Websites with information on immigration lawyer Canada are as numerous as the diversity of people hoping to settle.
One site advertised over 60 options for Canadian immigration including a free assessment to help you determine the right option.
While it is not a requirement to hire a lawyer, the tangle of paperwork and requirements is overwhelming.
The Canadian government treats all immigration applications the same whether the applicant retains a lawyer or not. Your application does not receive special consideration or faster processing because you hired the services of a lawyer.
There are things that an immigration lawyer’s experience, expertise and empathy provide that attempting to maneuver through the process on your own, does not. Laws constantly change and immigration agencies assist with providing information but they cannot provide legal advice.
Too often individuals asking questions at a bureaucratic agency receive wrong or incorrect information. The customer service agents are trained to give standardized-not specific-information. A customer service agent cannot assess your case over the phone and lineups at information offices are long.
Some are not adequately trained or do not know the latest developments. They have no responsibility or liability for the information. Most are not invested in your welfare.
There are two types of immigration representatives who can assist you: paid and unpaid.
Only three types of representatives may charge a fee to advise you on immigration and refugee matters: 1) lawyers in good standing who are members of a law society; 2) immigration consultants who are members of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants and; 3) notaries of the Chambre des notaries du Quebec. The Canadian government does not acknowledge non-authorized representatives.
A person or organization who does not charge a fee such as a family member or friend or a member of a non-governmental or religious organization is an acceptable unpaid immigration representatives.
Perhaps the best way is to ask people you trust to recommend a lawyer. When you speak to the lawyer ascertain what services they provide and the fee. Get the information in writing. Make sure you understand the contract.
One final question to ask an immigration lawyer Canada goes beyond the landing process to consider life in Canada. Immigration websites tout the opportunities and economic benefits of settling in Canada with its affordable education, renowned health care, abundance of land and safe cities. All too often individuals do not ask the “Now What” questions of “How do I earn a livelihood?” “What is the cost of living?” or “What if I have a medical issue or a special need?”