How to find a US immigration lawyer from Canada
Moving to the US? There are a few ways to find a US immigration lawyer from Canada, and each suits different people. Here's an honest look at your options, and what to check before you hire anyone.
Last reviewed: November 2026. General information only, not legal advice.
Your options at a glance
| Option | Best for | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| AILA lawyer directory | People who want to research and compare lawyers themselves | You contact and vet each lawyer yourself. Consultation fees and rates vary. |
| Online immigration services | Straightforward family green card and citizenship applications | Mainly focused on forms. Less suited to TN, E-2 and other work or business cases. |
| Cross-border law firms in Canada | Complex corporate, investor and dual-country cases | Often higher fees. Many focus on business clients. |
| Lawyer referral services | A quick name for a local lawyer | US state bar services are local to that state. Canadian law society services refer Canadian lawyers, who may not practise US immigration law. |
| VisaPlace | Canadians moving to the US for work, business or family who want to be matched with the right lawyer | You don't pick from a long list; you're matched with a lawyer who handles your type of case. |
1. The AILA lawyer directory
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) runs a free online directory of its members. You can search by location and practice area, including work visas like the TN, E-2 and L-1. It's a good choice if you want to research and interview several lawyers yourself.
Keep in mind: you do the vetting. Check each lawyer's experience with Canadian cases, and ask about consultation fees before you book.
2. Online immigration services
Online services guide you through government forms, often for a flat fee, and some include a review by an independent attorney. They tend to work best for straightforward family green card and citizenship applications.
Keep in mind: most are built around forms, not strategy. Work and business visas for Canadians, like the TN or E-2, often depend on how your job or business is presented, which is where a lawyer's judgment matters most.
3. Cross-border law firms in Canada
Some Canadian firms have lawyers licensed in both Canada and the US. They're well suited to complex cases: large company transfers, investors with assets in both countries, or people with a history of border problems.
Keep in mind: fees are often higher, and many focus on corporate clients.
4. Lawyer referral services
US state bars run lawyer referral services, usually for people in that state. In Canada, provincial law society referral services connect you with Canadian lawyers. Since US immigration is federal law, a US-licensed lawyer in any state can help you, so where the lawyer is located matters less than their experience with your type of case.
5. VisaPlace
VisaPlace isn't a law firm. We help Canadians move to the US by matching you with a licensed, independent US immigration lawyer who handles your type of case. Start with our free tools, like VisaScore, to see which visas may fit you. Then talk to your matched lawyer for free.
5 reasons Canadians use VisaPlace
- 1
Free tools first
See which US visas may fit you in minutes with VisaScore, the TN Job Checker and the E-2 Checker.
- 2
The right lawyer for your case
Matched with a licensed, independent US immigration lawyer with experience helping Canadians.
- 3
Free first consultation
Talk through your case at no cost. Many lawyers charge for the first meeting.
- 4
Rates negotiated for you
VisaPlace has negotiated rates with the lawyers we work with, for VisaPlace clients.
- 5
A clear quote upfront
You know the cost before any work begins. No surprises, no obligation.
Before you hire anyone: a checklist
- Check the licence. The lawyer should be licensed by a US state bar. You can look them up on that state bar's website.
- Ask about Canadian cases. How many TN, E-2 or L-1 cases for Canadians have they handled?
- Know who does the work. Will the lawyer handle your case personally, or pass it to staff?
- Get the fee in writing. Ask for a written quote or fee agreement before any work begins.
- Avoid unlicensed helpers. In the US, only lawyers and accredited representatives can give immigration legal advice. Be wary of "visa consultants" offering to file US applications for you.
Common questions
Can a US immigration lawyer help me if I live in Canada?
Yes. US immigration is federal law, so a lawyer licensed in any US state can help you from anywhere in Canada. Most of the work happens by phone, video and email.
Do I need a US or a Canadian immigration lawyer?
If you're moving to the US, you need a US immigration lawyer, licensed by a US state bar. Canadian immigration lawyers handle moves to Canada, unless they're also licensed in the US.
How much does a first consultation cost?
It depends on the lawyer. Many charge for the first meeting. Through VisaPlace, your first consultation is free.
Is VisaPlace a law firm?
No. VisaPlace connects you with licensed, independent US immigration lawyers. The lawyer gives you the legal advice and is responsible for your case.
Want to be matched with the right lawyer?
Your first consultation is free, and you get a clear quote before any work begins.
VisaPlace Immigration works with licensed and experienced immigration lawyers, who are independent and operate separately from VisaPlace Immigration. VisaPlace Immigration does not provide legal advice. The information on this page is general and is not a guarantee of eligibility. Immigration rules change often, and decisions on visas and permanent residence are made by government authorities.