How Does an Immigration Lawyer Help?
Canada was built on immigration, and much of its prosperity today relies on continued immigration from nations around the world. However, becoming a Canadian is a complex process, and most prospective citizens rely on experienced immigration lawyers for help.
Below, we’ll discuss how new arrivals to Canada become citizens and how guidance from a lawyer like those in our comprehensive immigration lawyer directory can facilitate the process.
Becoming a Canadian Citizen
In order to apply for citizenship, new Canadians must:
– Prove that they are able to speak and write in either French or English,
– Be a permanent resident (more on that below),
– Have lived in Canada as a permanent resident for at least 1,095 days out of the previous five years, and
– Have filed taxes and paid owed income tax for at least three of the previous five years.
In order to be considered a permanent resident, you must be physically present within the country for two years during every five-year period, with a few exceptions.
If you meet all of the above criteria, you are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship. To do so, you will first have to get an application package. There are different versions of the application package for different kinds of applicants. These include packages for adults (ages 18 or older), parents applying for children under the age of 18, minors under the age of 18 applying alone, adults who served in the Canadian Armed Forces, individuals being adopted by a Canadian citizen, and stateless persons born to a Canadian parent.
Once your application package has been completed and your fees have been paid, you may submit your application. This can be done by mail or by courier.
How a Canadian Immigration Lawyer Can Help
Citizenship applicants aren’t required to hire an immigration lawyer, and Immigration Canada does not treat applicants with lawyers preferentially. However, the application process can be complex, and the stakes are extremely high. Applicants who make errors in their submissions face long, costly delays and possible rejection. An experienced immigration lawyer, like those we list in our immigration lawyer directory, will ensure all documents are filed correctly and on-time.
The Canadian Bar Association has stated: “Having a lawyer with years of training and expertise may result in a quicker and more favourable outcome because of the inclusion of persuasive argument about the merits of the case, and the avoidance of errors or omitted information.”
If you and your family are considering applying for Canadian citizenship, browse our extensive immigration lawyer directory for experienced, qualified legal help.