Canada’s high-quality of life and immigration-friendly policies make it one of the world’s most popular destinations for immigrant. Immigration Process is complex and requires extensive documentation.
Hiring a Canada Immigration Lawyer is crucial in this situation. A lawyer with experience can offer legal advice, assist in documentation and improve the odds of success.
The article is a guide to hiring an immigration attorney in Canada. It includes information on their roles, costs, advantages, and how you can choose the best lawyer.
Why hire an immigration lawyer in Canada?
The immigration process in Canada is long and complicated. Mistakes in the application can result in delays and even rejections. Hire an immigration attorney for these reasons:
1. Immigration Law Expertise
Canada offers a variety of immigration programmes.
- Express Entry for skilled workers
- Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP),
- Sponsorship of Families
- Business and Investor Visas
- Asylum and Refugee Applications
A lawyer who is familiar with the legal details and each program can help applicants.
2. Costly Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake on an application for immigration can result in:
- Processing delays
- Rejection of Application
- Legal complications
An attorney ensures all documents and forms are complete and accurate to reduce the chance of error.
3. Applications processed faster
This will help applicants to avoid delays due to missing documentation or inaccurate information. To speed the process, lawyers can communicate with immigration officials.
4. Lawyer Representation for Complex Cases
For individuals facing:
- Refusal of visa or orders for deportation
- Reclamation of asylum or refugee status
- Appeal for Rejected Applications
A lawyer who specializes in immigration law can help their clients by providing legal advice, and fighting for their rights.
How to Find the Right Immigration Lawyer in Canada
It is important to hire the best immigration lawyer for your application. The steps for finding the right lawyer are:
1. Check Credentials
Check that the lawyer has a license and registration through the Canadian Bar Association, or a provincial law society like:
- Law Society of Ontario
- Law Society of British Columbia
- Law Society of Alberta
Beware of individuals who call themselves “consultants”, but lack the proper credentials.
2. You Can Check Experience
You should look for an immigration lawyer who has 5-10 years experience handling cases. You can check their success rates in:
- Applications for Express Entry
- Work permit approvals
- Cases of family reunification
3. Client Testimonials and Reviews
You can find online reviews of products on sites like
- Google Reviews
- Trustpilot
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)
A lawyer’s professional and reliable reputation can be determined by positive client reviews.
4. Inquire about fees and costs
The cost of an immigration lawyer varies depending on the complexity and difficulty of your case. While some lawyers charge flat rates while others bill by the hour, there are many variations. The average cost includes:
- Application for Express Entry: $2000 – $5000 CAD
- Work Permit applications: $1,500 – $3,000 CAD
- Court representation and appeals: $3000 – $10000 CAD
Before hiring an attorney, ask for a written fee schedule.
5. Book a Consultation
Many lawyers will offer a free or charged initial consultation for you to review your case. Ask the following questions during this initial consultation:
- Have you dealt with many similar cases to mine?
- How successful are you at obtaining immigration?
- How likely am I to be approved?
- How long does the entire process last?
Common Immigration Cases That Require a Lawyer
1. Apply for Express Entry
An attorney can optimize an applicant’s Comprehensive Rating System (CRS), and increase their chances of receiving a invitation to apply (ITA).
2. Provincial Nomination Programs
Every province has different rules regarding PNP application. An attorney ensures applicants comply with the requirements for their chosen province.
3. Work permits and employer sponsorship
Employers who sponsor foreign workers are required to comply with Labour Market Impact Assessment regulations. An attorney ensures that the process is smooth for both employee and employer.
4. Application for Family Sponsorship
If documents are not available, family reunification can be delayed. An attorney helps to ensure that all proofs of relationship and legal requirements have been met.
5. Students Visa and Study Permit Issues
Immigration lawyers can help students who are facing visa refusals or expiration of permits.
6. The Case of Refugees and Asylum
Attorneys represent refugees who face deportation, or are denied asylum. They ensure that their case meets the legal requirements.
7. Canadian Citizenship Applications
An attorney helps permanent residents understand the application process and ensures they comply with residency requirements.
Immigration Lawyer vs. Immigration Consultant: What’s the Difference?
Some people mistakenly confuse immigration attorneys with Immigration consultants. Both can offer guidance but there are some key differences.
| Features | Immigration Lawyer | Immigration Consultant |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Institutions | The degree of Juris Doctor (J.D. Law degree (J.D. | Diploma or certificate |
| The Regulations of the United States | License by Provincial Law Societies | Regulation by ICCRC |
| Legal representation | Can defend clients in court | cannot represent clients at court |
| The cost of the product | Higher | The Lower |
| Complexity | Best for Complex Cases | Best for Basic Applications |
It is recommended that you hire an immigration attorney for serious matters such as asylum cases, appeals or deportation .
Final Thoughts: Do You Need an Immigration Lawyer?
Although some immigration applications may be submitted without the assistance of an attorney , they are more likely to succeed and prevent costly errors. An experienced lawyer can help you with any immigration issue, whether it’s a family sponsorship or citizenship application.
Visit Canada’s official Immigration website for more information: www.canada.ca
Additional Resources
- Canadian Bar Association: http://www.cba.org
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Canada.ca
- Law Society of Ontario http://www.lsuc.on.ca
This guide will help immigrants make an informed decision about whether to hire a lawyer and increase their chances for a successful immigration process.