The process of immigrating to Canada can be a long and complicated one, full of paperwork and red tape. Because of this, many people choose to hire an immigration lawyer to help them navigate the system. If you’re thinking of hiring a Canadian immigration lawyer, there are a few important questions you should ask first. In this blog post, we will explore five of the most important questions to ask before making your decision.
Before hiring a Canadian immigration lawyer, you should ask the following five important questions.
1. What credentials do you have?
It is important to ensure that the Canadian immigration lawyer you are considering hiring has the appropriate credentials. The lawyer should be a member in good standing with the Law Society of Upper Canada and should have experience dealing with Canadian immigration law.
The lawyer should also be able to provide you with references from past clients who can attest to their ability to effectively represent their interests. When contacting references, be sure to ask about the lawyer’s communication skills, whether they kept the client updated on the status of their case, and if they were satisfied with the outcome.
2. How long have you been working on this?
If you are considering hiring a Canadian immigration lawyer, there are a few important questions you should ask before making your decision. One of the most important factors to consider is how long the lawyer has been working in this field.
You want to make sure that you hire a lawyer who has plenty of experience dealing with Canadian immigration law. The last thing you want is to end up in a situation where your lawyer is not familiar with the ins and outs of the process and ends up making mistakes that could cost you dearly.
Ideally, you should look for a lawyer who has been practicing Canadian immigration law for at least 5 years. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your lawyer knows what they are doing and has a proven track record of success.
3. Do you have any experience with my specific type of case?
If you are seeking representation for a specific type of Canadian immigration case, it is important to inquire about your lawyer’s experience with similar cases. Some types of cases are more complex than others and require a higher level of expertise. For example, if you are applying for asylum, you will want to make sure your lawyer has experience with this particular process. If your case is time-sensitive or involves sensitive personal information, you will also want to ensure that your lawyer has handled similar cases in the past and can provide the necessary level of discretion and care.
4. How much will it cost?
The cost of hiring a Canadian immigration lawyer will vary depending on the lawyer’s experience and expertise, the type of services required, and the complexity of your case. Generally speaking, the more complex your case is, the more it will cost to hire a lawyer.
Most Canadian immigration lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $100 to $400 per hour. Some lawyers may also charge a flat fee for certain types of cases or services. When inquiring about fees, be sure to ask whether the lawyer charges by the hour or offers flat fees, and approximately how much they charge for each.
In addition to hourly or flat fees, you may also be responsible for other costs associated with your cases, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and travel expenses. Be sure to ask your lawyer whether you will be responsible for these additional costs and approximately how much they will amount to.
When considering the cost of hiring a Canadian immigration lawyer, it is important to remember that the stakes are high. A successful outcome in your immigration case can mean obtaining permanent residency in Canada or being reunited with your family – both of which are priceless outcomes.
5. What happens after I hire you?
Even while you’re deciding whether having an immigration lawyer is right for you, there are some steps that you should take on your own. For example, if you choose to hire a representative, the first step is to be clear on what your representative will and won’t do for you. Your immigration lawyer should also be able to provide a general description of how your application will move through the process.
Ultimately, this is your immigration application. No one else can take your language test for you, if necessary. Clients need to be actively involved in the preparation process of their applications.
Cougar Immigration has a long history of helping people apply for Canada visas, and we want to make the process as easy as possible. We’ll guide you through the application process, check your application for errors, and help you decide which kind of visa is best for your situation.
