Our experienced attorneys provide personalized guidance and support to help you navigate the complexities of immigration processes with ease. Immivisa Law Group offers expert legal services in immigration law.
Navigating the complexities of immigration law can be expensive, but working with an experienced firm will save you money in the long run. A bogus consultant may cost less but it will result in delays, rejection, and a loss of hard-earned savings.
Many clients prefer the flat fee option because it allows them to budget more accurately. However, the hourly rate can also be a good choice for clients who have very straightforward cases.
1. Choose a lawyer based on expertise
Immigration law is a highly complex area, and attorneys typically specialize in specific areas of the field. Finding the right attorney for your case will ensure that you receive legal advice specific to your circumstances and culture, while also minimizing costs. To begin the process, research lawyers in your area and ask for referrals from family members and friends. You should then contact those candidates to set up a consultation. During this meeting, you should be sure to ask plenty of questions about their experience and expertise.
A reputable lawyer will be more than happy to share details of previous cases that may be similar to your own, as well as provide references from past clients. You should also be able to find out what types of billing arrangements they offer. For example, some attorneys charge by the hour and others work on flat fees. Ask if they will be flexible about the increments of time that they use to calculate your bill and whether or not you can negotiate monthly, itemized bills.
Many attorneys are willing to reduce their rates if they know that you’re interested in their services and are committed to working with them. In addition, some attorneys will offer a discount for prompt payment of their fees. To save on the cost of legal fees, ask if you can schedule a consultation that is less than an hour long, or if you can come in for a brief phone call.
The cost of immigration law services can be high, but the value of an experienced attorney cannot be underestimated. A single mistake on a visa application could cause significant delays and even denial by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), so it’s important to get professional legal guidance from the beginning of the process.
The best way to save money on immigration law services is to choose a lawyer who specializes in your specific type of visa. At Immivisa Law Group, our team of business immigration lawyers is highly skilled in various work, investor, and family-based Visa categories, and we can help you streamline your application to minimize your expenses.
2. Look for a lawyer with a flat fee
If you’re an immigrant, a good immigration lawyer is essential. But the fees associated with an immigration case can be expensive. This is because the government charges separate fees for each visa category, and immigration attorney fees vary from firm to firm. To save money, look for a law firm that offers flat fees rather than hourly fees. Flat fees are easier to explain to clients and are easy to invoice, which improves realization and collection rates.
Most lawyers offer both flat fees and hourly fees. However, a few firms specialize in flat fee services. This type of pricing model is popular among immigration attorneys because it provides transparency and certainty for client costs. In addition, flat fees align with the straightforward nature of many immigration cases and foster trust and open communication between clients and attorneys.
While a lawyer’s flat fee may seem like the best option, it is important to understand that these fees do not include every legal service that a client could need throughout the process. For example, if a client requires an interview with the Department of Homeland Security, it will require additional attorney time. Likewise, if a client needs help filing a motion to stay removal proceedings in immigration court, it will require more attorney time than submitting paperwork to Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Another way to save on attorney fees is to limit the amount of contact with the lawyer. Each contact – whether it’s a phone call, letter, or email – costs the attorney money. If you can wait until your next scheduled meeting to discuss a topic, it will be more cost effective for you and the attorney.
Aside from limiting the number of contacts with the attorney, there are several other ways to cut down on legal expenses. For example, keeping all of your documents organized will be more efficient for the lawyer, and it will also reduce the chances of errors. It is also helpful to communicate with the attorney in writing whenever possible – even if it’s just an email.
3. Keep your documents organized
It’s impossible to foresee when you may need important documents, but having them organized could save your life in the event of a disaster. While every person’s “important documents” will be different, they typically include things like birth + marriage certificates, social security cards, property deeds, old tax records + expired service contracts.
Once you’ve gathered all your paperwork, put each category of document into a bin. For example, you could have a file for home purchasing paperwork, another for personal records, and a third for banking documents.
Once you have all your files organized, it’s much easier for the attorney to work on your case, saving you time + money. It also helps to know where everything is, instead of having the attorney ask you for a missing document each time you meet.
