Can someone help me how to start applying for Canada immigration visa or PR

[califguy]

Hi,

I am working on H1-B visa in US in IT sector with 10 yrs of exp.

I am interested in immigrating to Canada and would like to know the process of applying.

Can someone guide me where to start which program to chose or do I need to apporach an attorney for this?

Any points around this is really appreciated

Thanks in advance

Califguy

[Leon]

Check if you qualify for AB H1B program here: http://www.albertacanada.com/immigration/campaigns/h1b.html or FSW here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/index.asp or QSW here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/quebec/index.asp

Depends on what program fits you and where you want to live.

[califguy]

Thank you for providing inputs.

Recently I approached an law firm who deal with and law firm suggested me the AINP program as your suggestion.
Law firm mentioned that their charges are around $3000 USD to process the file apart from Govt charges which are around 1000 Canadian$.
So can someone please help me with your experience and suggestion is it worth going through law firm or can it be done on your own?

Please help me with your suggestions.

[Leon]

It can easily be done on your own and it's actually better for you because you are the one in the drivers seat.  If you have a lot of money laying around and you want to have the peace of mind that everything is handled properly, get the law firm but google them first to see if they are ok.  Some people have had the experience with some law firms or consultants that the firm is actually getting in the way of their application, dragging everything, not telling them what is going on etc. etc.

[califguy]

Thanks for your response.

In fact total charges are around 2500$ for law firm charges and around $2000 for canada government appln fees and other charges, so that is reaching around $5000.

Would like to know what is the amount that we may need to bear if we do it on our own as per your experience and suggestions.

Any thoughts from anyone here is really appreciated.

Thanks,
Califguy

[nomad_musafir]

Read AINP FAQ's in the sticky post on the top. Alberta has gone to lengths to make the process extremely simple for the applicants. I along with several other members here have filed the application on our own and have gotten nominations. A few of those who used attorneys also recommend doing it on your own. Do some research on this forum before spend thousands of your $$s.

[nix1]

I will do it for $500 plus you pay the CIC fees which are US$465 for Pinciple Applicant, US$465 for Spouse and US$130 for each dependent under 18 years old. Please keep in mind that AINP process is free if the lawyer did not tell you.

I was just joking about doing the process for you for $500. I do not have the time to do that. But my point is that you can do it yourself and we are here to help you (free) if you have questions. Good luck.