FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions I hear most about Canadian immigration, and about working with an immigration lawyer.
Many people apply on their own, and many refusals happen exactly that way. A lawyer adds the most value when the stakes are high: a refusal on your record, inadmissibility concerns, tight deadlines, a complex work or sponsorship situation, or simply an application you cannot afford to have go wrong. I prepare every application as a legal submission designed to be approved the first time.
An immigration lawyer has a law degree, is licensed by a provincial law society, and can represent you before all tribunals and the Federal Court of Canada. Communications with a lawyer are protected by solicitor-client privilege. Consultants are licensed under a different regime with a narrower scope of practice.
Most matters are billed as a flat fee, quoted after your consultation once I understand the scope of your case. You will always know the full cost before you commit, no surprises.
Processing times vary by program and change monthly. IRCC publishes current processing times on its website, and during your consultation I will give you a realistic timeline for your specific situation, plus strategies to avoid the delays caused by incomplete or inconsistent applications.
Act quickly, some remedies have strict deadlines. Depending on the case, options include reapplying with a stronger record, requesting the officer’s notes to understand the refusal, appealing to the Immigration Appeal Division, or seeking judicial review in Federal Court. Book a consultation as soon as possible after a refusal.
Yes. I work with clients around the world, consultations are available by video and phone, and applications are handled entirely online.
No one can jump the IRCC queue, be wary of anyone who says otherwise. What a lawyer prevents is the far bigger delay: applications returned as incomplete, procedural fairness letters, and refusals that force you to start over.
You tell me your story and your goals; I assess your options, explain the strongest path forward, flag any risks, and give you a clear fee quote. Whether or not you retain me, you leave knowing where you stand.
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Every situation is different. Get answers specific to your case in a confidential consultation.
