Most lawyers charge set fees for preparing immigration applications, based upon the case. For other work, such as appeals of visa officer decisions, the fees are usually based on an hourly rate, with an estimate of the time required.

Legal fees vary with the lawyer's experience, success rate, and reputation. Also, if you meet the lawyer in your home country rather than in B.C., the fees will be higher, to cover travel expenses.

Fees are often payable in installments, as your case progresses. Application fees to the Canadian government are extra. Most firms also charge for disbursements, such as photocopies, long distance charges, couriers, and faxes.

Fees also vary based on the type of case:

• Independent skilled workers
• Investor business immigrants
• Entrepreneur business immigrants
• Family members
• Self-employed business immigrants
• Work permits

1. Review your background in detail, and investigate all possible categories of immigration for you.
   
   
2. Review all your documentation and reference letters, and advise you of any deficiencies and what other documentation would be helpful.
   
   
3. Consider any areas where you may be able to improve your case, and advise you.
   
   
4. Advise you of your options as to where to submit your case, including the pros and cons of different visa offices and options.
   
   
5. Advise you on medical and criminal issues, and how to deal with them.
   
   
6. Periodically search your Canada Immigration file, to see if there are deficiencies which should be addressed.
   
   
7. Prepare you for your immigration interview.
   
   
8. Advise you of ongoing changes to immigration laws as they may affect your case.
   
   

Independent skilled workers

Independent skilled worker cases typically cost between $3,000 US and $5,000 US, plus government application fees.

The services covered should include advising you on eligible occupations, and what you need to qualify for each.

Investor business immigrants

Investor immigrant cases typically cost between $5,000 US and $8,000 US.  These cases usually involve an extensive review of your business documents.  However, if you are purchasing an immigrant investor fund through the lawyer, he or she may receive referral fees.  As a result, many lawyers are willing to be more flexible about their fees for investor immigrants.

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Entrepreneur business immigrants

For entrepreneur business immigration, the fees usually range from $6,000 US to $8,000 US.  If you need the lawyer to investigate the market for your business in Canada, and to introduce you to accountants, bankers, and government officials, that will normally add to the cost of your case.

After you land in Canada, you will usually need the lawyer's assistance in removing your terms and conditions of landing within two years. This will normally cost between $3,000 and $5,000 CDN in fees, plus legal fees for setting up a company, purchasing a business and so on...

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Family members

Immigrant family cases typically cost between $2,500 and $3,500 CDN, depending upon the complexity of the case; plus government application fees.

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Self employed business immigrants

For self-employed business immigrant, cases usually range from $4,000 US to $6,500 US, depending upon the complexity of the case, and what needs to be done.  The lawyer may have to do research in the market to prepare a business plan, and introduce you to accountants and other professionals, which would add to the cost of your case.

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Work Permits

For Work Permits, the fees usually range from $1,500 US to $3,000 US depending on the services required.  If the job does not fit into an exempt category, you must obtain a "validation" from Human Resources Development Canada.  These cases are usually at the higher end of the range.