为何聘用移民律师或移民顾问？Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer/RCIC?
这篇问答文章概述了在选择移民律师及移民顾问时可能涉及的关键问题。
- 在递交移民申请时，是否可以不聘用移民律师或移民顾问？
- 一些顾问表示他们有加拿大移民部的内部关系，可以左右申请结果。这在加拿大是否可能？
- 为何我需要聘用移民律师或移民顾问帮我入境加拿大？
- 该如何选择移民律师/顾问？
- 移民律师/顾问在加拿大的工作地点是否重要？
This question and answer article outlines the key issues involved in choosing an immigration lawyer.
- I understand it is possible to apply for Canadian permanent residency without hiring a lawyer. Is this true?
- Some consultants say they have contacts in IRCC, or in a particular visa office. Is this true in Canada?
- Why should I hire a lawyer/RCIC to help me move to Canada?
- How do I choose a lawyer/RCIC?
- Does it matter where in Canada the lawyer/RCIC is based?
在递交移民申请时，是否可以不聘用移民律师或移民顾问？I understand it is possible to apply for Canadian permanent residency without hiring a lawyer. Is this true?
并没有规定明确指出，申请人必须聘请移民律师或移民顾问才能成功申请加拿大永久居留权。有些申请人自己递交申请，并成功获批；而有些申请人由于经验不足而面临不必要的拖延或导致申请失败。递交移民申请很大程度上并非心血来潮的冲动决定，多半是一个家庭以改善生活水平为目的，或为了家庭发展考虑而做出的慎重决定。通常情况下，移民申请费用高、耗时长，能否通过审批还需依赖移民官员对每个案件的审查与评估。审批过程需要充分了解时常调整的法律法规，相关政策与递交程序随时可能根据政府施政方针的改变发生改变。
移民官在做决定时，需要充分参考涵盖大量政府施政纲领要义的执行手册，以及随时发生的政策改变。某些决定会受到律师及其他法律从业人员的质疑，并成为引发关注的案例法主题。虽然政府不反对申请人在没有移民代理人的情况下递交申请，但事实上一位经验丰富的移民律师或移民顾问会尽最大化努力保护申请人的权益。加拿大移民局也对此发表评论“当移民律师和顾问以清晰简明的方式陈述其客户的案件时，审理过程会被加速和简化。”还有数据表明，聘用移民法律代理人会显著增加案件获批率。
There is no rule which says a candidate must hire a lawyer to successfully apply for Canadian permanent residency. Many candidates apply and succeed on their own, while many who apply on their own face unnecessary delays or fail. Making a decision to apply for Canadian permanent residency is not done on a whim. It is a life-changing step made to improve the standard of living of an applicant and family members. The process is costly, takes time and depends on the assessment of third-party officials who review and rate each case. The review process needs full knowledge of rules and laws which are often revised. Policies and procedures change depending on the aims of the Canadian government of the day.
An immigration officer’s decision must consider an array of issues covered by volumes of government manuals, as well as ad hoc changes. These decisions are often challenged by lawyers and become the subject of volumes of reported case law. The government encourages candidates to apply without a lawyer, but in reality, a good lawyer protects an applicant’s rights. The government acknowledges this: “When lawyers and consultants present their clients’ cases in a clear and concise manner, processing is expedited and simplified.” Canadian Embassy in Moscow’s Guidelines for Representatives. October 28, 1996. Studies also offer proof of higher approval rates for applicants with lawyers.
加拿大移民律师，协助夫妻团聚案例 How CBA Immigration Lawyers Can Help – Spousal Sponsorship
加拿大移民律师，协助跨境经商案例案例 How CBA Immigration Lawyers Can Help – Cross Border Business
加拿大移民律师，协助获取永久居民身份案例 How CBA Immigration Lawyers Can Help – Permanent Resident
一些顾问表示他们有加拿大移民部的内部关系，可以左右申请结果。这在加拿大是否可能？ Some consultants say they have contacts in IRCC, or in a particular visa office. Is this true in Canada?
在加拿大，此类情况不会发生。加拿大是一个民主法治国家。政府、立法与司法机构三权分立独立运作。各政府部长向议会负责。在移民及其他领域，立法机构赋予政府实施相关法律法规的权力。法律在适用时需遵从谨慎原则 。政府公职人员做出的决定必须是公正的、且不能受到外界影响。如果任何官员有失当或失职行为，都会受到严厉的制裁。任何团体或个人，如果宣称能够影响公职人员，也会受到相应的制裁。申请人不应聘用任何，声称拥有政府关系的人作为代理。
In Canada, this is not true. Canada is a democracy with a government, legislature and judiciary acting independently. Ministers are held to account by parliament. In immigration and other areas, the legislature gives the government power to apply the rules and laws which govern Canada’s people. Applying the law requires discretion. A fundamental principle is that officials make decisions impartially and without outside influence. Public officials face sanction if they are found to have not been impartial. Private individuals face sanction just for claiming they can influence public officials. Applicants should not work with anyone claiming to have government ties.
为何我需要聘用移民律师或移民顾问帮我入境加拿大？Why should I hire a lawyer/RCIC to help me move to Canada?
加拿大移民法授予移民官在特定范围内使用自由裁量权。一份可以将关键情况进行提纲挈领，且清晰简洁的申请，可以更有效的获得审批，且签证的批复速度更快。例如：
Canadian immigration laws and rules allow for the extensive discretion of immigration officers, exercised within precise limits. A clear and concise application that addresses the key issues can be assessed more effectively, meaning visas are issued faster. Examples
技术工人类别 Skilled worker category
在技术类移民通道中，有些岗位并不需要候选人获得正式的工作录用。移民官需要针对此类候选人进行评估与打分。富有经验的移民律师/顾问了解如何通过一定的技巧突出候选人的关键因素，使打分最大化。
The skilled worker category has several jobs open to prospective immigrants without the need for a formal offer. The visa officer must approve and score the candidate’s experience. A lawyer will know the key points to highlight to maximize that score.
商业类别 Business categories
商业类别申请，通常要求候选人拥有企业管理经验。不同的签证官针对同一名候选人可能得出不同的结论。有的签证官认为管理一家企业的一个较大的事业部门是合格的，可能另一个对此不予认可。有经验的移民律师/顾问知道如何有效的陈述相关经验以获得移民官的认可。加拿大的移民政策在不断变化，以满足政府相关政策。签证办公室也会随之进行调整，这些调整往往并不透明。实时掌握这些调整与变化，往往是成功获批的关键。
从业经验丰富的律师或顾问，将针对申请中可能存在的问题进行预判，并向客户重点指出可能存在的风险。往往处理及时且得当的情况下，很多问题并不需要上升到需要采取法律行动的层面。移民加拿大的决定重大且能改变一个家庭的生活轨迹，律师及顾问可以协助客户达到申请利益最大化，并在客户获得永久居留权后，针对可能出现的问题提供协助指导。
Business categories require an applicant to have experience managing a company. Different visa officers may reach different conclusions. One might conclude managing a large department of a company qualifies, another may not. An experienced lawyer will know how to present experience effectively. The Canadian immigration system is always changing to meet the policies of the government of the day. Visa offices also have specific requirements, which are often not transparent. Success can depend on satisfying these requirements.
A lawyer/RCIC with experience in Canadian immigration will address issues open to discretion in the application. A lawyer will also highlight any issues with the assessment process, which are most often corrected without need for legal action. The decision to move to Canada is life-changing for a family. A lawyer can help maximize the benefits of the decision and give guidance on issues arising once permanent residency is achieved.
该如何选择移民律师/顾问？How do I choose a lawyer/RCIC?
加拿大大多数律师事务所都不提供移民服务，该领域从业者大多数是独立执业的律师或持牌移民顾问。选择一个好的移民律师需要参考以下因素。
Most of the large law firms in Canada do not provide immigration services. The area is generally covered by lawyers/RCIC who practice independently. Choosing a good lawyer/RCIC requires research, and may include the following:
转介与推荐 Referrals/References
转介与推荐，绝对是最重要的参考因素。体验良好的客户会向其亲友推荐值得信赖的移民律师或移民顾问作为代理处理相关案件。好的律师会树立良好的口碑，并积累足够多的满意客户作为推荐人。
This is the most reliable factor. Clients who have had a good experience will refer friends and relatives. A good lawyer/RCIC should be able to put forwarded satisfied clients as references.
专业度 Specialization
加拿大的移民政策不断变化。被冠以“专家”的移民律师需要从事移民代理行业至少十年以上，才有可能累积足够经验深谙申请技巧并跟上政策变化。
Canadian immigration policy undergoes continuous change. A specialist, generally defined as having more than 10 years of full-time experience, is more likely to be abreast of those changes.
经验 Experience
一些律师及移民顾问虽有经验，但不能将其转化成专业知识与申请技巧并加以利用。这在很大程度上会影响申请案件的成功率；这也是需要考量的因素之一。
Some lawyers/RCICs are vastly experienced. This does not automatically translate to expertise, but it is an important factor.
代理协议 Contract
加拿大律师公会及移民顾问协会对此均有明确要求。在聘用代理时，客户一定会收到对权、责、利明确标示的代理协议。
This is required by all Professional Orders. You should receive a detailed written contract from your lawyer.
信托基金 Funds “in trust”
在代理案件开始时，委托人的代理费需存入律所或移民机构的信托账户。律师公会及移民顾问协会对此也有明确的规范。根据规定，代理费需要存入单独开立的信托账户，在案件申请过程中逐步转化为服务费。这也是考察移民律师或移民机构是否合规的参考因素之一。无论具体的收款人是谁，申请人在向移民机构支付任何款项前都需谨慎。
Applicants should make fees payable to the lawyer or law firm “in trust”. This is a condition demanded by Professional Orders. Client fees are held in a separate trust account monitored by the Professional Order. This provides a good indication the lawyer in question adheres to current rules. Applicants should be cautious about making any payment to a corporate entity, regardless of the recipient.
初次评估 Initial assessments
好的移民律师会以书面形式详细的向客户概述整个申请过程。业内部分知名机构会提供“免费”评估（非免费咨询）。A lawyer should thoroughly outline the entire application process, in writing. The best-known practices will do so at no charge.
广告 Advertising
一些客户会通过广告选择移民代理人。潜在客户应该在此基础上进行更多搜索、参考更多因素。Some lawyers can be found through advertising. Potential clients should not use advertising alone in selecting a lawyer. Do more research first.
互联网推广 Internet
律所通常会利用互联网推广相关业务。杰出的律所通常会建立相对成熟的社交媒体网络。选择那些会定期在网站上发布详细政策信息、撰写深度分析内容的律所；尽量避免聘用那些网站包含少量页面、内容老旧过时、照搬移民局官网内容的律所。律师和移民顾问的专业度，可以从其撰写的文章与网站信息中得以体现。客户可以通过专业律所的网站进行免费评估，初步了解适合的申请途径与成功率。
Lawyers will normally have websites to promote their services. Prominent lawyers may also have an established social media network. Look for lawyers who write regular content on sites with in-depth information and analysis. Steer clear of law firms with sites containing a small number of outdated pages and minimal information copied from the government. A lawyer’s expertise should come across on their site content. You may also find free assessments which offer an initial insight into your chances of success.
出版刊物 Publications
有所成就且经验丰富的移民律师或移民顾问会定期在行业刊物上发表文章或评论。向律所索取相关刊物也可以作为选择律师的参考因素。注意区分涵盖日常信息的普通文章与具备深度分析的专业文章。
Accomplished and experienced immigration lawyers/RCICs will regularly write articles appearing in industry publications. It is a good idea to request samples of the lawyer’s published articles. Remember to differentiate between generic pieces with elementary content and those showing in-depth knowledge and analysis.
加拿大律师公会 Canadian Bar Association
加拿大的大部分律师都是加拿大律师公会的成员。加拿大律师公会在各省均设有主管移民案件的部门。更多有一定成就的律师会在该部门出任公职，并参与和加拿大移民部的沟通交流。这也能体现一名律师对移民领域的足够了解。
Most lawyers in Canada are members of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA). The CBA has an immigration section with representatives in each province. More accomplished lawyers serve as executive members of the CBA and participate in the exchange of ideas with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This can indicate a lawyer has an up-to-date knowledge of the field.
执业资质 Professional Order
所有的移民律师或移民顾问都必在其执业省份进行注册。尽管如此，这种注册并不能体现他们的专业素养。
All lawyers/RCICs must be registered with a Professional Order in their province. However, this registration is no measure of expertise.
直接沟通 Direct communication
与移民律师或顾问进行直接沟通，既能很快的从其言谈中判断其专业水平、从业经验以及是否具有责任心。
Simply speaking with a lawyer will give an indication of professionalism. You get an immediate indication of level of service, commitment and insight.
移民律师/顾问在加拿大的工作地点是否重要？Does it matter where in Canada the lawyer/RCIC is based?
除魁北克省外，移民律师/顾问的办公地点并不重要。移民事务归属加拿大联邦移民法，尽管各省拥有一定的自治及管辖权。任何收取移民咨询费用或代理费用的人士，必须是下列任一协会或团体的一员。
- 省级或地区事务律师协会
- 魁北克公证人协会
- 加拿大移民顾问监管委员会
根据1991年指定的《加拿大-魁北克协定》，魁省有权对省内移民政策的制定进行自治。只有以下团体成员有权收费作为代理，递交魁省移民申请：
- 信誉良好的魁省律师公会成员
- 信誉良好的魁省公证人协会成员
- 上述两个组织授权的个人
- 魁省移民顾问监管委员会注册成员
The simple answer to this is no, except Quebec. Immigration law is a federal matter, although provinces share some jurisdiction. Anyone charging a fee to give advice on immigration must be a member of one of the following:
- Provincial or territorial law society
- Chambre des notariés du Québec
- College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
Quebec controls its own immigration, as per the 1991 Canada-Quebec Accord. If you decide to use the paid services of a representative, be reminded that only the following individuals are authorized to represent you before the Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration:
- Members in good standing of the Barreau du Québec
- Members in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec
- Individuals who have been granted special authorization by one of the two above-mentioned organizations
- Immigration consultants who are registered with the Registre québécois des consultants en immigration
