Moving from one country to another is difficult at the best of times. If you’re looking to become a permanent resident of a new country, then you’re going to have to contend with immigration law. While it’s usually possible for a layperson to navigate the system and achieve the outcome that they want, hiring a qualified immigration lawyer is usually advisable. Let’s look at why this is the case.
Knowing the Procedure
An experienced immigration lawyer will not only the technicalities of the law but how it applies in practice. They’ll have a track record of getting clients successfully moved into a new homeland, and they’ll know what law is applicable in your particular case.
Avoiding Mistakes
Immigration law can be daunting and fiendishly complex; the unwary are often prone to making mistakes that can derail the entire enterprise. This is where experience can make a huge difference. A competent lawyer will be able to go through your application and spot potential snagging points before they have a chance to cause significant damage. In many cases, this can make the difference between success and failure.
Presenting your options
Without the guidance of a good lawyer, you might find yourself unaware of all of your options, and therefore forced down a path that might not be appropriate to your needs. For example, there might be a special (or not so special) visa that’s applicable in your case, which might give you an easier route into the country. Often, your lawyer will have a recommendation – but even if they don’t, it’s valuable to be able to make an informed choice between the available options, rather than soldiering on in ignorance of them.
Time Saving
Even if you ultimately manage to get through the immigration process without the help of an immigration lawyer, you might find that you’ve invested months, if not years, that you might not have otherwise invested. A good lawyer will not only identify the strategy that will give you the best chance of success in the long term, but also the one that will get you the speediest possible result.
Peace of Mind
Immigration law can be very stressful, especially if you don’t fully understand it. The success or failure of your application can be hugely consequential for your life and those of your loved ones. Having an expert on your side can therefore often provide you with the reassurance you need to get through the process with your mental health intact!