Do we have to use a lawyer for the application?

[Chococherry26]

I have been told over and over again not to do the application on my own but to use a lawyer. Is thi true? They are sooooo expensive.

 

[scylla]

No - you certainly don't have to use a lawyer. Maybe people apply entirely on their own.

 

[Chococherry26]

Thanks for your reply. But I hear now that the system has changed since Buffalo is closed. If I make mistake will they send it back or not?

 

[seton]

Thanks for your reply. But I hear now that the system has changed since Buffalo is closed. If I make mistake will they send it back or not?

System has not changed - it sounds like your advice is coming from someone with an interest in getting you to use a lawyer.

There are two stages of "mistakes". In both cases, you will get everything back.

1. You fill out the forms incorrectly (miss a box), or forget to include a required document/form - your application is returned without being charged the application fee.

2. You fail to provide enough evidence to support your application (i.e. insufficient information, ambiguity, mis-matched job codes) - your application is returned, but you do not have your application fee refunded.

As you can see, mistake #2 is costly, but does not prevent you from re-applying. It is a fairly complex process, but you do not need a lawyer to make a successful application. What you do need is patience, an attention to detail, full comprehension of the CIC guides on the CIC website, and optionally, an understanding of the common mistakes by reading this forum (or another similar type of site).

Look through this forum, and the previous pages of topics for common questions. There's about 95% repetition in the topics posted here, so after a couple hours of reading you will get the gist of common issues.

Do the above and save yourself thousands of dollars in lawyer fees.

 

[Chococherry26]

OMG thank you for your response! I appreciate it so much

 

[March 9]

I have been told over and over again not to do the application on my own but to use a lawyer. Is thi true? They are sooooo expensive.

you DO NOT need a lawyer. I fell for this crap and ended up paying $8000 for the application. And me and my husband had to correct and fill out the applications as the lawyer entered the wrong information. Save yourself time and money. Also there are alway free lawyers avaiable in the community " new immigrats" offices and they are very helpfull and provide FREE consultation or look at your documents!

 

[ecstrom]

I have been told over and over again not to do the application on my own but to use a lawyer. Is thi true? They are sooooo expensive.

you DO NOT need a lawyer. however your application is in high rate to be refused since you may not be professional to fill in the CIC forms and prepare your employment letter. Immigration consultant consulting fee is usually around $2,000.

 

[ecstrom]

I have been told over and over again not to do the application on my own but to use a lawyer. Is thi true? They are sooooo expensive.

you can also ask a friend to review your application for free if you know any

 

[cljw31]

the process and the required documents are very straight forward. they tell you exactly what to give them! but, if you have a complicated individual case that requires professional help, then don't hesitate to find an immigration consultant / lawyer! if you can provide all the documents with ease, then feel free to apply on your own!