IRCC’s published guidance on humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) assessments says officers must consider all relevant factors in a case together, including the best interests of any directly affected child.
How H&C considerations are assessed
What may warrant H&C relief depends on the facts and context of each case. IRCC guidance says officers must substantively consider and weigh all relevant factors before them rather than assessing individual H&C factors in isolation.
The assessment is to take a global view of the relevant circumstances.
Best interests of directly affected children
H&C assessments take into account the best interests of a child who is directly affected. Where the applicant is a minor, positive and negative factors must be balanced in relation to the child’s best interests.
Guidance for IRCC officers
The published material contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff when assessing and processing H&C applications or requests.
Source: Official IRCC announcement