legal consultation fee for CEC in ontario?

[junecec]

Hello,

Can anyone tell me, how much does a lawyer charge on average in ontario for representing or assisting in filling out the CEC application? Just got an estimate from a lawyer and it seems outragious. Please share opinions.

Thanks!

 

[ind0canadian]

Well, I can share my experience with you. When I went to a lawyer, he asked me $1500. But I decided to do it myself as I found $1500 is too much to just fill out the papers.

 

[Baloo]

Save the money, do it yourself.

 

[jason111]

Trust me, even if you hire a lawyer, he will still have to ask you everything regarding the forms. End up, you just do everything by yourself and pay a great amount of money which make feel comfortable and confident.

 

[junecec]

I filed my application myself but I'm afraid my application might be rejected as the job reference letter my employer provided me did not match well with the NOC I applied under and I was aware of that when I submitted the application but I thought I'd take a chance anyways. But, I went for a free consultation recently with a lawyer, who after reviewing a copy of my application said that it is more likely that my application will be rejected. Also, it's not just the letter I believe the type of job I did also doesn't fall under the NOC I claimed. So, I'm preparing to apply again this July when I complete my one year with my current employer. My PGWP is expiring in July 2012 and my employer agreed to submit LMO for me as well. But, I think it's better to get assistence from a lawyer in filling it out as any mistake by my employer can lead to "negative" LMO. So, the lawyer assessed the following fees:
- Preparation for CEC application: $4,500
- Preparation for LMO application: $3,600
btw, I live in windsor, ON and I would assume the rates would be much lower than the greater metropolital areas. I dont know how to find a good lawyer and make sure his/her service is not fraudulent!!

 

[junecec]

to add to that, I think it's very important when you are on a PGWP and your NOC is not listed on your work permit to have a very well drafted employment letter. A lawyer can help you do it better with their expertise. Especially, when your job is on the edge being under NOC level B & C. In my case, I still am not sure whether my job will qualify under level B, given the company I work for might not be considered a proper brokerage. Several things concerns me ragarding my situation and I guess I do need some guidence as to compile and prepare the application.

 

[LH84]

1500$ for just filling the papers?! He're in Lebanon they asked me for 400$ but i found it expensive for something everybody can do. I was thinking that they will do it mistake free with all legal things. But after spending sometime in this forum and surfing the cic website I found it very easy.
Best wishes.

 

[phathalo]

No one would know better than you what is the closest NOC number to your position. The NOC description/title do not need to perfectly match what your reference/employment letter as long as some/most of the duties described are similar.

When I got a positive LMO letter it was indicating my NOC as 1122. However, when I applied to CEC a few days earlier, I specified that my NOC was 2171 according to my judgement. They never complained.

 

[SenoritaBella]

Your employer or Human Resources department should be helping you with your LMO application. It might be worth calling service canada to see if they can be of assitance before shelling out $3600.

$4500 seems to be the range for most CEC applications. I paid under $4000 total, application & RPRF fees included. The best way to reduce cost is to be organized - gather all required documents and complete the application forms as well. Each time they email/call you for stuff, there is a charge.lol If you ask me, I got my money's worth.

 

[umairz]

Don't go through lawyers. Even He can't do anything if your company don't issue a letter. Unless he files a complain against company which I highly doubt. It costed me 550+490+postal cost for documents and for pictures. It's useless, lawyers will still ask you all the info about you and you kinda end up filling the forms by yourself. So what exactly is the point of having a lawyer. And not that they can speed up the process. May be they will even delay it. They have so many cases that they will probably contact you after two weeks when they hear something about your case.

I am totally against lawyers and that's probably just me but I have seen a lawyer at work, he is a close family friend and the kinda things he does to people I have no respect for him... sorry if I am being rude.........

And in answer to your question, there is not kinda set benchmark fee for immifration cases. Depends which lawyer you go to and in the first meeting they will assess your tone and your needs and trust me your fee will depend on that. In the nutshell they will try their best to rip you off and for what kinda work; for filling up 5 application forms, looking for 5-6 max e-maisl from CIC(correspondence) and that's about it. You will still technically fill the forms and plus you have to rely on his/her schedule for appointment. It will still be you gathering all the documents and important stuff. So I ask you what is the point of having a lawyer? If your documents are incomplete he will not go out for you and get job letters or police clearences for example.... it will still be your responsibility. I defy this rule of companies can't give you the job letter. You need to get into contact with higher and upper management. Don't be afraid and think outside the box. Go have an appointment with the CEO and even board of directors (Seriously) and explain them your situation. Remember "The first rule is their is no rule". And trust me you might get somewhere or may be you fail in getting it but at least you tried your best. Otehrwise lawyer can't help you with anything in getting any sort of documents. He is not gonna go on your behalf and fight with the company to get the letter.

Anyways, I wish you luck! And again I would recommend stay away from lawyers if you can! It'll save you money and time.

 

[umairz]

Sorry I mentioned, your employer not providing you a letter, but actually in your post you said he is.... So, there's is no problem... if he isi providing you the letter than you should eb good for your next application if you mae a mistake in this one. But it's not the end of the world.

What's your NOC code?

 

[junecec]

Thanks so much for your insight umair. It really does make sense as I have completed the last application myself. The only thing I might need help on is the employer reference letter. Yes, my employer is very cooperative and will write whatever I need according to the NOC I'm applying. my NOC is 6231. So, I was thinking to get a letter drafted by a lawyer and thats all the help I'd need from a lawyer. Because, I've heard on this forum that if your job description is identical or too close as the one listed on the HRDC website, it raises question. So, I guess I'll prepare it myself and get forum members opinion here once I finish putting it together. One question I have though under the NOC 6231 the description says:

6231 Insurance Agents and Brokers
Insurance agents and brokers sell life, automobile, property, health and other types of insurance to individuals, businesses and public institutions. Insurance agents are employed by individual insurance companies or are independent representatives of specific insurance companies. Insurance brokers are employed by brokerage firms, or may work in partnerships or hold sole proprietorship.

- As you can see it says brokers are emplyed by insurance companies or brokerage firms but I'm NOT employed directly by any insurance company or brokerage firm. It is a Third party company providing the service to the brokerage but I held valid insurance broker lic. So, I need to know if this is gonna raise question when the VO do some reasearch on my company itself?

 

[justtheme]

Don't go through lawyers. Even He can't do anything if your company don't issue a letter. Unless he files a complain against company which I highly doubt. It costed me 550+490+postal cost for documents and for pictures. It's useless, lawyers will still ask you all the info about you and you kinda end up filling the forms by yourself. So what exactly is the point of having a lawyer. And not that they can speed up the process. May be they will even delay it. They have so many cases that they will probably contact you after two weeks when they hear something about your case.

I am totally against lawyers and that's probably just me but I have seen a lawyer at work, he is a close family friend and the kinda things he does to people I have no respect for him... sorry if I am being rude.........

And in answer to your question, there is not kinda set benchmark fee for immifration cases. Depends which lawyer you go to and in the first meeting they will assess your tone and your needs and trust me your fee will depend on that. In the nutshell they will try their best to rip you off and for what kinda work; for filling up 5 application forms, looking for 5-6 max e-maisl from CIC(correspondence) and that's about it. You will still technically fill the forms and plus you have to rely on his/her schedule for appointment. It will still be you gathering all the documents and important stuff. So I ask you what is the point of having a lawyer? If your documents are incomplete he will not go out for you and get job letters or police clearences for example.... it will still be your responsibility. I defy this rule of companies can't give you the job letter. You need to get into contact with higher and upper management. Don't be afraid and think outside the box. Go have an appointment with the CEO and even board of directors (Seriously) and explain them your situation. Remember "The first rule is their is no rule". And trust me you might get somewhere or may be you fail in getting it but at least you tried your best. Otehrwise lawyer can't help you with anything in getting any sort of documents. He is not gonna go on your behalf and fight with the company to get the letter.

Anyways, I wish you luck! And again I would recommend stay away from lawyers if you can! It'll save you money and time.

I beg to disagree. I've seen so many cases of people being rejected just because they made "minor" mistakes in their applications (including me): wrong NOC code, miscalculations of work hours, empty fields, missing documents.

I agree that all the info is always initially provided by the applicant, but showing it properly makes a big difference. I also agree that there's crooks and scammers, but you can't put all lawyers in one bag. Look for one with a proven record of approved cases, meet with a few of them before making a decision.

If this process doesn't mean much to you or can't afford it, then do it yourself. Otherwise, having a good lawyer can bring certainty, experience and context to the outcome. CIC has standards and expectations. There's always a certain degree of interpretation in their decision and lawyers can ensure that the right evidence is there.

I wouldn't risk a life changing process just to save a few bucks. Money can always be regained once in Canada.

 

[umairz]

I beg to disagree. I've seen so many cases of people being rejected just because they made "minor" mistakes in their applications (including me): wrong NOC code, miscalculations of work hours, empty fields, missing documents.

I agree that all the info is always initially provided by the applicant, but showing it properly makes a big difference. I also agree that there's crooks and scammers, but you can't put all lawyers in one bag. Look for one with a proven record of approved cases, meet with a few of them before making a decision.

If this process doesn't mean much to you or can't afford it, then do it yourself. Otherwise, having a good lawyer can bring certainty, experience and context to the outcome. CIC has standards and expectations. There's always a certain degree of interpretation in their decision and lawyers can ensure that the right evidence is there.

I wouldn't risk a life changing process just to save a few bucks. Money can always be regained once in Canada.

Sure, you have a valid point but I don't really think that CEC is really that complicated. It's pretty staraight forward and yes some people can have complication but most probably you can soplve it by yourself as it is regarding yourself. Liek for example how many people share their cases on this website? Many right! It's definitely more than a lawyer handles for sure. So, you will find all sorts fo people here and their experiences and what they have been through. So, you can probably find answers to 90% of your questions here. And you know what people here help each other for free. If I had to pay a lawyer even $4000 for my case to be approved, you are right, I wouldn't think twice but then again why? print out the detailed info from CIC & read it thoroughly and then highlight the points you don;t understand and then ask questions. The problem is most of the lawyers are crooked but yes I would'nt disagree with you that you can probably find a good one. But again there is no need for that.

I am sorry to hear about your case. I wish somebody would have helped you. NOC is probably one of the critical things and trust me I didn't know about this site at that time and I literally had to print out full pile of papers and then read them all through and then understand and then decide ok yes that's what the code means and then I selected the right one. And I beleive that is the right procedure. Because you can ask some seniors on this website and they will help you by you telling them your job title. But it's only you who knows what exatly your duites and resposibilities are and you have to ultimately decide what is the correct category you fall in. Because seniors can tell you the NOC code but they are really not gonna have access to your contract and reference letters that will outline your duties. So, always check and double check.

And have you applied again? If you have please confirm it with few different people. Trust me sometimes we can't see what is wrong with our thinking at that specific point and it happens to everyone. So, make sure you check adn double check.

I wish you good luck man and i hope that you will be a PR soon.

Also your point about filling the forms.... print the guide out keep it beside you if you get stuck and still if you don't have answers there are alot of people here to help or CIC call centre or a lawyer if you prefer.

Good Luck!

 

[justtheme]

Sure, you have a valid point but I don't really think that CEC is really that complicated. It's pretty staraight forward and yes some people can have complication but most probably you can soplve it by yourself as it is regarding yourself. Liek for example how many people share their cases on this website? Many right! It's definitely more than a lawyer handles for sure. So, you will find all sorts fo people here and their experiences and what they have been through. So, you can probably find answers to 90% of your questions here. And you know what people here help each other for free. If I had to pay a lawyer even $4000 for my case to be approved, you are right, I wouldn't think twice but then again why? print out the detailed info from CIC & read it thoroughly and then highlight the points you don;t understand and then ask questions. The problem is most of the lawyers are crooked but yes I would'nt disagree with you that you can probably find a good one. But again there is no need for that.

I am sorry to hear about your case. I wish somebody would have helped you. NOC is probably one of the critical things and trust me I didn't know about this site at that time and I literally had to print out full pile of papers and then read them all through and then understand and then decide ok yes that's what the code means and then I selected the right one. And I beleive that is the right procedure. Because you can ask some seniors on this website and they will help you by you telling them your job title. But it's only you who knows what exatly your duites and resposibilities are and you have to ultimately decide what is the correct category you fall in. Because seniors can tell you the NOC code but they are really not gonna have access to your contract and reference letters that will outline your duties. So, always check and double check.

And have you applied again? If you have please confirm it with few different people. Trust me sometimes we can't see what is wrong with our thinking at that specific point and it happens to everyone. So, make sure you check adn double check.

I wish you good luck man and i hope that you will be a PR soon.

Also your point about filling the forms.... print the guide out keep it beside you if you get stuck and still if you don't have answers there are alot of people here to help or CIC call centre or a lawyer if you prefer.

Good Luck!

Thanks man. I'm in good hands right now.

Again, if there's room for failure, don't risk anything. At least pay a consultation to review your documents before submitting. That 10% of questions that don't have answers can mean a rejection. Not worth it...