Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an immigration lawyer?
Hiring an immigration lawyer is advisable for many reasons.
1. Complexity and Expertise: Immigration law is one of the most complex and rapidly changing areas of law. An immigration lawyer stays up-to-date with these changes and understands the particular nuances of the law.
2. Strategic Guidance: An attorney has a comprehensive grasp of the law, which enables them to assess your situation and determine the best possible options for you.
3. Experienced Petition Preparation: A lawyer’s experience is invaluable for properly preparing your petition. They know what documentation is needed, how to craft compelling legal arguments, and how to navigate the processes and functions of various immigration agencies.
4. Time Savings: An experienced immigration lawyer can prepare your petition more quickly and thoroughly than you could on your own, saving you a significant amount of time.
5. Risk Mitigation and Peace of Mind: Immigration law is very unforgiving of mistakes. An improperly prepared form or a missed deadline can cost you money
or even jeopardize your status. Hiring a lawyer provides the peace of mind that your case has been handled correctly.
6. Case Review: Even for a seemingly straightforward case that you plan to prepare yourself, a lawyer can review your petition and answer your questions,
helping you identify errors and better understand the process.
As my immigration lawyer, what will be your role exactly?
Our role is limited to obtaining the specific immigration benefit you are seeking or performing the legal work for which you have retained our services. Once retained, we will begin by discussing your case, reviewing your documentation, and providing an assessment of your options. We will then proceed to collect all necessary documents and information to meticulously prepare your petition. This will be filed with the relevant authorities or sent to you for submission, as applicable. Throughout this process, we will keep you informed of your case status, answer your questions and may request additional information as needed. Our representation concludes when you receive your immigration benefit or upon the fulfillment of the services for which you hired us. Please note that our role is strictly limited to providing legal counsel and performing the agreed-upon legal work; we do not provide any services that fall outside of this scope. We will store copies of your file while returning all original documents to you.
By doing a legal consultation, does this mean that you will take my case?
During a legal consultation, we will discuss the details of your case, provide an initial assessment, and inform you of your potential options. However, it’s important to note that a consultation does not guarantee representation. We may decline to take on a case if, for example, it falls outside the scope of our practice, is exceptionally complex, or if we determine that we would be unable to secure a positive outcome.
How much will it cost?
The cost will depend on the legal service that you require. In general, we offer flat fee for our services. Hourly fees may be used for non-standard services or specific requests when it is unknown how long it will take to complete your case.
Do you offer payment plans?
For services with lower fees, we require a portion of the payment up front, with the balance due before the case is filed or the entire fee. For higher fee matters, we are able to accommodate installment payment arrangements. However, the entire fee for our legal services must be paid before the petition is filed or delivered to you.
My case is complicated, and I will need more than a thirty-minute consultation. Do you offer that?
Yes. We offer one-hour consultations and provide in-depth case reviews, as needed.
I do not need a lawyer for full representation. I just need a lawyer for a specific task. Can you help me with this?
If you do not need a lawyer for full representation, please reach out and we will see if we can assist.
I need an immigration service but it is not listed as a service you offer on your website. Can I still contact you for help?
Our website provides an overview of our most frequently requested services. While this list is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive. If you require legal assistance with a matter that is not listed, we encourage you to contact our office directly. We would be pleased to assess your specific needs and determine how we can best assist you.
Can I meet you in person?
Our firm is fully virtual, so we do not offer in-person meetings. Instead, all appointments are held online by video call or over the phone, making it easy to connect with us from anywhere that’s convenient for you.
What is a virtual law firm and what are the advantages of working with one?
A virtual law firm is simply a legal practice that operates entirely online. It’s built on secure digital platforms that handle everything from your first consultation to sharing documents and communicating with your lawyer. Choosing to work with a virtual law firm comes with some great perks. The biggest one is the sheer convenience—you can talk to your lawyer from anywhere, which saves you time and the hassle of travel. This also gives you a lot more flexibility, making it easier to schedule meetings outside of typical business hours. Plus, since everything’s handled digitally, managing your documents is more efficient and secure for everyone involved.
Can you work with me wherever I am?
Yes, because immigration law is federal and we operate online, we can assist you wherever you are.
Do you attend in-person appointments?
Given the virtual nature of our practice, we do not attend in-person appointments. However, we will notify you if your case requires a physical appointment, such as a biometrics collection or an interview. While we do not attend these meetings ourselves, we can, at your request, help you arrange for local counsel to be present with you.
Do you handle removal defense or asylum?
Generally, no, we don’t. The field of immigration law is incredibly broad and complex, which is why it’s highly advisable to work with a lawyer who specializes in your specific needs. Our firm’s expertise is focused exclusively on business and family immigration. Due to the specialized nature of these areas and the dynamic environment of immigration law, we don’t have the resources to handle immigration issues that fall outside of this scope. By concentrating our practice, we ensure that we can provide our clients with the highest level of service and expertise for their specific cases.
Do you handle Quebec immigration cases?
Quebec’s immigration system is unique and operates with its own specific rules and processes, which are separate from Canada’s other immigration programs. To properly assist with a Quebec-based case, a legal professional must be specifically licensed by the government of Quebec. As our practice does not have this particular license, we are unable to accept Quebec immigration cases.
Can you guarantee that I will obtain a favorable result?
Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee the outcome of any case. The Rules of Professional Conduct strictly prohibit legal professionals from guaranteeing results. Furthermore, immigration law is highly discretionary, and an outcome can be influenced by a variety of factors, including a particular officer’s subjective evaluation of a petition or changes in presidential administrations and policy. We advise that you exercise extreme caution when dealing with any legal professional who promises or guarantees a specific result. Instead, our firm is committed to providing a thorough and honest assessment of your case. We will analyze the facts, provide you with an evaluation of the likelihood of success, and may decline representation if we do not believe a favorable outcome is attainable.
Why are your fees so high?
Legal fees are a direct reflection of the level of experience, case complexity, and time commitment required to handle a matter effectively. While some firms may offer lower fees, this often necessitates a high volume of cases, which can lead to less individualized attention for each client. Our fees are structured to account for the meticulous time, strategic planning, and careful attention needed to navigate complex immigration matters with thoroughness. Mistakes in immigration filings, such as missed deadlines, incorrect visa categories, or incomplete documentation, can result in costly delays, denials, or long-term consequences that far outweigh any initial savings. Therefore, hiring an experienced attorney is a strategic investment that mitigates risk and significantly improves the chances of a successful outcome.
Why are your fees so low?
We are committed to providing a high quality of service at a competitive price. Our fee structure is rooted in the conviction that immigrants profoundly enrich and strengthen the fabric of both the United States and Canada. By maintaining affordable rates, we are dedicated to assisting individuals on their immigration journey and facilitating their success.
If my petition is denied, do you offer a refund?
While an immigration lawyer provides professional assistance in preparing your petition and presenting the strongest possible case, it is important to understand that immigration law involves a high degree of discretion. Due to this discretion, a petition may be denied even when a lawyer has exercised due diligence and prepared a strong case. This can occur if an immigration officer misapplies the law, misunderstands the facts, or does not grant the applicant a full opportunity to present their case. Given that petition denials can occur for reasons independent of a lawyer’s preparation, the benefit of retaining legal counsel is the assurance of a well-prepared case, not a guarantee of a favorable outcome. For this reason, refunds are not considered in the event of a petition denial.
Why is it important to work with a licensed lawyer?
It is very important to work with an immigration lawyer and not an unlicensed individual, such as a notario. An immigration lawyer is licensed, regulated, and has completed years of legal education and training. Lawyers are held to strict ethical and professional standards by law societies in Canada or state bars in the United States.
Only licensed lawyers, and in the United States accredited representatives recognized by the Department of Justice, are permitted to represent clients in immigration matters. Notarios in Canada or the United States have no legal authority to prepare immigration applications, represent clients, or provide legal advice. Immigration law is extremely complex and changes frequently, and lawyers are trained to interpret the law, identify the best options, and anticipate risks. Notarios and other unlicensed individuals often rely on generic forms or incomplete knowledge, which can lead to mistakes, missed deadlines, or even permanent bars to immigration benefits.
Lawyers are also accountable to governing bodies. If something goes wrong, clients can make a complaint or pursue disciplinary remedies. With notarios, there is usually no oversight or accountability, leaving clients without protection if they are defrauded or harmed. The consequences of errors in immigration applications can be devastating, leading to denials, delays, loss of status, or even deportation. Fixing these mistakes is often much more expensive, and sometimes impossible, compared to working with a qualified immigration lawyer from the beginning.
For all of these reasons, choosing a licensed immigration lawyer is the best way to ensure that your rights are protected, your case is handled properly, and you receive professional guidance throughout the process. Working with a notario can put your future in serious jeopardy.
How can I verify that you are a licensed lawyer?
Ernest J. Edwards is licensed in the jurisdictions of District of Columbia, Maryland and Ontario. You may verify his license and good standing by clicking on the following links and entering his name.
https://lso.ca/public-resources/finding-a-lawyer-or-paralegal/lawyer-and-paralegal-directory
Do you offer services in languages other than English?
We have professional working proficiency in Spanish and can assist Spanish speaking clients.
Immigration made simple
—speak with a lawyer who cares
Edwards Law provides immigration legal services, offers guidance and attains results for individuals and families to visit, work, study, gain permanent residence or citizenship. We also assist business in obtaining work visas for foreign workers and transferring essential personnel