When it comes to immigrating to a new country, there are two main options: hiring an immigration lawyer or using the services of an immigration consultant. Both have their pros and cons, and it can be tough to determine which is fitting for you.
In this article, we will discuss the key differences between immigration lawyers and consultants, so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Who is Immigration Lawyer?
An immigration lawyer is a qualified legal professional who has studied immigration law and can give you advice on your specific situation. Lawyers are regulated by provincial law societies, which means they must adhere to strict ethical standards.
Immigration lawyers can represent you in front of the immigration authorities, and can also help you with applications for permanent residence, work permits, study permits, and refugee status.
Who is Immigration Consultant?
An immigration consultant is someone who has studied or worked in immigration policy but is not a lawyer. They can give you general advice about the process of immigrating to a new country, and may be able to help with applications for visas and work permits.
However, immigration consultants are not regulated by provincial law societies, which means they do not have to adhere to the same ethical standards as lawyers. This can be a problem if you have an issue with your consultant or if they give you bad advice.
So, what’s the difference?
The main difference between hiring an immigration lawyer and an immigration consultant is that lawyers are qualified legal professionals, while consultants are not. This means that lawyers have a higher level of training and expertise in immigration law than consultants do.
Lawyers must also adhere to strict ethical standards, which means they will always act in your best interests. Consultants may not have the same commitment to their clients, and may not be as reliable.
If you have any legal issues during the immigration process, it is always best to go with a qualified lawyer who will be able to help you. However, if you just need general advice about the process of immigrating, an immigration consultant can be a good option. Just make sure that they are someone you can trust.
Who is Immigration Solicitor?
An immigration solicitor is a UK-qualified lawyer who practices exclusively in the field of immigration law. They are the same as immigration lawyers. The only difference is that immigration solicitors must be qualified in England and Wales, while immigration lawyers may be based anywhere in the world.
Immigration lawyers help people and companies understand all elements of immigration law. This includes helping people to apply for visas, nationality, and asylum. They also represent clients at border control, asylum, and deportation hearings.
Whom Should You Hire?
Hiring an immigration lawyer or solicitor is always the best option if you need legal assistance with your immigration case. These professionals are qualified to give you legal guidance and represent you in court. If you just need general information about immigrating, you can employ the assistance of an immigration consultant. However, make sure that you choose a reputable consultant who you can trust.
When choosing an immigration lawyer or solicitor, always make sure that they are qualified to practice in the country where you are immigrating to. For example, if you are immigrating to the UK, you should hire immigration lawyers who are UK-based.
How Much Do They Cost?
The fees of an immigration lawyer or solicitor will vary depending on their level of experience, the type of services you need, and where you are located. In general, lawyers and solicitors will assess the rate by the hour, while some others may demand a flat fee for their assistance.
It is always best to contact several lawyers or solicitors and ask for quotes before you decide which one to hire. You can also find out more about the cost of immigration legal services by researching online.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding whether to hire an immigration lawyer or an immigration consultant, it is important to consider the level of expertise and training that each one has, as well as their ethical standards. Lawyers are better equipped to deal with legal issues during the immigration process, but consultants can provide general advice about immigrating to a new country.