Immigration Lawyers – Do I need them?

On December 7, 2006 · 4 Comments

Do I need an immigration lawyer? Hell no!

You can commence your application process by yourself and follow the self-explanatory Canada immigration sites in order to get all the information and respective forms. The cases I would recommend a lawyer are those with specifics roadblocks and almost uncertain possibilities to obtain a legal status (old age – over 60, no skilled at all, refugee claims in the past or current, etc).

This info is quoted directly from the Immigration Canada website:

“Who does this affect?

Individuals, whether in Canada or abroad, seeking to hire a representative with regard to their immigration application or status. You are not obliged to hire a representative for immigration matters. The Government of Canada treats everyone equally, whether they use the services of a representative or not. If you choose to hire a representative, your application will not be given special attention nor can you expect faster processing or a more favourable outcome. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) realizes that the use of a representative to assist in completing your immigration application is a personal choice. Please note, the Government of Canada does not recommend or endorse any individual representative.”

And if you really need one, you will have to make sure that the one you are selecting complies with the following:

“In accordance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, CIC only recognizes representatives who are members of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society, the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) or the Chambre des notaires du Québec. No other representative may charge a fee in relation to an application or proceeding, be it inland or overseas, before the Minister or an officer, or before the Immigration Refugee Board. Applications to CIC submitted by other representatives who charge a fee will not be processed and will be returned to the applicant. “

Well, save yourself those $4000 or $5000 :)

Related posts:

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  5. Canada Experiences Record Immigration Growth
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  • Andrew

    Valid point. People should stay away from so-called immigration consultants, still, some people might need a good immigration lawyer.

  • Andrew

    Valid point. People should stay away from so-called immigration consultants, still, some people might need a good immigration lawyer.

  • MGuruX

    Hi Andrew,

    You’re right! I would say that if you are planning to come to Canada but you are not sure about which category you qualify or don’t have the time to work on the process, then it makes sense to get a good immigration lawyer. Or perhaps, your case is too specific/complicated that will require professional assistance. The point is that many people hire those “immigration consultants” with the believe that they have privileges at the time to work your case within Immigration Canada. A the end, they just help you fill out the forms, which on my opinion, does not justify $$$.

  • MGuruX

    Hi Andrew,You’re right! I would say that if you are planning to come to Canada but you are not sure about which category you qualify or don’t have the time to work on the process, then it makes sense to get a good immigration lawyer. Or perhaps, your case is too specific/complicated that will require professional assistance. The point is that many people hire those “immigration consultants” with the believe that they have privileges at the time to work your case within Immigration Canada. A the end, they just help you fill out the forms, which on my opinion, does not justify $$$.