What is the difference b/w having an immigration lawyer vs. file the application ourselves? ? -

I am planning on applying for canadian immigration. To have a lawyer it costs a lot, if I Could not have a lawyer, will it reduce the chances of getting an immigrant visa?

You do not need a lawyer to file an application for immigration to Canada. The only benefit you will get from paying a lawyer is that the lawyer will make sure everything is accounted for and properly filled out. You will still have to provide the information, you will still have to get the medicals and criminal records checks done, you will still have to gather up the documentation yourself. If you feel confident in your ability to read and follow the instructions then don t hire a lawyer. It will not speed up the application process and you won t get any special attention if you have a lawyer. You would only need a lawyer if you have certain issues like criminal record or health problems. Otherwise, save your money as you will need it to help yourself move and get settled once your application is processed. I am a PR in Canada and we did not hire a lawyer.

Here s the government of Canada s opinion on the need to use a lawyer: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information... It s not terribly keen on lawyers. If you have good enough English to pass the language test, you can manage the downloaded forms yourself.

no, it has no bearing. Immigration interviews are not like the questions at a court, its mostly just a paperwork thing. It makes the load easier if you have a lawyer to guide you through it. But there is no reason why you MUST have a lawyer.

You don t HAVE to, you just need to be VERY! careful with the paperwork because even the smallest error can cause your application to get rejected and you d have to start the whole process over.

Just that handling this with an attorney, you know it will be done right the first time.