There are thousands of applicants who apply to Canadian immigration every year. With …., the number is constantly rising with the constant search for opportunities in all forms.

Applicants seeking to apply for immigration due to several reasons:

• Work permit
• Study permit
• Permanent residence
• Temporary visit

The immigration process is vital in helping the individual achieve status in Canada. Immigration lawyers in Toronto handle cases with employment, visa applications, citizenship, and green card issuing. This process should be meticulously done and all processes and considerations adhered to, for a successful application. All these processes are possible without having to hire a lawyer or consultant, however, the process requires technical know-how of the processes and regulatory procedures that are characterized by becoming an immigrant. Therefore, where do you start?

Why hire a Canadian immigration lawyer?

Several reasons favor why you should hire a Canadian immigration lawyer:

• Complex immigration program

Canadian immigration programs are susceptible to change in criteria and application processes. These changes make them require complex processes that require the individual to apply for multiple categories subsequently. The process and system of applying for these categories may vary depending on the immigration type and purpose for applying. An outsider looking in may find it extremely hard and confusing to follow these processes, therefore hiring a Canadian lawyer who is conversant and aware of potential changes in the application structure is prudent to facilitate a seamless immigration process.

• Convenience

Canadian immigrant lawyers offer convenience and time management opportunities. When applying for Canadian immigration, several forms are required to prove identity and authenticity. These forms can be tedious and hard to fill especially without the knowledge of how to answer some pertinent questions. An experienced Canadian lawyer will advise on the best way to answer some of the questions which will go a long way in completing the immigrant application process. In doing so, you get to save time by focusing on other things for your trip and making sure everything else is well organized.

• Health concern

Several applicants often face inadmissibility due to their health conditions. The Covid-19 pandemic has not made this any better, with thousands of applicants being sent back home due to health conditions that may cause excessive demand from the health care services, and pose a threat to health care workers and society. The Canadian requirements for inadmissible cases concerning health seek to favor several conditions, however, most people often find their applications unsuccessful due to this. A Canadian immigrant lawyer can assess the conditions at hand and check on the legally required limits for health conditions, advising you accordingly.

• Previous declination

Applicants who have been previously refused after application to the Canadian Immigration department, have a better chance of trying application again with a Canadian immigration lawyer. A previous dismissal and unsuccessful application may indicate the failure to effectively apply with complete documentation. Therefore, hiring a lawyer will ensure that the proper processes are adhered to.

What to look out for when Canadian immigration lawyers

There are several aspects and considerations to watch out for when hiring a Canadian immigration lawyer:

• Work experience

Credible Canadian immigration lawyers have several years of experience and practice below their belt. This makes them familiar with major processes and application requirements that will guarantee a successful application. Hiring a newbie immigration lawyer might be tricky, as they are just joining the practice and might be oblivious to some common application tricks. Experienced immigrant lawyers will also be able to advise on the best immigration program to apply for depending on your papers and requirements.

• Licensing credentials

It is extremely vital to inquire about the licensing credentials of the lawyer you are looking to hire. The Canadian immigration system requires all its representatives to have the proper license credentials. A credible immigration lawyer should be ready to verify requests to ascertain that they are recognized by the system, and free to conduct honest and just businesses. For instance, immigration lawyers should be listed in a territorial or provincial bar association.

• Contract stipulations

Despite finding a good lawyer and trusting them with the application process, it is paramount to carefully read through the contract before signing, to discover whether the contract will cover a partial or full immigration process. Some contracts cover partially, making you have to spend money twice on different times. It is vital to carefully check the period of your legal retainer based on the immigration process and application. Some applications may take a year to complete, therefore a three-month retainer will not be the best option to consider.

• Multiple payments

Credible immigration lawyers will mostly offer a single consultation fee for the applicant, in which they will review their application and determine the best possible conditions for them to apply in. They will offer advice on how to proceed and seek to assist the applicant through the whole process. However, others will offer multiple payments for consultation, making it costly and drag the process unnecessarily.

• Budget

Being able to understand a suitable budget will enable you to settle with a good lawyer. Different application processes attract different payment structures, therefore finding the one right for you is paramount. One can search for potential immigrant lawyers and compare the budget prices for each to prevent spending huge amounts of money for processes that would otherwise be subsidized by another. Finding a suitable payment plan in the course of the application process will also ensure accountability on both parts.

Things to note

Canadian immigration processes aren’t always guaranteed success. There might be minor details that might hinder the chances of getting a visa. A Canadian immigrant lawyer should be able to give you a realistic outlook on the whole process and advise accordingly.

The immigration lawyer should be able to encourage the applicant to pursue other application methods in the event they aren’t qualified for some applications. This ensures the applicant has a fair chance of accessing all platforms before throwing in the towel.