There are many immigration representatives who are available to help you with your immigration matters for the United States and Canada. But just like with any other professional service, you want to make sure you are getting the best help. It’s not just a matter of getting the most for your money – it’s also a matter of being able to trust that the immigration representative is going to do the best job with your immigration case. 
How to find an immigration lawyer
1 – Call them. It sounds really simple. But calling a law firm can give you great insight into how they operate and how they will treat you before you are even a client. Was whoever answered the phone friendly and helpful? If they couldn’t answer your questions, did they transfer you to someone who could? If you left a message, how long did it take to get a return call?
2 – Read their blog. It is becoming more and more popular for businesses and professional services of all shapes and sizes to have a blog on their website. How helpful, knowledgeable and authoritative are their blog entries?
3 – Check out their website. Aside from their blog, there are many aspects of an immigration lawyer’s or immigration law firm’s website that can be helpful in determining whether they will do a great job. Most of these websites with happy clients will publish thank you letters or testimonials.
4 – Google them. While positive testimonials and client stories are likely to be found on an official website, clients who had negative experiences are much more likely to post stories of these experiences elsewhere online, such as within Google Reviews or other business sites like Yelp.
5 – Ask them. You can meet with an immigration lawyer before you hire them to discuss your case, at which point you can ask them whether they have experience with your particular circumstances. Remember, you don’t just want to make sure that they offer friendly and courteous service, but that they have the experience and knowledge to help you.
Finding an immigration lawyer is not as difficult as it seems if you follow these steps. Just remember to ask the right questions before you sign on the dotted line!
President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
