Lawyers or DIY?

[81jim]

So, my wife (Canadian) and myself (Australian) are trying to work out whether it makes more sense to use an immigration lawyer to file the paperwork or to do it ourselves? The obvious pros and cons being that we've never filed this sort of paperwork before and want to get it right, and that lawyers cost a considerable sum of money. Just curious as to what other people (ideally in a similar situation) have done - there shouldn't be any red flags which would make it less of a straightforward application or anything like that, it'd be an outland application mainly due to the fact that my father is getting a bit older and if anything bad were to happen (hopefully not!) I'd want the option of being able to fly out without voiding our application.

 

[Landing_PR]

DIY. Pretty straightforward process. You'll save couple of grands that the lawyer/immigration consultant would charge. They will not be doing the work for you. You'll still have to complete the forms, provide proofs and attachments. They will only guide you, which if you follow the right group, will do as well.

I applied myself so I'm speaking from experience.

Hope this helps

 

[Rob_TO]

So, my wife (Canadian) and myself (Australian) are trying to work out whether it makes more sense to use an immigration lawyer to file the paperwork or to do it ourselves? The obvious pros and cons being that we've never filed this sort of paperwork before and want to get it right, and that lawyers cost a considerable sum of money. Just curious as to what other people (ideally in a similar situation) have done - there shouldn't be any red flags which would make it less of a straightforward application or anything like that, it'd be an outland application mainly due to the fact that my father is getting a bit older and if anything bad were to happen (hopefully not!) I'd want the option of being able to fly out without voiding our application.

Definitely don't use a lawyer. Other than the high costs, there are countless cases on here where lawyers end up making mistakes or giving bad advice and causing extra delays to the process.

As long as you submit OUTLAND like you said, there is no issue whatsoever of flying out of Canada for as long as you want during the process. Just need to make sure while in Canada, you are here on some valid status separate from the PR app (so as visitor, student or worker).

 

[Tolexmi]

So, my wife (Canadian) and myself (Australian) are trying to work out whether it makes more sense to use an immigration lawyer to file the paperwork or to do it ourselves? The obvious pros and cons being that we've never filed this sort of paperwork before and want to get it right, and that lawyers cost a considerable sum of money. Just curious as to what other people (ideally in a similar situation) have done - there shouldn't be any red flags which would make it less of a straightforward application or anything like that, it'd be an outland application mainly due to the fact that my father is getting a bit older and if anything bad were to happen (hopefully not!) I'd want the option of being able to fly out without voiding our application.

DIY!!!

What i did was, i called up a few immigration lawyers, did a little bit of questioning, i realized that all what i need to do is to convince CiC that d relationship is genuine. So i thought, i don't need a lawyer to do that.

The forms may look like a lot of work, but just take it one at a time, and fill it in.

I filled mine, gave it to my partner to go over it, and then we will make corrections together.

So just take your time, no rush , and all should b well.

Good Luck !!!

 

[htquach]

DIY. I considered using a lawyer too. Took a quick look at the guide and forms and realized I could prepare. Pretty straight forward and you have to gather all the information anyways. This people here are very helpful if you have specific questions.

 

[81jim]

Thank you for the replies! Definitely confirms my own feelings on the subject. ;D