Whether you know this from experience or are just starting out the process and are considering your options, you should be aware that working with a Canadian immigration attorney can save you a lot of time and money.

Although it may be tempting to avoid the upfront legal costs and go at it alone, there are many stories of people who ended up making a mistake or missing a form, only to end up having to refile their application with the help of a professional or worse.

1. How easy is it to get a welcome into Canada?

On average, about 200, 000 immigrants and refugees are offered residency in Canada each year. This is a fairly generous number and has earned Canada a reputation for having a pretty open attitude when it comes to welcoming foreigners.

However, enforcement measures of who can enter certainly do exist and are necessary to protect Canadian society from people who may pose a threat to public health, safety, order or national security. It is for this and many other reasons that it is wise to consult a professional in making sure you meet all the requirements before choosing to immigrate.

2. What are the biggest influencing factors in Canadian immigration policy?

As with most countries, the health of the economy effects operations in all areas of policy. You should know going in that economic concerns represent the reason why the highest proportion of immigrants are allowed into the country each year. As a way of evaluating potential applicants, the government has devised a point system that attributes applicants with higher levels of education, job experience, and language skills more points.

Due to the shift toward an information-based economy, this policy emphasizes flexible, transferable skills over specific occupations. That is not to say this is the only relevant component of the application process, but know that you will be expect to provide as much information about your educational and professional past as possible.

3. Is it really necessary to hire a lawyer?

You will hear different answers to this question depending on who you ask, it is possible to file a claim as an individual and the official position of citizenship and immigration Canada is that no special attention will be paid to a file as a result of the fact that applicant is using representation.

All issues of transparency aside, you need to ask yourself the tough question of whether of not you’re able to take on all the legal procedures and ramifications associated with your claim. You won’t always get a second chance, and the errors would not have been made if you had an experienced immigration lawyer at your side.

4. How do I avoid hiring the wrong person?

Once you’ve settled on the decision to seek professional guidance, there are several indicators that you should pay attention to in order to find the right lawyer for the job.  First things first, be advised that immigration lawyers usually practice independently, so this might not be the right time to seek out a large firm. Therefore, references and referrals are going to be your most reliable means of finding someone you can trust. Clients who have had a good experience will refer friends and relatives, while any good lawyer will be happy to put forward satisfied clients as references.

Also, keep in mind the fact that your situation could vary dramatically from others. You want someone who has experience with your exact needs and who understands precisely what you require in order to be admitted to the country, in addition to knowing your rights and responsibilities upon arrival.