What does an immigration lawyer in London do?
An immigration lawyer in London helps people move to Canada, work or study here, sponsor a family member, or stay when their status is at risk, and represents them in dealings with the federal government. The everyday files are permanent residence applications, work and study permits, spousal and family sponsorship, citizenship, and refugee claims. Employers around London who hire foreign workers often need advice too. Immigration is a federal matter, decided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, so there's no London courthouse that grants status.
When a federal decision goes the wrong way, a lawyer can ask for it to be reviewed. Judicial review is heard by the Federal Court, a national court based in Ottawa whose judges travel to hear cases. Its Ontario general sittings are held in Toronto rather than locally, so this isn't a matter for the county courthouse.
Who can represent you for a fee in an immigration case?
Only three kinds of people may be paid to represent you: a licensed lawyer, a Quebec notary, or a member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. That rule matters because immigration draws a lot of unauthorized advisers who charge for work they can't lawfully do. If you're in Strathroy or anywhere in Middlesex County and someone offers to file your application for money, ask which of the three categories they fall into and confirm it before you pay.
A lawyer can do everything a consultant can, and can also take a refused decision to the Federal Court, which a consultant cannot.
How does Ontario fit in through the OINP?
Even though immigration is federal, Ontario runs its own provincial stream. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program can nominate a candidate for permanent residence when they have skills the provincial economy needs. A nomination is a strong step, but it isn't the final word: the federal government still makes the permanent residence decision. A London lawyer can tell you whether a provincial nominee stream or a federal program is the better route for your situation, and line the two up so a nomination actually moves your file forward.
How do you choose an immigration firm in London?
Start with a firm that regularly runs your kind of file, whether that's an employer work permit, a sponsorship, or a refugee claim. Ask who will handle your case day to day, how the firm keeps up with program rules that change often, and what happens if a decision has to be challenged in the Federal Court. Firms serving London also take clients from Strathroy, Middlesex Centre, and the smaller communities across Middlesex County, so distance is rarely a barrier.
You can confirm any lawyer's standing on the Law Society of Ontario directory. Browse the immigration law firms in London below.
