Your immigration application is of the utmost importance. If you choose to hire an expert to help you through the process, you must make sure it’s someone you can trust. Well, there are only two kinds of representatives IRCC authorizes: immigration lawyers and immigration consultants. Immigration consultants need to be registered with ICCRC, and lawyers need to be in good standing with their provincial bar association. This blog covers the top questions to ask before hiring an immigration lawyer. 

So, without further ado, let us begin!

What Are The Lawyer’s Credentials? 

It is crucial to ask about your immigration lawyer’s credentials. This helps ensure that they are qualified and experienced in immigration law. Knowing their education, certifications, and experience offers you confidence in their advice and increases your chances of a successful immigration process. 

Lawyers should have graduated from a law school and be in good standing with the bar association. Ask your lawyer where they got their degree from and do some research on the school to make sure it’s credible. You can also check for yourself whether the lawyer you are speaking to is in good standing on the province’s bar association website. 

How Long Have They Been Practicing?  

Asking your immigration lawyer how long they have been practicing is vital. Their experience provides insight into their familiarity with complex immigration matters, thus increasing your confidence in their capability to navigate your case effectively and ensure a smoother process.  

Also, while all lawyers have in-depth education about Canadian law, years of experience can make a significant difference to an immigration lawyer’s ability to present your case. Ask your immigration lawyer regarding how long they have been practicing Canadian immigration law. 

Have They Handled Cases Similar To Yours? 

Another one of the crucial questions to ask before hiring an immigration lawyer is to know if they have handled cases like yours before or not. 

Every single immigrant application is unique, therefore, it is difficult to compare cases. However, if you have a particular case for concern in your case, it is fair to ask your lawyer if they have experience in working with cases like yours. 

This inquiry offers assurance that they possess relevant expertise as well as know-how in addressing challenges specific to your situation. Having managed similar cases showcases their ability to devise effective strategies and increases the likelihood of a favourable outcome of your immigration journey. 

However, you need to remember that even if a previous client was in the same circumstances/ situation as you, there is no guarantee that your application will have the same result as theirs. 

How Much Will It Cost and How Will You Be Billed? 

Your immigration lawyer must provide you with a contract which explains in detail how much you need to pay and what services you will receive in return. The contact must also provide a detailed breakdown of when you need to make payments. However, not all of the fees associated with your application might be included in your contract. For instance, depending on your file, you might need to pay government processing fees/ courier fees. 

While the government processing fees are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the government of Canada, your lawyer must be able to provide you with a rough estimate of the total cost of your application. 

What Happens After You Hire An Immigration Lawyer? 

The final and one of the integral questions to ask before hiring an immigration lawyer is to know the after effects upon hiring the lawyer. 

Even if you choose to recruit a representative, you will still need to be involved in preparing the application. You must be very clear on what you can expect from your representative and what is expected of you. Your immigration lawyer must be able to provide you with a general description of the process your application will go through. 

At the end of the day, remember that this is your immigration application. No one else can undertake a language test on your behalf, if applicable, or have access to your entire work history. Clients need to be present there in the preparation of their applications. 

Conclusion 

Hiring the right immigration lawyer is critical in ensuring a successful immigration journey. 

Asking the right questions—about their credentials, experience, case history, fees, and your role post-hiring—helps you assess their expertise as well as suitability for your specific needs. A clear understanding of the lawyer’s process and your responsibilities promotes a collaborative approach, enhancing the chances of a favorable outcome. 

Remember, while an immigration lawyer provides guidance, your active participation is essential for a well-prepared and accurate application. Making an informed choice ensures you have the best support on your path to achieving your immigration goals and building a future in Canada.

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].