Hire a lawyer vs do it yourself (spousal visa)

[noshi11]

Is it worth spending the money?

 

[amikety]

Where are you from? Please give us more information about your case. Do you have any "issues?" I. E. criminal record, overstayed a past visit.

 

[Fencesitter]

No, it is definitely not worth the money. The only time I would recommend a lawyer is if you have a very complicated case. If there are no major red flags, do it yourself!

FS

 

[KJG]

I agree with FS.....your application is exactly what you provide to the lawyer in any event...so download the forms....look at them.....and then start.......it is a long process....not a weekend job but really you do not need a lawyer.......many people will help you here as well

 

[Isometry]

Most of us went without a lawyer, so it can definitely be done. A lawyer is usually recommended if you have a complicated case, but not otherwise.

If you're unsure, you might consider filling out the forms yourself, then paying a lawyer just to look over the application before you submit it. This will be a lot cheaper than paying for full representation, but might give you some peace of mind.

 

[rachiy]

Most of us went without a lawyer, so it can definitely be done. A lawyer is usually recommended if you have a complicated case, but not otherwise.

If you're unsure, you might consider filling out the forms yourself, then paying a lawyer just to look over the application before you submit it. This will be a lot cheaper than paying for full representation, but might give you some peace of mind.

No idea where you are, but I paid a consultant $85 for an appointment in Calgary where she reviewed my application and she made a few minor suggestions. I only really did this as she was a friend of a friend. She didn't tell me anything material I didn't know (although it was good to hear her insights on the process and success rates etc) and you can get pretty much all the info on this site anyway.

I would recommend this option to anyone who is a little unsure, but there is really no need to pay a lawyer $5-6k unless you have a really complicated case

 

[noshi11]

I am a Canadian and my husband is currently living in UK under the work permit status. I met him for the first time after 8 years of long distance and we got married. It doesn't sound that complicated?

I want to do it myself and save the money, however, I really want someone with experience to look over my application. Or if I can get all the help I need from the forum that would be great! Currently I'm just collecting all the paperwork so I haven't even looked into all the application.

Hopefully the forum can help me and I won't have to hire a lawyer

 

[amikety]

No, you probably won't need a lawyer unless there is a barrier - like you or your husband checks off a box that "may" make you inadmissible to Canada.

Here is the 'holy grail' of spousal sponsorship threads:

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/spousal-sponsorship-t46995.0.html

It's pretty much post whatever you need help with and usually someone answers. You can also ask a lawyer to review your application (as opposed to preparing it and representing you) if you'd like. That's usually much cheaper.

 

[noshi11]

Thanks guys. I'll look into doing it myself then.

 

[Galip]

I agree with the other comments. The application and document preparing is easy and everyone can do it without a lawyer or consultant.

After all if you still to hire a lawyer try to set a "flat fee" and make sure to sign a contract with him. The contract has to cover all steps of your immigration proceeding, courts and appeals.

 

[gsize]

I cant believe people do it themselves.

I hired an Immigration Consultant (visa denied/won on appeal) Unfortunately, I was the other 20% who were denied. Having said that........it would be interesting to see how many of the denials did the paperwork themselves.