10 questions to ask before hiring an immigration lawyer for Canadian citizenship by descent

If you think you may be eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent, hiring an immigration lawyer can help with your application. We spoke with an immigration lawyer at Cohen Immigration Law to outline 10 questions worth asking before you hire a representative. Get a Free Consultation on Applying for Proof of Canadian Citizenship 1. Is [...] The post 10 questions to ask before hiring an immigration lawyer for Canadian citizenship by descent first appeared on CIC News .

10 questions to ask before hiring an immigration lawyer for Canadian citizenship by descent If you think you may be eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent, hiring an immigration lawyer can help with your application. We spoke with an immigration lawyer at Cohen Immigration Law to outline 10 questions worth asking before you hire a representative. 1. Is the consultation free or paid, and how long is it?

Firms vary on this. Some offer a free introductory call, while others charge for a longer, more detailed session. Asking upfront what format the consultation takes and how much time you'll get, can help you come better prepared.

2. Are you licensed by an authorized body? In Canada, an immigration representative must be licensed with an authorized body to accept payment. Lawyers must belong to a provincial or territorial law society or the Chambre des notaires du Québec.

Consultants must belong to the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). After asking them which body they are authorized by, you can double check this information using the government of Canada’s official webpage. If they are not licensed or authorized, you should not use their services.

3. What packages do you offer? It in your best interest to enquire whether the firm charges a flat fee for the full application or breaks its services into stages, such as document review followed by filing.

A reputable lawyer will take the time to understand your specific situation before recommending a package. Confirm what's included at each stage, what would trigger an additional cost. 4.

What are my chances of success? Since Bill C-3 took effect on December 15, 2025, the first-generation limit no longer applies to applicants born abroad to a Canadian ancestor before that date. That said, there can be some ambiguity regarding proof of Canadian citizenship applications, especially in complex cases such as those involving a pre-1947 Canadian ancestor, multiple generations, name changes, missing documents, or foreign records.

Your lawyer should hear the details of your case and be able to tell you your chances of a successful application based on your situation, the documents you have, and the cases of other clients in a similar situation. Check if your lawyer to walk through your documentation, not just confirm you may qualify. 5.

How do you prefer to communicate, and what's a realistic response time? Firms may have different processes and communication styles, so it is best to check up front. For example, some companies have specialized portals with secure messaging that can be updated as you work on completing your file, linked to a case manager.

Case managers may aim to respond within a business day, and organize phone calls to provide additional clarity. Ask about the communication method and expected response time before you commit. 6.

What documents will you personally review, and what will I need to gather myself? The process of gathering documentation can affect both your workload and the fee. In most cases, a firm can advise you on which documents you need and how to obtain them, help you identify and address any gaps in your documentation, and provide guidance on locating a missing birth certificate along with what alternatives IRCC accepts if it can't be found.

Some firms may also be able to order certain records directly, such as post-1923 Quebec birth certificates, while leaving the rest of the collection to you. 7. Can you provide