Canada has one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. It is also home to several top-quality educational institutions. As such, several people from all over the world cannot wait to live in this amazing country, also known as the Great White North. Here, a robust structure that caters to a sustainable economy, excellent education, free healthcare, rich ethnic diversity, breath-taking scenery, mouth-watering cuisines, and beautiful wildlife. Studying or working in Canada provides immigrants with a refreshing, eye-opening experience.
Every year, about 300,000 people move to Canada. As a result, the nation has one of the highest immigration rates in the world. As of 2019, there were eight million immigrants who possess permanent residence. This group accounts for 21.5% of the Canadian population. However, the increasing number of immigrants represents just a small percentage of those who desire to live here. Some of these individuals have unsuccessful Canadian immigration applications. The lack of a Canadian immigration lawyer can affect a person’s immigration.
Why hire a Canadian immigration lawyer?
Hiring a lawyer or consultant is not mandatory to process a Canadian immigration application. Potential immigrants can apply for permanent residence in Canada, whether the purpose is work-related or study-related. However, this DIY (do it yourself) approach may require an in-depth understanding of complex Canadian immigration law and processes. In other words, the individual’s knowledge must be on par with that of an immigration lawyer. Very few people possess such robust knowledge. As such, hiring a Canadian immigration lawyer would be the best decision to make. Here are some benefits worth noting.
Extensive proficiency and knowledge
The Canadian immigration law is riddled with tons of legal jargon that is incomprehensible to the average person. Nonetheless, such information is essential for a successful application. The chances of succeeding with this procedure alone are slim, particularly if there is no legal representation. A Canadian immigration lawyer knows the ins and outs of the Canadian immigration scope and can help direct an applicant through each stage.
Increased level of success during application
In most cases, creating a starting point for a Canadian immigration application can be confusing and mind-boggling. Besides, apply for a work permit or study permit comes with no guarantee even with the help of a Canadian immigration lawyer. However, hiring this professional will increases one’s chances of scaling through the process successfully.
Quick application processing
An immigration lawyer guides an applicant through an immigration application and ensures that the individual has the essential documentation to become eligible. Applicants embarking on a “one-way trip” to become permanent residents in Canada may be unaware of specific requirements and therefore skip some of them. This mistake could cost them their applications, not to mention the stress they would experience during the process. With the help of a Canadian immigration lawyer, the application becomes quicker and potentially successful.
Affordability
One of the reasons applicants ignore the need for immigration lawyers, especially in Canada, is because they believe that the legal fees are way off the charts. But contrary to this school of thought, hiring a Canadian immigration lawyer is affordable. Applicants have access to some of the best legal services without breaking the bank or emptying their life savings. That does not imply that there are not scam legal companies posing as legit firms. Hence, applicants should be on the lookout and only consult approved immigration law firms. Below are also some tips to guide these individuals:
- Find out the level of experience the immigration lawyer has with the Canadian immigration process.
- Evaluate their association with approved relevant Canadian immigration agencies.
- Request for references
- Check out reviews from other applicants that have used their services.
Cost of hiring a Canadian immigration law firm
Some Canadian immigration lawyers charge an hourly rate, which can be expensive for an average applicant. However, others charge flat rates as well. Ideally, these are every applicants’ go-to lawyers. The cost of processing an immigration application depends on the type of law firm hired and the type of application. Individuals who want to process Canadian permanent residency application may be subject to the following fees:
- For parent-sponsored application, the fees may range from $500 to $4,000. The options under this application type could either be dependent (PP) or single/two parents.
- Spousal sponsorship can sit anywhere between $250 (for dependents that are minors) and $4,000 (for principal applicant).
- Express entry is of two categories – stage one profile and stage two post-ITA submission. The former cost around $1,500, while the latter may range from $250 (for dependents under 18) to $750 (for spouse).
- Alberta PNP can cost as high as $4,000 for a principal applicant. Dependent may pay $500. The same fee applies to H & C application, except that the principal applicant may pay $5,000.
- Self-employed application for athletes, farm managers, and many more may cost $5,000, while entrepreneur or investor class application fees sits at $30,000. Additional fees for PR card renewal review and PR card renewal are $400 and $2,000, respectively.
- Canadian citizenship eligibility review and Canadian citizenship application may cost $400 and $2,000 respectively.
These fees are subjective and may differ from one Canadian immigration law firm to another. Hence, applicants are advised to discuss with a reputable immigration lawyer.
In conclusion (other factors to note)
It is not enough to hire a Canadian immigration lawyer that is conversant with the immigration law; applicants must ensure that this professional understands other law-related fields. Such proficiency extends towards family, business, and international law. For instance, under a specific entrepreneur immigration program, applicants may need the legal services of a Canadian law firm that is versed with Canadian business laws, regulations, and practices.
Canadian immigration does not revolve solely around work and study.Business owners can also benefit from specific immigration programs. As such, these individuals would require a certified immigration lawyer with experience in this area to provide legal counsel on the best approach to take. Such lawyers do not only address potential problems and setbacks; they also help applicants navigate the country’s multi-cultural lifestyle. The in-depth knowledge and practice of a Canadian immigration lawyer can come in handy when applying for any type of Canadian permit.
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