Is there a point in getting a lawyer for an easy case?

[shubhabala]

Hi!

We have a straightforward spousal visa case, but we're also busy, tired parents. Is there any point in getting a lawyer? I assume the most time consuming work is gathering paperwork which a lawyer can't do for us anyway.

 

[armoured]

Hi!

We have a straightforward spousal visa case, but we're also busy, tired parents. Is there any point in getting a lawyer? I assume the most time consuming work is gathering paperwork which a lawyer can't do for us anyway.

For simple cases, usually not. Obviously if you have the money and don't have the time at all - it's a convenience.

When I looked into it, that's what I found as well - most of the time was going to be tracking down stuff and confirming things to the lawyer (the lawyer would have us write down most of the stuff for them). I couldn't justify the money.

All I can suggest is do it bit by bit and don't stress over bits you don't know/understand to start. Identify the things you don't know, make a list of the things you need to get, and just knock them off one by one.

 

[steaky]

Hi!

We have a straightforward spousal visa case, but we're also busy, tired parents. Is there any point in getting a lawyer? I assume the most time consuming work is gathering paperwork which a lawyer can't do for us anyway.

But you need to get a reliable one, otherwise it might ruin your application.

 

[armoured]

But you need to get a reliable one, otherwise it might ruin your application.

Yes, can't emphasize this enough: Canadian lawyers are generally reliable, but even there, one should check the application carefully; Canadian registered immigration consultants a mixed bag, but some are ok; foreign lawyers - even more of a mixed bag but some might at least be reliable at paperwork (depending on where), but rare that they actually know much about Canadian immigration (so why?); and foreign consultants: many worse than nothing.

 

[MJSPARV]

Hi!

We have a straightforward spousal visa case, but we're also busy, tired parents. Is there any point in getting a lawyer? I assume the most time consuming work is gathering paperwork which a lawyer can't do for us anyway.

Not really. I did it as a full time working mom with an infant who was waking up several times a night and it was doable. I did quintuple check stuff since I was so sleep deprived. LOL

It feels overwhelming at first but once you start actually filling things out it is pretty straightforward and this forum is a great resource

 

[canuck78]

If you are really concerned you can pay to have someone review your application before you submit it but many submit themselves.