Because immigration has become a hot topic in many locations around the planet, it’s important for individuals who may be affected to have accurate and honest information on this subject. While you don’t have to know every detail, it will help when you discuss your specific situation with your immigration lawyer Toronto. In fact, you’d be best served by having general knowledge and leaving the intricate matters to the legal professional.
1. Immigration Law Is Civil Law
Your legal expert will be able to explain the difference between civil law and criminal law, which makes a great deal of difference because someone who comes into a country to work and live without documentation is not committing a crime by that one action. This can be a tricky question best left to your lawyer. But it would serve you well to ask for clarification.
2. A Good Attorney
As with many tips for doing things the right way, this one may seem a bit obvious. But you shouldn’t act as if you understand immigration law at the same level as an immigration lawyer. As a person coming into a country, you may have a social worker or a representative of a government agency as your first contact. The combination of a dedicated individual in a government or agency capacity with a knowledgeable, experienced lawyer should put you in a less stressful and more protected position.
3. Options
People who want to live and work in Canada have a number of options, which your lawyer will discuss with you. Some individuals will enter the country under the Skilled Worker immigration category (engineers, lawyers, and so on). Other categories are Investor, Trade Worker, Family Sponsorship, Canadian Experience immigration. For example, the Family Sponsorship category applies to spouses, children, or common-law partners of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Again, these are details that you should discuss with a legal professional.
4. Government Departments
It may help you to have basic information about the government offices involved in the complex process of immigration law. First on the list is the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This office has oversight for immigration and citizenship. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has responsibility for border and port-of-entry services.
You should work with an immigration lawyer if you have questions about these departments or if you have concerns about your plans or status. This legal professional can also assist with such areas as removal orders based on health records, visa status, and criminality. You may also need legal help if a removal order is issued. In this case there will be specific instructions on when and how you must leave the country.
5. Appeals, Legal Help
It’s possible to appeal a removal order but the process involves a hearing by the Immigration Appeal Division, part of the Immigration and Refugee Board. Your status as an immigrant is
serious and can be complex, whether in the planning stages, in the early stages, or if you are affected by enforcement procedures. It’s always best to have the help of an experienced legal professional.
