Do You Really Need An Immigration Lawyer?

By Michael Niren January 8, 2008 2 min. read

Immigration lawyers? But can’t we do it ourselves?

I get that one all the time.

When meeting with people interested in my immigration services, I am asked such questions many times. Almost every time, clients are surprised to hear my answer: “Why yes!” I reply. “Sure you can do it yourself” , I continue. “I encourage independence. I want people to take control of their own immigration situations.”

I do not blame people for asking me whether they can handle their own immigration applications by themselves. After all, especially in Canada, the government does what it can to encourage applicants to do it themselves. On their websites and in their written material, these sites go out of their way to explicitly tell people that they can do it themselves. After all, there is an abundance of information on immigration practice and procedure available to the general public for all to view.

The problem is what they don’t tell you. Appeal courts and tribunals have never been busier with cases that have been refused by the very government that is encouraging people to go it alone without legal representation. Sadly, in my practice I see too many refused cases brought to me by well-meaning applicants who took the government’s message to heart. Thinking that all they had to do was follow the instructions on a website or to order an application kit and fill out forms, people are devastated to discover their good-faith efforts ended up with a rejection of their applications.

Then why then would I as an immigration lawyer dedicated to helping people with their immigration problems answer in the affirmative when asked “But can’t we do it ourselves?” Well in part is because it that is the only honest answer I can give. People can apply for immigration benefits by themselves, if they really want to. Nothing is preventing people from doing this.

However, I do not just leave it at that. After telling people that the power is within them to go it alone, I then ask them a question–a question that I think is a much more important one: Should they handle their immigration cases on their own? When phrased this way, the light bulb usually is turned on. Next to tax law, immigration legislation is considered the most complicated area of law by many. What the general public sees on various government websites or off-line publications on immigration topics amounts to a gross over-simplification of procedures and rules involved in virtually all immigrant and non-immigrant categories. This causes a sense of “false hope” for people at best and at worst, a total misrepresentation the facts about what is involved and necessary to make a successful application. From the most basic sponsorship application to the most intricate corporate immigration plan for foreign workers, there are always important legal issues that only a trained lawyer can and should handle.

With an immigration lawyer, there is less chance of error

The consequences of not seeking legal help for one’s immigration case are too serious to ignore. The last thing people want are refusals caused by some technicality not mentioned on any website. And when there is a refusal, the remedy is often an appeal which is very stressful, time consuming and costly.

So when I am asked about whether people can go it alone, I tell them “Can do…but should not”.

Have a great weekend,
Immigration Lawyer Michael Niren

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Ljiljana Pavkov

I have nothing but praise! The entire team was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and kind, especially Mansi Sanghiv. She patiently explained everything I needed to know and resolved all of my concerns. I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the entire process. I am extremely satisfied with the service and experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for quality, dedication, and trust.

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Lisanne Cholette

Mansi has been helping me navigate through a new chapter in my life. It has been a huge comfort to be able to lean on her knowledge and expertise and I would highly recommend her to anyone!

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BERLITA COLLADO

I am so very thankful to the VISAPACE team for making it all come true and possible from my Open Work Permit to my Permanent Residence, you make it all happen .Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart , Thank you for being part of my achievements. Now I am now a Permanent Residence through the effort, power and knowledge of VISAPLACE LEGAL TEAM.
Sending you my best appreciation and thank you.

Berlie Collado

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Shahrzad Sh

“I truly want to thank Mansi. Her patience and thoughtful advices made a big difference for me. Her recommendations were not only helpful but also gave me clearer insight. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for her support.”

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kevin geoffrey

Visa place helped me with my daughter’s sponsorship 3 years ago. Last week I contacted them for some clarification on a different matter. It was about an issue which technically was a problem of CIC’s software glitch and had nothing to do with Visa Place.
Yet Reena Sandu was assigned for my case. she helped me with enthusiasm and showed no hesitation despite me being an ex-client from 3 years ago.
I was very happy that even after 3 years of finishing business, Visa Place were respectful of their clients. Special thanks again to Reena for her enthusiasm and support.

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Nessie Leigh Ilarde

Thank you very much for helping me get my new visa! I appreciate Ms. Felicita and her colleagues for guiding us through the process making sure that everything is precise. Highly recommend your firm. Thanks again 🙂

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parker ellis

Mansi Sanghvi has been nothing for of remarkable for me. I have been dealing with a visa, immigration issues , and any time I have to call her, she has been there to answer any questions. Has answers to every question and is there to HELP YOU. Truly could not recommend her more.