I see most often in H&C applications. I’m sharing them with you so you can avoid unnecessary risk.
Misconception #1: The humanitarian letter should move the officer to tears
This is probably the most common belief. Many people think that if the letter is touching, emotional, and dramatic — it will work. No. Despite the name "humanitarian and compassionate grounds," the letter is not meant to be a novel or a tragedy script.
The officer makes a decision not based on emotion, but on objective factors: do you have ties to Canada, have you lost ties to your home country, and how serious and disproportionate would your living conditions be if you returned. That’s what matters. Not how much you cried or what you’ve been through — but how realistically and logically your request is justified.
Misconception #2: You can use only local sources and reports
Many applicants attach articles and reports from their country of origin — for example, if it’s Ukraine, then everything is from Ukrainian media. This is a mistake. The officer expects to see reports from international, independent organizations not involved in the conflict.
Such sources carry legal weight and are seen as objective. Ideally, 70% of the information in your file should come from such sources. One-sided information from the country of origin doesn’t provide a complete picture and weakens your case.
Misconception #3: “Our whole family is in Canada” — so we should stay
The phrase “our whole family is in Canada” often refers to relatives who are here temporarily — on work permits, study permits, or visitor visas. Relying on them is wrong. For humanitarian grounds, the relevant relatives are those who are permanent residents or citizens. Others do not influence the decision and mentioning them is just a waste of paper.
Misconception #4: I can’t return to my city — so I can’t return to my country
For example, a person from Mariupol writes: “I can’t go back there.” Yes, that’s important. But Ukraine is not only Mariupol. In the application, you need to clearly explain why you cannot return to any part of the country, not just a specific region. This applies to all countries, not just Ukraine.
Misconception #5: I have PR/citizenship in another country, but I won’t mention it
If you have another status — be it PR or citizenship in another country — you are required to disclose it and explain why you cannot return there. Hiding it or failing to provide an explanation will work against you.
What else can harm your humanitarian application?
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Lack of evidence of integration in Canada
If you are in Canada but not working, studying, or volunteering — your "integration footprint" is weak. And this is a key element for a successful H&C application. You need to show that you are already part of Canadian society. -
Reference letters without proof of identity
Letters without copies of ID are weak evidence. Ideally, letters should be:
• From real people,
• With copies of their ID attached,
• Even better — certified by a Commissioner of Oaths.
This gives the letters legal weight, especially if you’re including them in the main document package.
The humanitarian program is not a story of “give me a chance because I’ve had a hard life.” It’s about the balance of objective factors: how well you’ve integrated in Canada, how your rights would be affected if you returned, and how reasonable and humane it is for you to stay here.
Focus on arguments, not emotions! And if you’re preparing your application yourself — check it carefully for these mistakes.
Oleksandra Melnykova, Immigration and Refugee Consultant in Canada.
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