It goes without saying that you are not required to hire an immigration lawyer to immigrate to Canada. However, let us look at the pros and cons of hiring one.
Pros
Experience and vast knowledge
There are over 100 different immigration programs that are available under Canadian immigration streams, and it can be a challenging task to navigate them alone. The immigration lawyer has the required knowledge and experience to be able to guide you through the process more efficiently, and to advise you on which stream works the best given your current situation. Depending on your situation, it can get overwhelming for you, and the lawyer is there to make sure that the information you need is synthesized and made accessible for you.
Strong oversight
Becoming a lawyer is not an easy task. It requires years of education, rigorous training and passing bar membership examinations. It is a strictly regulated profession, which ensures that lawyers adhere to high standards when delivering their services.
Cons
Cost
Some are concerned that hiring an immigration lawyer can be quite expensive. While it is true, that there are costs associated with hiring an immigration lawyer for your needs, it is also true that it saves you precious resources such as time and mental energy and helps to avoid mistakes that might turn out to be costlier in the long run. Moreover, many lawyers charge flat fees, so the final bill will not come off as a surprise to you.
Fear of incompetence
If you have decided to engage an immigration lawyer, make sure that there is a proper ratio or balance between the price you pay and the experience and moral compass the lawyer possesses.