Benefits of Hiring an Immigration Lawyer to Represent You

Hiring an immigration lawyer can provide numerous benefits for individuals seeking to navigate the complex and often confusing process of immigrating to a new country. Here are some of the benefits of hiring an immigration lawyer:

Visa concept. Text visa near passport cover and flag.

1. Expertise and Experience: Immigration lawyers are trained and experienced in the complex and ever-changing field of immigration law. They can provide valuable guidance and advice based on their knowledge of the law and their experience handling similar cases.
2. Assistance with Paperwork and Applications: Immigration lawyers can assist with the preparation and filing of complex paperwork and applications, ensuring that all necessary documentation is completed accurately and on time.
3. Representation in Court: If an immigration case goes to court, an immigration lawyer can provide representation and advocacy for their client in court proceedings.
4. Understanding of Legal Options: Immigration lawyers can help individuals understand their legal options, including the different types of visas, green cards, and other forms of immigration relief that may be available.
5. Increased Chance of Success: Hiring an immigration lawyer can increase an individual’s chances of success in their immigration case. Immigration lawyers can help their clients navigate the legal process and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.
6. Peace of Mind: By working with an immigration lawyer, individuals can have peace of mind knowing that they have a legal professional on their side who is dedicated to helping them achieve their immigration goals.

How to Hire an Immigration Attorney?

Hiring an immigration attorney can be a daunting task, but here are some steps you can follow to help you find the right attorney for your needs:

1. Research: Start by researching immigration attorneys in your area. You can use online directories or referral services to find attorneys who specialize in immigration law.
2. Check Qualifications: Check the qualifications of the attorneys you are considering. Look for an attorney who is licensed to practice law in your state and who has experience handling immigration cases.
3. Read Reviews: Read online reviews from past clients to get a sense of the attorney’s reputation and track record. You can also ask for referrals from friends or family members who have worked with immigration attorneys in the past.
4. Schedule a Consultation: Once you have a list of potential attorneys, schedule a consultation to discuss your case. During the consultation, ask questions about the attorney’s experience, their approach to immigration cases, and their fees.
5. Compare Attorneys: After your consultations, compare the attorneys you have spoken with based on their experience, track record, and fees.
6. Make Your Decision: Finally, make a decision based on your research and consultations. Choose an attorney who you feel comfortable working with and who you believe can help you achieve your immigration goals.

It’s important to note that hire an experienced Immigration lawyer can be a significant financial investment, but it can also increase your chances of success in your immigration case.

Spousal Sponsorship Programs

The spousal sponsorship program enables spouses, common-law partners and their dependent children to immigrate to Canada. It is part of the Family Class immigration category.

It is important to know that there are a few things that can affect your spousal sponsorship application. These include:

Are You a Established Resident in Canada?

When it comes to income tax, residency is a significant consideration. It determines your tax status and associated tax obligations in Canada.

Generally, a person is considered an established resident in Canada when they maintain significant residential ties to the country. This includes the ownership of a home in Canada and the residence of their spouse or dependants.

* In addition, there are other ties that the CRA considers when determining residency, such as your mailing address, personal stationery with a Canadian address, telephone listings in Canada, and newspapers or magazine subscriptions in Canada.

In most cases, an individual will be considered a resident for income tax purposes when they establish significant residential ties to Canada. These ties can be established upon entering the country or when returning from another country.

Are You a Conjugal or Common-Law Partner?

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, Common Law or Conjugal Partner, dependent children of their own or of their spouse or their parents / grandparents for Permanent Residence in Canada.

There are some instances where a Canadian citizen or permanent resident does not want to be married or in a common-law relationship with their foreign partner, but they would still like to sponsor them for immigration purposes as a “conjugal partner”. They can do so provided that the relationship meets the criteria set by IRCC when assessing such relationships for immigration purposes.

For the conjugal partnership category, IRCC looks for a genuine and enduring relationship that includes emotional ties, intimacy, financial closeness, and attempts to spend time together. They can also look for other factors, such as joint ownership of property or assets, shared household costs, and other responsibilities that demonstrate a high level of commitment between the individuals.

Are You a Spouse or Common-Law Partner?

A common-law partner is someone who lives with another person but does not have a marriage license or a civil or religious ceremony. The relationship may not be recognized in every state, but it does not prevent couples from exercising spousal benefits.

Some states have legal protections for couples in this type of union that may not be available to married couples, such as the ability to have a contract protect a family home and other property. In addition, common-law partners can have a right to a compensatory allowance and support payments to a spouse in the event of a separation or divorce.

However, this type of relationship can be more complicated than a formal marriage and may require some knowledge of state and federal laws. For this reason, if you’re considering a common-law relationship and want to ensure your rights are protected, it is important to speak with Ronen Kurzfeld – Immigration Law Firm. Contact and book your consultation call.

Are You a Permanent Resident in Canada?

People who come to Canada and are granted Permanent Residency (PR) have the right to live, work and study in any province or territory of Canada. They also enjoy the same social benefits as Canadian citizens such as free healthcare and education, and protection under Canadian laws.

There are many pathways to becoming a PR including economic immigration, business immigration, sponsorship, or refugee/humanitarian programs. Each of these paths has its own set of qualifying requirements, so it is important to receive professional immigration help throughout the process.

Once you’ve become a PR, you’ll receive a PR card or permanent resident travel document as proof of your status. This card allows you to enter Canada and leave the country freely, as well as prove your identity to authorities if you have to travel outside of Canada.

Immigrate to Canada with Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada’s main immigration program. It divides into three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

Every two weeks, the government selects candidates from the Express Entry pool based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residence.

Express Entry is a system used by the Government of Canada to recruit immigrants.

Express Entry is a system used by the Government of Canada to recruit immigrants for Canadian permanent residence. It is a points-based system that assesses candidates based on several factors including education, work experience, language proficiency and more.

IRCC research has found that those who successfully immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry program are very successful in the job market after they arrive. This is due to a combination of factors that enables them to succeed, including high levels of education, professional work experience, and a high level of English and French skills.

To qualify for the Express Entry Canada visa program, a candidate needs to create an Express Entry profile and submit all the required documents. The profile should contain details such as age, work experience, education, English and French languages ability, and family ties to Canada.

It is a points-based system.

Canada Express Entry is a points-based system used by the Government of Canada to select applicants for permanent residence. Approximately every two weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts an Express Entry draw and provides invitations to apply for permanent residence to the highest-ranking candidates.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used to assess and rank applicants in the Express Entry pool. The CRS score is based on a variety of factors including age, education, work experience, language skills, and more.

There are many ways to increase your CRS score, including retaking a language test, adding more work experience, obtaining a provincial nomination or job offer, and more. However, it is important to understand that the CRS cut-off score is dynamic and changes from draw to draw.

Aside from Express Entry, the Canadian government also uses a number of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to select eligible immigrants to move to Canada. These programs are designed to meet labour market needs in individual provinces and territories.

It is a two-stage process.

The first stage of the Express Entry process involves creating a profile to express your interest in immigrating to Canada. This involves answering a few questions and providing information about your skills, education, work experience, language ability and any other details you feel are relevant.

Upon completing the profile, it is submitted to an Express Entry pool where it is assessed and ranked under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). About every two weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invites those candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence.

This two-stage process has allowed IRCC to reduce the processing times for economic immigration to Canada from several years to six months. The Comprehensive Ranking System is based on a variety of factors such as the education, employment and language skills of the applicant.

It is a visa program.

Express Entry is a Canadian government visa program used to recruit people who have skills and experience that fill labour shortages in Canada. It is a points-based system that ranks profiles against each other and determines who receives an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Candidates in the Express Entry pool are automatically ranked based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and other factors such as a provincial nomination certificate or valid job offer. They are then invited to apply for permanent residence after a few weeks, if they are high-ranked in the pool.

Applicants who have received an ITA can expect the Canadian government to process their complete permanent residence application within six months, but some may require longer. This is because of the high number of applications received and the short time frame given to decide on them.

Business Immigration – Getting the Right People in the Right Place at the Right Time

Business immigration is the largest and most constantly evolving segment of immigration law. This practice encompasses work visas, investor visas, employment-based green cards and permanent residence for talented individuals.

Companies and organizations depend on experienced legal expertise to effectively navigate the complex systems of global immigration laws and regulations. At Dentons, our skilled business immigration attorneys provide strategic guidance to meet the immigration needs of domestic and multinational clients.

Streamlined Process

Business immigration is a challenging and often time-consuming process. Whether you are a company with a large international workforce or a small startup, it is important to know your rights and responsibilities.

Streamlining the process is essential to ensuring that you do not run into delays or denials of your work permit and visa applications. We use a personalized approach that blends comprehensive coverage and modern technologies to help your business navigate complex immigration regimes.

Geetha Adinata leads FordHarrison’s business immigration practice group and provides clients with high-level strategic advice on a variety of immigration issues, including corporate mergers and acquisitions. She also helps companies develop streamlined processes for bringing in foreign workers and advises them on their I-9 and E-Verify obligations.

Expert Guidance

In today’s global business environment it’s essential that you have the right people in the right place at the right time. Our team of expert immigration lawyers have the know how to get your staff the right visas and permits at the optimum time in a cost effective manner. Our exemplary customer service ensures a seamless transition for your employees and their families. If you are looking for advice on visas for a large group of workers or to secure a key individual, our team will put together a tailored plan designed to suit your unique needs. Our lawyers will also be on hand to answer any questions you might have as the case may be.

Compliance

With a growing emphasis on visa enforcement, it’s essential to remain compliant and adhere to immigration laws. Failure to do so can result in massive fines, legal and financial penalties, and bad publicity – and even shut down your business.

In many cases, businesses and their foreign workers face a complicated process that is best left to a seasoned immigration lawyer. Our team can help you to identify the right visa for your unique situation, ensuring that your company and your employees comply with visa program requirements.

The US government has launched a new Compliance Review Program to verify information in certain visa petitions by making unannounced site visits. During these site visits, immigration officers conduct interviews with employers and beneficiaries to ensure they’re following the terms and conditions of their visa requests. The FDNS immigration officers also research public records and other government systems to verify information submitted in petitions and applications for visa benefits.

Litigation

Business immigration is a vast and complex area of law. It encompasses everything from work visas and investor immigration to employment-based green cards and permanent residence for talented individuals. A good business immigration lawyer will understand the nuances and challenges involved in each. They can assist you in navigating the complexities of federal and state laws, regulations and mandated processes to secure the legal immigration credentials of your employees and investors.

Seyfarth is proud to have a team of dedicated immigration lawyers and paralegals with the requisite knowledge and expertise to handle even the most demanding and complex business immigration cases. The team includes Angelo Paparelli, a veteran of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Leon Rodriguez, a former federal prosecutor and Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services. The team also boasts some of the country’s most sophisticated litigation capabilities, including mandamus and mano a mano administrative procedure act litigation. The lawyers on the team also know a good thing when they see it, so don’t hesitate to call or email them if you have a business immigration question that has you scratching your head.

What Are Work Permits?

A work permit is an important piece of paperwork that allows immigrants to work legally in the United States. They can be very complex and are issued for a variety of reasons.

USCIS is struggling to keep up with a massive backlog of work permit applications. Its new policies and court decisions are intended to combat the backlog, but it’s not clear they will solve the problem for immigrants quickly enough.

What is a Work Permit?

A work permit is a document issued by the government that allows you to work legally in the United States. Also known as an EAD or employment authorization document, it is an essential part of the immigration process and is necessary for many immigrants who want to work in the U.S.

A work permit can be obtained by those who are eligible for a green card or who hold certain types of nonimmigrant visas. For example, spouses of H-1B workers, K-1 fiance visa holders, and students with F-1 student visas are all eligible to apply for a work permit before submitting their green card application.

Minors (people under the age of 18) need to have a work permit in order to work in the U.S. They can get a work permit through their school guidance counseling department. This is a two-step process, and the minor and his or her parents or guardian will fill out an application together.

Who is Eligible for a Work Permit?

Work Permits are a type of immigration visa that lets foreign nationals work legally in the United States. They are usually granted to people who have a green card or another immigration status that allows them to work.

The types of people who can apply for a work permit vary by visa category. They include permanent workers, students and exchange visitors, and foreign nationals who have work-based visas such as H-1B, L-1, or E-3.

Citizens of El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Sudan who are in temporary protected status (TPS) can also apply for work permits.

If you are a non-citizen seeking a work permit, speak to an immigration lawyer or seek legal aid before you begin working. Our free tool can help you see if you are eligible for a particular work permit status, and connect you with an attorney if you need extra help.

How to Apply for a Work Permit

If you are an immigrant or a foreign national who wants to work in the United States, you need to apply for a work permit. The process is easy and quick, but there are a few things that you should know.

The first thing to understand is that work permits are not tied to a specific employer. They are a type of employment authorization document (EAD).

You will need to fill out Form I-765 and provide supporting documents. You can submit your application online or by mail.

It’s important to fill out all the required information truthfully and carefully. It’s also a good idea to include a cover letter with your application.

Another important consideration is to start the renewal process well ahead of your work permit’s expiration date. Usually, you can renew your work permit up to 180 days before your current one expires, but this varies depending on your immigration status.

What to Do If USCIS Denies Your Work Permit Application

If you have already applied for a work permit and have received a denial, there are options available to you. First, you can ask USCIS to reopen or reconsider its decision.

However, you must have documentation to support this request. This documentation must include new facts and affidavits that explain why the decision should be reversed or re-examined.

The main reason that USCIS denies work permit applications is that the applicant does not meet basic eligibility criteria. This may include not providing evidence of qualifications to prove that they have the skills or experience required for the specific category of visa.

To reapply for a work permit, you must submit a complete new petition, which is often reviewed on an entirely different basis. In addition to presenting new evidence, it is important to take account of the reasons for the initial denial and include them in your second application. For example, if USCIS stated that there was no evidence disclosed of your official academic record of your Master’s degree, be sure to include a hard copy when reapplying.

How to Apply For Spousal Sponsorship

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts and processes a significant number of spouse sponsorship applications each year. However, spousal sponsorship can be delayed or denied for many reasons.

Sponsors must prove they have the financial resources to provide support for their partner and any dependent children they might have. This includes room, board, clothing, utilities, personal items such as shampoo and toothpaste, fuel, medical care, etc.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for spousal sponsorship, the couple must meet a variety of criteria. They must be able to prove that they have been in a conjugal relationship for at least a year, and must be genuinely in love.

There are a few exceptions to these rules. For example, if the foreign partner has a child in the custody of a previous spouse or common-law partner, this child must be listed on their application as well.

The Government of Canada also makes it clear that a relationship that is not genuine is not eligible for spousal sponsorship. These so-called “marriages of convenience” are absolutely not acceptable, and IRCC will take every step to ensure that a sponsor’s relationship with their spouse is 100% bona fide.

The spousal sponsorship application process is often very complex and takes time. However, there are ways to streamline the process and increase your chances of receiving approval sooner. Creating an online Canadian immigration account is one of the best ways to do this.

Processing time

Spousal Sponsorship is one of the most common types of family immigration to Canada. However, a spousal sponsorship application can take a significant amount of time to process.

If you are considering spousal sponsorship, you should contact a dedicated immigration lawyer to ensure that your application is complete and accurate. This is to avoid delays or rejections of your request.

Once you have submitted your spousal sponsorship application, it will be reviewed by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) case processing centre in Mississauga.

IRCC will determine whether or not you qualify for spousal sponsorship, and then refer your application to the relevant visa office for processing.

The spousal sponsorship process is more complex than many other forms of immigration, which means that it can take longer to get your request processed.

The average time to get a US green card for your spouse is 24 months, though this can vary depending on the type of spouse visa that you are seeking. In addition, getting the Form I-130 petition approved may take 7-14 months, and you will be put on a waitlist for up to 2 years before your spouse can receive a visa.

Documentation requirements

To sponsor your spouse, conjugal partner or common-law partner to Canada, you need to provide the right documents. These documents will depend on your specific situation and should be submitted with your sponsorship application.

Spousal sponsors must prove they have a bona fide marriage and can support their spouse or partner financially in Canada. This means including evidence of shared financial liabilities, assets, insurance, tax filings and birth certificates of a child born in the marriage.

Conjugal partners must also demonstrate a significant degree of attachment and mutual interdependence. This could be proven through sworn declarations from family members or friends, or letters of explanation.

If you want to know more about the type of documents needed for spousal sponsorship, contact our immigration experts. They can help you create a personalized checklist that meets your exact circumstances.

Immigration interviews

If you are applying for spousal sponsorship, you will need to attend an interview. These are usually conducted at a US consulate or embassy in your country of origin.

During these interviews, visa officers will ask questions that are based on the information you provide in your application. Therefore, it is important to be well-prepared.

In addition, it is crucial to be honest and truthful in your answers. This will ensure that you are approved for your visa without any problems.

Immigration fraud is a serious concern for authorities, so make sure that the details you provide in your spouse sponsorship Canada application are true and accurate. If you submit fraudulent paperwork or answer questions incorrectly, the interviewing officer may deny your application.