When Do You Need a Citizenship Lawyer?
Canadian citizenship law is quite complicated. You can frequently save time, stress, and even money by hiring legal assistance.
If any of the following situations apply to you, you should see a citizenship lawyer:
- You are asking the immigration authorities for any kind of discretionary relief, like asylum or a waiver, which requires persuading them to create an exception or provide you with benefits they might not ordinarily give to another applicant in your situation.
- You have already had a denied or rejected immigration application
- You are attempting to enter Canada or prevent deportation from Canada after being charged with or committing a felony.
- You’ve been informed that removal or deportation proceedings have been opened against you.
- You want to apply to return to Canada after being deported from the country
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Citizenship Lawyer in Canada?
You can expect to pay citizenship lawyers anywhere from $400 for an initial consultation to upwards of $15,000 for a citizenship application. However, keep in mind that lawyer’s hourly fees vary based on skill, location, and your particular citizenship issue.
What to Look For in a Citizenship Lawyer
The best citizenship lawyers are those who have handled various citizenship matters, including family immigration, business immigration, citizenship, asylum, visas, deportation defense, and appeals.
Make sure you have an expert lawyer on your side who will represent you throughout your case when it comes to legal matters involving citizenship. Your lawyer can represent you in immigration court hearings, file paperwork on your behalf, and help you with other case-related tasks.
How to Prepare for Your Consultation With a Citizenship Lawyer
You can ask your prospective attorney any questions during the free initial consultations and case reviews many citizenship lawyers offer. You can choose whether or not to hire the lawyer’s services after consulting with them.
Ask the Potential Attorney About Their Background and Experience
When you meet with an attorney for your initial appointment, you should have a list of questions ready. Ask the attorney, for instance, how many years of experience they have in citizenship cases.
If Your Case Involves an Emergency, Let the Attorney Know
A potential lawyer must be informed immediately if your citizenship case entails an emergency. Time is frequently of the essence, for instance, if your immigration petition or application has been turned down or if a federal order has been issued that essentially expels you from the country.
The Required Documents Must Be Brought to Your Appointment
You must have all the required paperwork when you have your initial immigration consultation.
You should, for instance, provide copies of any immigration judgments, notifications, and receipts.
Bring copies of your passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and job authorization cards if you have them.
If Necessary, Bring Copies of Your Criminal History
If you have ever been arrested for a crime or gotten a citation, you should bring a copy of the criminal citation or arrest record to the meeting. Additionally, you need to provide proof of the case’s resolution (the case outcome).
Take Careful Notes
You must take careful notes during your initial consultation with a citizenship lawyer. You can then determine whether a particular citizenship lawyer is the best choice for you by comparing your notes with those from earlier consultations.
Where to Find the Best Citizenship Lawyers in Canada
You do not have to deal with your citizenship issues by yourself. You can find the best citizenship lawyers in Canada on LegalMatch. You can also find qualified citizenship lawyers by using the Canadian Bar Association’s website.
