7 Things to inform your Canadian Immigration Lawyer About
When hiring a Canadian immigration lawyer, there are several things you must inform them about to get the best possible representation for your case. Having this information ready upfront before your first meeting will save you time and money, as lawyers usually charge by the hour.
Next up is a checklist to take into consideration when meeting with a Canadian immigration lawyer:
- Your pathway to becoming a Canadian citizen
Canadian and Toronto immigration lawyers are usually hired by people who are on the path to become permanent residents. Your lawyer must know what visa allows you to be in Canada, if any. It could be a work permit or sponsorship. Either way, this will help your lawyer figure out what’s the easiest way to apply for you.
2. People involved in your case
When applying for permanent residence you can sponsor your spouse and children (younger than 22 or are dependent on you). You can’t sponsor parents, siblings, or any other relatives.
3. Divorce or Marriage Certificates
You’ll need to prove you’re married to your spouse to sponsor them; this means you’ll need to present a marriage certificate to your lawyer. If you are divorced, it’s important to have documents proving this or the annulment of the marriage. It’s especially important to have these documents when sponsoring a child that is in your custody.
4. Your current immigration status
It’s possible that you are in an irregular situation in Canada and are worried about letting your lawyer know about your situation. Rest assured because lawyers are obligated to keep your information private thanks to client lawyer privilege. Even if you’re in a regular situation as explained above, you must let your lawyer know your status so they can figure out the best way to assure the success of your case.
5. Your financial means
It’s important to give your lawyer evidence of your financial means. This is especially important if you have dependents. You’ll need to present pay stubs and bank statements to prove you can support yourself and those you’re sponsoring.
6. Criminal record
When applying for permanent residence or citizenship it’s key to let your lawyer know if you have a criminal record. Some crimes will deny you the opportunity to become a citizen. Even though this record will be used to determine if you are a threat to the Canadian public, it’s best to be completely open about it. Not disclosing your criminal record can result in denial of your application.
7. How long you have been out of Canada in the past 5 years
If you’re applying for permanent residence, you have the obligation to have been physically in Canada for two years or more in a five-year period. In case you are undocumented, there are programs to regularize your situation that will require you to have spent the last five years in Canada without interruption. Letting your lawyer know about this will increase your chances of success.
