There is no need for engaging any lawyer or consultant to immigrate to Canada or any other country. If you have the right credentials in accordance with the immigration policies of the country you want to immigrate to, along with the acceptable documents to support your claims, you do not need any lawyer to plead your case.

But immigration is not simple. The policies governing immigration are sometimes too complex to be easily understood by immigration seekers. Moreover, lawyers can present your case in a clear and concise manner according to the laws of the land. This can help your case to be decided more expeditiously.

The question of choosing the right lawyer to represent your case is important. Most of the law firms in Canada do not have immigration lawyers on their panels. Therefore you need to make special efforts to find a suitable one yourself.

The best course is to contact someone among your friends and relatives who has already been well served by a lawyer in his efforts to immigrate. You can also see the lawyers' advertisements in the newspapers and on the Internet.

Tall and misleading promises are sometimes made by lawyers who advertise themselves as immigration experts. There is no way you can verify their credentials. If you find the website of a lawyer, you should try to see whether that site gives substantive and value-added information to guide you.

Eminent lawyers have many prestigious publications on the special field of their practice. These publications usually provide sufficient insight into their credentials. So when you select a lawyer, ask for his published books or articles in the field of immigration.

Information about the capabilities of a lawyer can also be sought from the bar council or association of which he is the member. Some of the prominent immigration lawyers may be office bearers of the bar associations. These lawyers are recognized as authorities in their specific field.

Direct communication with the lawyer may also help a lot. You should not hesitate to ask for references of persons he claims to have helped successfully. You may also ask him his special qualifications and length of his experience.

You should always ask for a money-back guarantee and a detailed written contract so as to avoid future misunderstandings.