The immigration lawyer you select can have a significant impact on your immigration case. If they don’t have the required experience or if they make a mistake in the paperwork filing process, your application to live or work in Canada can be denied by the immigration authorities. And so, it’s imperative that you complete the required research as you begin the process of securing your stay in Canada for the long-term. To help guide you in selecting a qualified Canadian immigration lawyer, this post highlights several questions to ask during the process.
1. What is Your Experience in My Immigration Process?
There are many disparate areas of Canadian immigration law. For example, there is family immigration, business immigration, and immigration appeals. While many lawyers specialize in each of these areas, it’s important that you find a specialist able to support you in your unique case. If you’re applying for Permanent Residency for example and you’re bringing your family with you, you’ll likely have to work with a lawyer with family immigration experience.
2. What Are My Options?
Some cases are easier for a lawyer to resolve than others. If you have encountered a difficulty during the immigration process, it’s important that you work with your immigration lawyer to determine whether they can offer the benefit of their guidance. Some inexperienced lawyers might not have worked with your type of case before, and therefore would not be able to help you move forward. Make sure that the lawyer you select is able to offer you a number of options and provide you with clear guidance on the immigration process ahead.
3. What is the Total Cost for the Service?
This a specific question that most don’t consider until they’re well into the immigration process. But the final cost for the lawyer’s services should always be determined ahead of time. After a consultation with the lawyer, make sure they provide you with the fees for their work. When reviewing the paperwork, they provide you, analyze the document for any points of confusion. Do they outline any additional fees for filing of your immigration papers with the immigration authorities? If not, ask them if you will be required to pay more for the filing of documents such as medical reports or immigration forms.
4. What is the Timeline?
While your immigration lawyer cannot give you a completely accurate timeline for your immigration process, they can give you an idea about the time it will take for the application to be completed and for the authorities to complete the review process. When you speak with potential immigration lawyers, ask that they provide you with a clear and accurate timeline so you get a sense of the road ahead.
5. What Potential Issues do you Foresee?
In working with your immigration lawyer, you’ll need to have a full understanding on the issues that lay ahead of you during the application process. For instance, if you have a criminal record in your home country, this could prevent you from being able to emigrate to Canada. Review your personal circumstances with your immigration lawyer and determine if any legal or medical issues might cause a problem with your application.
6. When Can the Process Begin?
Once you’re satisfied with the answers provided to you by your immigration lawyer, you’re then ready to begin the immigration process. The sooner you begin, the sooner your application can be reviewed and approved by the authorities.
The Canadian immigration process can be complex for many who hope to make a home in Canada. Choosing a qualified specialist for the application work can be the most important step you take in achieving a successful transition to Canada. Begin now by reviewing your local legal experts.
