If someone believes they may qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent, choosing the right immigration lawyer can make the application process much easier. A knowledgeable lawyer can help explain the rules, review important documents, and guide applicants through every stage of the process.
However, not every immigration lawyer or representative offers the same services. Asking the right questions before hiring a legal representative can help applicants understand what to expect & make an informed decision.
Below are ten important questions that applicants should consider before hiring an immigration lawyer for a Canadian citizenship by descent application.
Is The Consultation Free Or Paid, And How Long Does It Last?
The first question applicants should ask is whether the consultation is free or paid and how long it will last.
Some law firms offer a free introductory consultation, while others charge a fee for a longer and more detailed discussion.
Knowing this in advance helps applicants prepare their questions and understand how much information they can expect to receive during the meeting.
Is The Immigration Lawyer Properly Licensed?
Before hiring any immigration representative, applicants should confirm that the person is properly licensed.
In Canada, lawyers must be members of a provincial or territorial law society or the Chambre des notaires du Québec. Immigration consultants must be licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
Applicants can also verify this information through the Government of Canada’s official website.
If a representative is not licensed or authorized, their services should not be used.
What Service Packages Are Available?
Law firms may offer different service packages.
Some charge one fixed fee for the entire application, while others divide the work into different stages, such as document review, application preparation, and final submission.
A reliable lawyer should first understand the applicant’s situation before recommending the most suitable service.
Applicants should also ask what each package includes and whether any additional charges may apply later.
What Are The Chances Of A Successful Application?
Since Bill C-3 became law on December 15, 2025, more people may qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent because the first-generation limit has been removed for many applicants.
Even so, every case is different.
Applications involving ancestors born before 1947, multiple generations born outside Canada, missing records, name changes, or foreign documents may require additional review.
A lawyer should carefully examine the applicant’s family history and available documents before giving an opinion about the chances of success.
Instead of giving general answers, a good lawyer should explain how the available evidence supports the application.
How Will Communication Take Place, And How Quickly Will Responses Be Provided?
Applicants should also ask how communication will take place throughout the application.
Some firms communicate through secure online portals, while others mainly use emails or phone calls.
Many firms also assign a case manager who answers questions and provides updates during the application process.
It is helpful to know the usual response time before choosing a representative.
Clear communication can make the process much less stressful.
Which Documents Will The Lawyer Review, And Which Ones Must The Applicant Collect?
Collecting documents is often one of the biggest parts of a citizenship by descent application.
Applicants should ask which documents the lawyer will personally review and which documents they will need to collect themselves.
Many law firms explain what records are required, help identify missing documents, and suggest acceptable alternatives if certain records cannot be found.
Some firms may also help obtain specific records directly, such as post-1923 Quebec birth certificates.
Understanding these responsibilities early can help applicants prepare their files more efficiently.
Can References From Previous Citizenship Clients Be Shared?
Applicants may also ask whether the lawyer can provide references from previous clients who successfully received Canadian citizenship certificates.
Experienced firms often have a strong record of successful applications.
If references are available, applicants should keep conversations brief and ask questions that help confirm the client had a similar case.
This can provide added confidence before moving forward.
What Timeline Can Applicants Expect At Each Stage?
Applicants should ask for an estimated timeline for each stage of the application.
A lawyer can usually explain how long document collection, application preparation, submission, and the final government decision may take based on current timelines.
At the time of writing, applications for a proof of Canadian citizenship certificate are taking about 19 months to receive a decision.
However, these timelines may change over time.
Applicants should also remember that no immigration lawyer or consultant can guarantee faster decisions or promise priority treatment from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
What Happens If The Application Is Refused?
Applicants should ask what happens if the application is refused.
Some firms include assistance after a refusal as part of their original service, while others charge an additional fee.
A responsible lawyer should explain the reason for the refusal, identify any missing information, and help prepare a stronger application if another submission is needed.
The best approach, however, is always to prepare a complete and accurate application from the beginning.
Will The Lawyer Provide Support After Citizenship Is Approved?
Receiving a Canadian citizenship certificate is often only one step in the overall process.
Applicants may also need help applying for a Canadian passport or exploring immigration options for family members, such as spousal sponsorship.
It is useful to ask whether the law firm provides support after citizenship has been confirmed.
Some firms continue assisting clients even after the citizenship certificate has been issued.
Warning Signs Should Not Be Ignored
Applicants should also watch for certain warning signs before hiring an immigration representative.
Any representative who guarantees approval, promises to speed up IRCC decisions, or pressures applicants into signing quickly should be approached with caution.
Applicants should also question any unexpected fees that were not explained during the initial discussion.
Choosing a qualified, honest, and experienced immigration lawyer can make the citizenship by descent process much smoother. Asking these questions before making a decision helps applicants understand the services being offered and ensures they receive reliable guidance throughout their Canadian citizenship journey.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
