How do I find a lawyer who specializes in helping immigrants?

Finding a qualified immigration lawyer in Calgary is a critical step for anyone facing Canadian immigration law issues. Whether you are a new Ukrainian arrival with a CUAET visa, need assistance with permanent residency, or are dealing with complex family immigration matters, choosing the right legal representative can determine the success of your case.

Types of immigration legal representatives in Calgary

In Canada, there are several categories of individuals who can legally provide immigration services:

Immigration lawyers

  • Members of the Law Society of Alberta with a full legal education
  • Can represent clients in all immigration matters, including court proceedings
  • Are entitled to appear before the Federal Court of Canada

Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC)

  • Licensed professionals regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
  • Can provide immigration advice and represent clients before IRCC
  • Cannot represent clients in Federal Court

Regulated International Student Advisors (RISIA)

  • Specialize exclusively in assisting international students
  • Work with visa issues and study permits

Important: Only these categories of professionals can legally provide paid immigration services in Canada.

Verify qualifications and licensing

For immigration lawyers

Use the Lawyer Directory Law Society of Alberta:

  • License status check (whether the lawyer is in good standing)
  • Disciplinary history
  • Date admitted to the bar
  • Contact information and specialization

For immigration consultants

Use the Public Register College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants:

  • License activity check
  • Status must be marked as “Active”
  • Confirmation of right to practice

Never use the services of someone who cannot provide proof of their licensing!

Free and subsidized legal services

Calgary Legal Guidance

Free immigration legal advice for low-income newcomers:

  • Calgary Immigrant Women's Association: 403-263-4414
  • Centre for Newcomers: 403-569-3325
  • Immigrant Services Calgary: 403-265-1120

Legal Aid Alberta

  • Legal services at reduced cost
  • Assistance with refugee claims and appeals
  • Contact: 1-866-845-3425

Free hotline for Ukrainians

  • Pro Bono Ontario: 1-877-873-7875
  • Consultations in Ukrainian, English, and French
  • Schedule: Tuesday-Thursday, 12:00-17:00 EST

Specialized services for Ukrainians

KG Immigration Services

  • Specialization in the CUAET program
  • Consultations in Ukrainian, Russian, and English

Igor Kyryliuk (Holthe Law)

  • Immigration lawyer of Ukrainian descent
  • Member of the Ukrainian Canadian Bar Association
  • Personal experience of an 8-year immigration journey

Fisher Law and Osuji & Smith Law

  • Free webinars in Ukrainian
  • Specialization in transitioning from CUAET to permanent residence

Association of Ukrainian Canadian Immigration Consultants

  • Association of licensed consultants
  • Specialization in assisting the Ukrainian community

Leading immigration law firms in Calgary

Phoenix Legal

  • Experience: since 2002
  • Managing Partner: Abdul W.M. Souraya (32+ years of experience)
  • Services: full range of immigration services

Kahane Law Office

  • Experience: 7+ years
  • Features: lawyers + registered consultants
  • Prices: fixed rates

Miller Immigration Law Firm

  • Head: Halyna Miller (10+ years of experience)
  • Specialization: individual and corporate cases
  • Reputation: honest and efficient service

Osuji & Smith Lawyers

  • Awards: “Three Best Rated” in various categories
  • Languages: 32+ languages, including Ukrainian
  • Features: multicultural team

Criteria for choosing an immigration lawyer

Key factors

  • Experience and specialization — specific experience in your type of case
  • Language skills — communication in your native language
  • Reputation and reviews — online ratings and professional awards
  • Transparent pricing — detailed cost estimate in advance
  • Availability and communication — regular case status updates

Fraud warning

Beware of:

  • “Guaranteed” results — no one can guarantee visa approval
  • Unlicensed “consultants” — always check for licensing
  • Large upfront payments — be wary of requests for full payment in advance
  • “Ghost consultants” — use of other people's names without permission

Preparing for your first consultation

Required documents:

  • Passports and previous visas
  • Educational documents
  • Employment references
  • Family documents
  • Previous correspondence with immigration authorities

Preparation:

  • Make a list of questions in advance
  • Be honest and thorough in your answers
  • Find out the fee structure
  • Understand the terms and possible options

Cost of services

Payment structure:

  • Hourly rates: $200-$500/hour
  • Flat fees: $1,500-$5,000 (depending on the type of application)
  • Consultation fees: $150-$300 (some firms offer free consultations)

Always get a written estimate of the cost before you start working!

Alternative support resources in Calgary

Immigrant Services Calgary

  • Comprehensive immigrant assistance agency
  • Free legal clinics
  • Contact: 403-265-1120

Centre for Newcomers

  • Legal and settlement support
  • Language courses and employment counselling
  • Contact: 403-569-3325

Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA)

  • Specialized services for immigrant women
  • Legal counseling on family matters

Online resources for finding

Useful platforms:

  • Bark.com — comparison of profiles and reviews
  • Lawzana.com — detailed profiles with experience and education
  • Best Lawyers Directory — professional ratings
  • CourseCompare — annual rankings of the best firms

Professional associations

Membership as an indicator of quality:

  • Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA) — national organization of lawyers
  • Canadian Bar Association Alberta — provincial section on immigration law
  • Ukrainian Canadian Bar Association — lawyers of Ukrainian origin

Long-term relationship with a lawyer

Important aspects:

  • Ongoing support throughout the immigration process
  • Legislative updates — knowledge of the latest changes
  • Planning for the future — long-term immigration strategy
  • Appeal readiness — support in difficult situations

Conclusion

Choosing the right immigration lawyer is an investment in your future in Canada. Use official channels to verify qualifications, consider free resources for initial information, and carefully evaluate potential representatives.

Remember: the cheapest option is not always the best. Balance cost with the quality of services and experience of the lawyer to achieve the best results in your immigration case.