Why you should consider hiring an immigration lawyer

Apart from the decision to immigrate to Canada in the first place, deciphering Canadian immigration options, procedures and laws can be the most challenging steps in that process.

While most literate applicants from English speaking countries can peruse Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC) website, fill out and submit application forms and wait for visas without assistance, few realize the many bumps in the road ahead before embarkation. Many will reach their destination, some quicker than others, relatively unscathed. However, as only hindsight is 20/20, reliance on professional experience and advice is the most constructive way to increase your likelihood of success while decreasing your likelihood of complications, delay or even worse.

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to hire a specialist to assist with your Canadian immigration application. The first question that you have to ask is simple: Why?

Here are five good reasons to hire a Canadian immigration specialist:

Know your options – A well respected immigration lawyer once compared the multitude of immigration categories and options available in Canada to a smorgasbord. With dozens of programs at each of the provincial and federal levels, his analogy holds true. In the same vein, I suggest that some options will leave you feeling healthy and energized; others will give you heartburn or indigestion. Unless you have time to research each and every option, with all the permutations and combinations, ask someone who does.

Apply with confidence and peace of mind – Canadian immigrant visa processing can take years to complete. For instance, the Canadian High Commission in London can take over three years to complete some applications. If you are committed to moving to Canada, you are better off knowing that your application will succeed rather than waiting for nothing. A specialist can tell you whether you qualify for a specific program and whether or not you may face any impediments to visa issuance over and above the qualifications.

Tailor made solutions – Anyone can purchase a suit or dress “off the rack”, but only a tailor can guarantee a perfect fit. If you do not fit within one of the prescribed immigration programs yet you are still committed to immigrating to Canada, one of two things must happen – either you alter the program or you alter the applicant. Immigration specialists can make recommendations to help you fit a program or vice versa.

Submit a complete application – If you have ever been told to tread lightly and to carry a big stick, now is the time to listen to that advice. Submitting a complete application with all of the correct supporting documents and legal submissions will help your application through the system without drawing unnecessary attention. Also, when you apply with the help of a representative, all correspondence from CIC will go to that representative who can work with you to address any issue that may arise. If an issue that can put your application in jeopardy arises, you are safer having a lawyer on call in Canada that is familiar with your application.

Get results efficiently – The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, right? Just as staying on course and knowing the terrain makes for a quick and safe journey, an immigration representative will keep you on track, show you the short-cuts and ensure your arrival. Some immigration applications are prioritized for processing over others; knowing how to benefit from these priorities can shave months, if not years off of your application processing time.

The second question you have to ask is also simple: Who do you hire?

Canadian law regulates who can and cannot assist foreign nationals submit applications to CIC for visas. While you can have your friend or relative help you for free, only members of a provincial law society (lawyers) or licensed of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC) can represent you in an application to CIC for a fee. Both lawyers and consultants are accountable to their respective regulatory agencies.

While many debate the difference between lawyers and consultants, one thing will always hold true: Much like searching for any other professional advice, you will encounter varying degrees of competence, skill and service when hiring an immigration specialist.

Like anything else, you do not get a second chance to make a first impression when applying for a visa from CIC. Hiring a representative can go a long way to ensure that your first impression is a good one.

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