Thinking of moving to Canada?  You are certainly not alone.  In 2010 alone, Canada welcomed more than 280,000 new permanent residents into the country.  With the country's beautiful landscape and proliferating opportunities, it's no wonder Canada has become such a popular destination.  However, the increasing popularity of Canada to foreign immigrants has made it increasingly difficult to secure a means of legal entry into the country.  Many prospective immigrants seek the counsel of a Canadian immigration lawyer to assist them through the process.  When meeting with an immigration attorney at a London law firm, here are some questions you should be prepared to ask before hiring a lawyer:

1) What are your qualifications and credentials?

First and foremost, you should find out where your attorney attended law school and whether they are properly licensed to practice.  London lawyers need to be certified and licensed to practice in the province of Ontario.  This means that they have passed the Ontario Bar exam.  You may also want to ask about professional certifications.  For example, many Ontario immigration lawyers are members of the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants (CSIC), a group of attorneys specializing in immigration law and related issues.

2) What is your experience?

Being certified as a lawyer does not necessarily mean an attorney is prepared to transact in every area of law.  For example, a criminal defense attorney who spends most of his time in court will have a very different knowledge and skill set than an immigration attorney, who may never have had to appear in court.  You'll want to ask your attorney about their experience in immigration, how long they have been practicing, what sorts of cases they have handled and what their record of success has been.  Don't be shy about asking for specifics – you want a lawyer you will openly answer all of your questions.

3) What is your fee structure?

Money is a prominent consideration for many prospective Canadian immigrants. An attorney should be able to give you a forthright, clear understanding of what you will be paying for their services, and there should be no added "extra" or "hidden" charges.  Many attorneys will offer alternative fee arrangements to assist clients who are unable to pay a standard flat hourly fee.  If you fall into this category, ask about your options.  It is also important to obtain their fee structure in writing, so no changes can be made later on without your consent.

4) Request regular updates on the status of your immigration application.
Immigration lawyers are busy, but none should be too busy to regularly give you updates on the status of your application or respond to your inquiries.  You have a lot at stake in the success of your application, and it is your lawyer's duty to keep you up to date on any important landmarks or occurrences, whether or not they require your personal intervention.  Feel free to check in periodically, even if you don't harbour particular concerns.