Patricia Casaburi
Government administrations, laws, and policies in Canada can be quite complicated, especially for foreign nationals. That’s why you may want to consult with an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer. Legal experts can streamline the whole process of moving to a new country.
Lawyers, consultants, and attorneys can interpret the law and assist you in analyzing your rights, options, and strategies. They guide you and your family members through every step of the immigration process with specialized expertise.
From intricate tax matters, real estate investment, business immigration, permanent residence application, to Canadian citizenship, the right lawyer can make a real difference in your Canadian journey.
Stick around to learn about:
What does a Canadian immigration lawyer do?
Canadian immigration lawyers provide legal representation. They act as advisors to immigrants and foreign citizens who must interact with immigration officials and government authorities. They support clients through visa applications, business immigration, work permits, citizenship, naturalization, and deportation issues.
If you are facing a hearing about problems with immigration, a lawyer can appear in court and defend your case. They can interpret immigration law, analyze your rights, strategies, and possibilities for family sponsorship, investment, or employment options.
Canada faces a constant influx of people hoping to live, work, invest, and study within its borders. Lawyers at an immigration agency can navigate this competitive environment and help individuals and businesses settle in Canada.
Benefits of Hiring Canadian Immigration Lawyers
Having an expert by your side who offers legal assistance can have several advantages:
- Competitive advantage: People often don’t realize how large the demand is for Canadian immigration. If an application is not perfect, it will be denied. Lawyers prevent you from making expensive mistakes. They avoid unnecessary delays or rejections due to insufficient documents or incorrect information.
- Expertise and guidance: A competent lawyer will explain the rules of Canadian immigration law and make sure you have the necessary evidence to support your application.
- Personalized approach: They strategically assess and plan your case based on the program you apply for.
- Long-term planning: Advise clients on planning for real estate investment, business operations, family sponsorship, Canadian work permits, and permanent residence renewals.
- Ongoing compliance: Immigration laws and regulations are constantly changing. Lawyers regularly interact with government authorities to stay informed, avoid penalties, and ensure ongoing compliance.
Take a look at our guide on everything about Canada Citizenship by Investment
How to choose the right lawyer for immigration?
Picking out the right lawyer can help navigate the complexities of the Canadian legal system for both international and domestic clients. Speaking English and French are key components of any immigration law firm working in Canadian immigration. Lawyers can contact local authorities, communicate effectively, and assist you with achieving your goals.
Qualities of a good immigration lawyer | Mistakes when selecting an immigration lawyer |
Once you’ve chosen an immigration law firm to work with, here are a few questions to ask them at the first meeting:
- What’s your experience with Canadian immigration law?
- How many cases like mine have you handled, and what was the outcome?
- How often can I expect updates?
- Do you have any references I can speak with?
- What are my chances of success for the immigration programs I select?
- What systems do you use for case management?
- Can you provide me with all the details for hourly rates or flat fees?
- What expenses are included or excluded?
Canada Immigration Attorney Fees
Immigration lawyer or attorney fees vary based on the immigration law firm you select. Many companies work with immigration services in Canada, so finding the ideal option can be highly beneficial.
Some lawyers charge hourly rates, while others provide flat fees. Hourly rates for Canadian immigration lawyers vary from $200 to $500, with some firms offering services at higher costs. Other lawyers offer flat fees from $1,500 to $10,000 or over.
The costs range based on the immigration services provided, such as work permits, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), business immigration, sponsoring family members, appeals, citizenship applications, etc. The fees also account for the law firm’s expertise, location, and experience.
For example, immigration lawyer fees can be higher in Vancouver, British Columbia, than Winnipeg, Manitoba. Complex cases often cost more, especially with real estate investment, start-up businesses, or commercial enterprises.
Immigrate to Canada: Explore Your Options
Canada offers various immigration programs for foreigners to settle there. Hiring a lawyer can help navigate these pathways and simplify the process.
Canada Startup-Visa
The Start-up Visa, also known as the Inventor Visa or the Immigrant Entrepreneur Visa, is an economic incentive that allows foreign nationals with an existing startup or a business concept to gain permanent residency in Canada. Under specific circumstances, immigrant entrepreneurs receive backing from one designated organization and bring their family members.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are for skilled foreign workers who want to move to a particular province based on different streams. Each province selects economic immigrants to manage a business, establish new ventures, or fill job vacancies. PNPs target niche talent pools across industries.
Express Entry
Express Entry is a system that ranks skilled foreign workers who want to move to Canada as permanent residents. It is divided into three main programs: Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Self-Employed Persons Program
The Self-Employed Persons Program is an immigration program for people with experience in athletics or cultural activities that could benefit Canada. Applicants have adequate education, job experience, and language proficiency.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique investment migration consultancy firm focused on finding the right residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens. With offices in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Brazil, our multilingual team guides individuals and families from start to finish, providing expert advice considering freedom, mobility, taxation, and security.
- We have helped hundreds of clients from 35+ countries in all the top residency by investment and citizenship by investment programs. With an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the area, we provide our clients with solid guidance.
- Our team has never had a case rejected. Our 100 percent approval rate sets us apart from our competitors and guarantees that you can expect a successful application.
- Our transparent pricing covers all the processes from opening your bank account, document certification, and legal due diligence to investment and submission. As there is one fee for the entire process, you can be confident that you will not face any hidden costs later.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server. You can be safe knowing that your personal data is treated with the utmost security.
- Global Citizen Solutions provides an all-encompassing solution. Our support can continue even after you receive your passport. We offer additional services such as company incorporation, Trusts, and Foundations formation.
- The BeGlobal Onboarding System® allows you to access the status of your application every step of the way, something that sets us apart from our competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Immigration Lawyer
Why should I hire a Canadian immigration lawyer?
Hiring a lawyer can reassure you that you have the correct paperwork and forms and meet the eligibility criteria. They have the knowledge and experience to address your concerns and streamline the entire immigration process.
How is an immigration lawyer different from a consultant in Canada?
An immigration lawyer is a licensed attorney with broad legal training who can represent you in court for complex issues like appeals. Immigration consultants (RCICs) specialize only in immigration law. They can assist you with your applications and provide advice but cannot represent clients in federal court.
Is it mandatory to hire a lawyer for immigration to Canada?
No, you don’t have to hire lawyers or consultants to immigrate to Canada. You can do it yourself. However, there are a lot of documents to collect, extensive forms to complete, and many rules to follow, which is why applicants often prefer to get legal help.
What services do Canadian immigration lawyers offer?
Immigration attorneys have extensive experience with immigration applications and insider knowledge of IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) processes. They can advise you on obtaining the right citizenship by investment program, talk with officials on your behalf, and answer any questions you may have.
Can a Canadian immigration lawyer help with Express Entry?
Yes, lawyers can prepare your application meticulously, validate your paperwork, and provide additional documentation. They can give you that extra confidence boost when immigrating to Canada, whether you want to settle there for the short or long term.
Do immigration lawyers in Canada handle study and work permits?
Yes, lawyers have very good experience working with study or work visas in Canada. They can provide guidance on the client’s rights and eligibility. They can also collect documents, prepare, and submit applications.
