Q: Hi would appreciate the answers from any immigration lawyer/consultant or anyone who has recently migrated to canada under the skilled category. A UK male (23 years old) would like to migrate to canada. Has a bachelors degree in administration and about 5 years experience as a medical secretary. Under the points system, do I stand a chance to migrate as a skilled worker? Well, having 5 years medical secretarial experience, do you think it counts? I mean, mustyou be skilled in a category that cannot be filled by the locals? Whats my chances and how much you reckon it will cost me if I use a lawyer?
A: First, any money spent on a lawyer is wasted money. Lawyers tend to use their official titles to justify charging a high amount of money for doing a clerical function. Note, please that there is nothing a lawyer can do to expedite a case or to rescue it if it founders for any reason, yet these may be the most important reasons for your seeking their services. There are two, and only two, things a lawyer can do. They can check all your documents and see that they are in order They can fill in the application and submit it for you. Sorry, there is a third....they can relieve you of your money. Ignore any suggestion that there is no charge for their services if the application fails. This is a sales pitch, and nothing more. You may have non-refundable fees to pay the Government, but there is really no substantial fee that can be earned by the lawyer as there is nothing more than a clerical function to be performed and the expenses involved are truly nominal. Actually, the same thing applies to immigration consultants, who charge less but perform exactly the same functions, and with the same degree of efficiency. If you have a degree in business you should be fully capable of completing the application you get on-line from this site, along with all the necessary information, direct from Immigration Canada (Now known as Canada Border Services Agency, Immigration) http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp There is a backlog of applications, so some time may appear to be passing after you make the submissions, Please be patient. Your chances depend largely on how well you do on the test, and then upon who will conduct the interview for you, and their subsequent recommendations. Two tips: If you have a relative presently (and legally) living in Canada who can sponsor your entry into Canada, this will add extra points and is a quiet bonus for you in the interview. . If you have an offer of employment from a Canadian company, this will be of greater help, and it may speed up the process for you, considerably.. .