Immigration (lawyer)Lawyer referralWork permits and business immigration

Immigration plan for opening a Canadian office

A plan for sending executives, specialists and staff to a new Canadian office, with the order of filings.

Immigration deadlines can be very short, such as 15 days to seek leave for judicial review of most decisions made in Canada, so contact a lawyer right away. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral

What is included

  • Assesses which work permit, LMIA or business program may fit
  • Prepares employer and applicant documents and submissions
  • Advises employers on compliance duties and inspections
  • Plans a pathway from temporary status to permanent residence where possible
  • Responds to officer requests and concerns

What is not included

  • Government processing, court and other official fees, and other disbursements
  • Translations, medical exams, police certificates and other third-party costs
  • A new application or a further appeal after a decision, unless agreed in writing
  • Work by NEO Legal Services: NEO is a paralegal firm and only makes the referral

Who this service is for

  • Employers hiring foreign workers
  • Entrepreneurs and investors starting or expanding a business in Canada
  • Workers transferring to a Canadian office

Information to have ready

  1. 1The job offer, employment contract or business plan
  2. 2Corporate documents and financial statements for the employer or business
  3. 3The worker's education, work history and language test results
  4. 4Current immigration status documents

How a referral works

  1. 1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
  2. 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
  3. 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
  4. 4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.

NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm, not a law firm. Every step of a referral, and your rights

Frequently asked questions

What does the lawyer charge?

A typical Ontario fee for this service is $3,000–$9,000, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.

Who can represent me in an immigration matter?

In the Federal Court, only a lawyer can represent you, unless you represent yourself. For other immigration matters, only authorized representatives, such as lawyers, Ontario licensed paralegals and licensed immigration consultants, may charge to help you.

What is a procedural fairness letter?

It is a letter from an officer setting out concerns about your application and giving you a chance to respond, usually by a firm deadline. A careful, complete response matters.

Can I stay in Canada while my case is in the Federal Court?

Not automatically. A judicial review does not usually stop removal on its own, so a separate motion to stay removal may be needed.

General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.

Important limitations

  • No approval, visa or decision can be guaranteed; the government, tribunal or court decides
  • Deadlines and removal dates are not paused while you choose a lawyer
  • Information must be complete and truthful; misrepresentation can lead to a five-year ban
Law Society of Ontario — Barreau de l'Ontario
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