An immigration lawyer will help you through the difficult path to earning Canadian citizenship. You will find that there are significant issues to consider when selecting an immigration consultant or lawyer.
Choose a seasoned and certified immigration lawyer
The most important step in selecting animmigration specialist is making sure the firm you hire is experienced and certified. Only certified immigration consultants can show that they have the ability to aid you with your immigration issues. A certified immigrant consultant can aid with visa applications, permanent residency, and citizenship. A lawyer helps you collect the documents you need and complete your application. They will also help you learn everything you need to know about your legal status.
Finding an immigration lawyer should not be done quickly or without thorough research. By searching on Google, and some SEO, you can find the highest-ranking immigration lawyers in your area. Take your time to make sure you have studied what different firms offer. Don’t be afraid to talk with multiple firms that offer free consults. Speak with friends and family members who have used immigration lawyers in your area. Go online to find reviews or look for red flags. Don’t forget to weigh your personal needs. You might prefer an immigration lawyer who can communicate with you in your native language. You may need to hire an immigration consultant who has a lower fee than some others. All of these considerations take time, but the amount of time invested is worthwhile.
Asking questions during the consult
Choosing your immigration lawyer means having consults. A consultation includes a meeting with the lawyer to discuss your future. This is where you will learn the most about the immigration lawyer, which will then inform your decision about whether or not to hire the firm. The most crucial step in this consultation is asking the right questions.
Immigration consultants cannot accurately answer your questions if you do not already have a firm idea of your own needs. It is wise for you to have a series of questions ready to ask during each consultation. First, ask the immigration lawyer to provide you with their past experience. Let them sell themselves to you. They should be able to provide you with firm evidence of their ability to aid immigrants in establishing residence in Canada. They should also be able to go through a typical immigration pathway. This lets you know exactly how experienced and confident they are.
Your next question should be about express pathways to citizenship. Getting through the process quickly is good for everyone. It is usually less expensive and often less stressful. During the consultant, ask if there is an opportunity to take part in Canada’s Express Entry Program. Ask about family class sponsorship cards, skilled worker immigration, experience or skilled worker class or other labor-based immigration paths.
Final consultation details
One of the areas you must talk about during the consult is your timeline. Find out what the firm foresees as the period of time for each portion of the immigration process. Learn what they will do if any part of the process is not successful. Ask if there are contingency plans for an immigration pathway that does not go as expected.
Lastly, your consultation should include a discussion of the firm’s fees. You should be able to ask what the specific fee structure is, how it is managed, how you will be billed and if there is a chance for hidden fees that will increase the overall cost. A good immigration consultant will be able to provide you with a complete assessment of immigration costs that include all legal and filing fees. A firm that is reluctant to provide an accurate price structure may not be the right choice for you.