Full Representation, Limited Support, or Consultation: Flexible Ways to Work With Your Immigration Lawyer

We understand that every client has different needs and comfort levels when it comes to their immigration journey. Some clients want a professional to handle every detail from start to finish. Others prefer to do most of the work themselves but with a lawyer on standby for guidance or final checks. And some just have a few targeted questions and need one-time advice.

To accommodate everyone, we offer three flexible ways to work with us: Full Representation, Limited Support, and Consultations. Below, we explain what each option involves and how you can choose the approach that best fits your situation.

Full Representation – We Handle Your Application from Start to Finish

With our Full Representation service, Cédric Marin takes full responsibility for managing your entire application from A to Z. This is our comprehensive, hands-on service where we handle everything on your behalf. We will:

• Determine and gather required documents: We identify exactly what documents are needed for your case (e.g. police certificates, birth/marriage certificates, letters of support, explanations for any issues) and guide you in obtaining them.
• Complete all forms and paperwork: We help you fill out all the necessary application forms correctly and thoroughly, so nothing is missed. Every detail is double-checked.
• Prepare supporting letters and explanations: If your application needs a letter of explanation or detailed cover letter (for instance, to clarify a complex situation or address a past refusal), we draft those for you in a professional manner.
• Submit the application and communicate with authorities: Cédric will submit your application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as your authorized representative. He’ll handle all communication with IRCC on your behalf, from sending in the forms to responding to any follow-up requests.

In other words, under full representation we manage the file from beginning to end, ensuring all requirements are met and forms are properly filed. Your role is mainly to provide us the information and documents we request; we take care of the rest.

This option gives you peace of mind that an experienced immigration lawyer is looking after every detail of your case. It also means our flat fee pricing (as listed on our website for various application types) applies – so you know the cost up front for the complete service. Full Representation is ideal if you want maximum support and minimal stress, or if your situation is complex and you don’t want to risk any mistakes in the process.

Limited Support – You Lead, We Guide

Our Limited Support option is a more hands-on approach for the client: you lead the charge on your application, while Cédric provides guidance and review at the points you need it. In this arrangement, you retain full control and responsibility for preparing and submitting the application, but you can hire Cédric’s expertise for a set amount of time to assist with specific tasks or to double-check your work. For example, you might decide to book a few hours (say, a 3-hours) of Cédric’s time to:

• Review your entire application for mistakes or omissions: Cédric will go through your completed forms and supporting documents to catch common errors, inconsistencies, or missing information. This “final check” can greatly reduce the risk of refusal due to simple mistakes.
• Provide advice on tricky questions or strategies: If you’re unsure how to answer a certain form question, which program to apply under, or how to present a unique aspect of your case, we will advise you on the best approach. For instance, we might suggest how to phrase an answer or what additional evidence to include to strengthen your case.
• Address specific concerns: Maybe you have had a previous visa refusal or a personal situation that could affect your application. In limited support, we can focus time on developing an explanation or strategy to address that particular concern, while you implement it in your application.

While we do require a minimum deposit, you only pay for the time that you need. If it takes us less time, we refund the difference and we have done so frequently. Under Limited Support, you decide how much help you want and when. You essentially purchase our time as needed. After we’ve provided input and you’ve made any recommended improvements, you are responsible for submitting the application yourself and handling any further steps (since Cédric won’t be listed as your representative). We will provide you with a letter that discloses that you've used our services, but we are not acting as a representative.

This option is very flexible and cost-efficient: you might only use an hour or two of help if that’s all you need, or more if you want a thorough review. It’s perfect for those who feel confident managing their own paperwork but want an expert to check everything or guide them on specific issues. You get professional advice to maximize your chances of success, without the expense of full service. Just keep in mind that with this approach, since our involvement is limited to the time you book, the ultimate responsibility is still yours to ensure the application is complete and submitted properly.

Consultations – On-Demand Expert Advice, When You Need It

A Consultation is the most flexible and minimal-commitment way to work with us. Essentially, you book a consultation session whenever you want help on a specific question or decision in your immigration process. These are typically one-time meetings (for example, a 30-minute or 1-hour video/phone call) where you set the agenda and we provide as much guidance as possible in that time.

During a consultation, you can ask any questions you have, discuss your situation in detail, and even screen-share documents or forms for Cédric to look at. Some clients come prepared with a list of pressing questions or particular forms they’re worried about. We’ll do our best to address your concerns, clarify requirements, and point you in the right direction. For instance, we might direct you to a specific country document checklist (“Have you checked the police certificate requirements for your country?”) or inform you of a relevant public policy or rule that you should be aware of (“Did you know about the recent change in eligibility for this program?”).

Consultations are very focused and time-limited, so we prioritize the topics you bring up. There’s no ongoing file management or follow-up after the call - once the session is done, you’ll have our advice and it’s up to you to carry out the next steps discussed. (Of course, you’re free to book another session in the future if new questions arise. In fact, some clients schedule consultations back-to-back or periodically at different stages of their application for continued guidance, as needed.) Because the time is limited, we won’t typically be able to conduct in-depth research or review every single document in your file during the call. However, we will pack in as much helpful information and advice as possible to make sure you get value from even a short session.

This option is ideal for those who are comfortable preparing their own application and just need targeted advice or a second opinion at certain junctures. It’s also a great way to keep costs down while still benefiting from professional guidance. You only pay for each consultation as you go, with no larger commitment. Many clients use an initial consultation to evaluate their case or get answers to preliminary questions before deciding whether they need more extensive help.

Choosing the Right Option for You

Every client’s situation is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer — which is exactly why we offer this range of service levels. When deciding which route to take, consider your confidence, budget, and how much time you can dedicate to the process:

• Full Representation may be best if you feel overwhelmed by the complexity of the immigration process or simply want the peace of mind that everything is being handled by an expert. It’s the optimal choice for busy individuals who can’t afford to spend hours on forms, or for anyone with a complicated case that requires careful navigation.
• Limited Support is a middle-ground solution for those who are comfortable being hands-on with their application but value having an expert in their corner. If you generally can handle the process but want to avoid costly mistakes, this option gives you targeted help where you need it. It’s like having a safety net - you do the work, but we’re there to catch any errors and answer your questions.
• Consultations work well if you have specific questions or challenges and you’re on a tight budget. Maybe you’re mostly confident in handling the application alone but just need clarification on a few points, or you want an expert’s opinion on your situation before you proceed. A consultation can quickly provide you with direction and reassurance without a big commitment.

Remember, you don’t necessarily have to choose only one approach. Our services are flexible - for example, you might start with a one-hour consultation to get a roadmap for your application, and then decide to do full representation when it’s time to submit, or after realizing how much work is involved. (In fact, we credit our consultation fees toward the full representation service if you choose to hire us for the complete process afterward, so you’re not paying twice for the same guidance.)

Similarly, some clients begin with the DIY approach and limited support, but if things get too confusing or time-consuming, they switch to full representation so we can carry the file across the finish line. We’re here to work with you in whatever way makes you most comfortable and sets you up for success.

Book a Call with Cédric Marin, Immigration Lawyer. Whether you need end-to-end representation or just a bit of guidance on your application, I offer flexible support to get you results. No legal assistants. No one-size-fits-all solutions. Just personalized advice, thorough preparation, and strategic guidance to make sure your application is done right the first time. Let’s talk about how to move your case forward — successfully.

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