Should I hire a lawyer for TN1?

Does anyone suggest hiring a lawyer or should I do it myself. I saw one that charged $4000.00 I am afraid of saying the wrong thing at the interview. When you renew, do you have to do it in person every year or can you do it by mail?

First, if you have all the documentation you won't have a real interview. A few chit chat questions the most.
I have obtained about 10 TN's over the years with only one glitch. You need to be on your way to the job when you apply for it. Takes between 15mins to 1:30pm to get your TN status. I would say 15 at the canadian international airport, 1 hour at the Mexican-US border if you just walk-in.
By the way, the usual fee for TN-1 application is $750. but it is a waste of money.

A lawyer in downtown Toronto quoted me $2000!
$200 for consultation/evaluation of documents $1800 for "everything else".
Is there a range I should expect?
Thx!

I've paid over $3500! That was a waste, she charged me for everything including a $50 phone call fee to tell me "oh, I'm surprised your application to renew was turned down!" I do suggest you hire a lawyer, Christopher Rizzo (you'll find him here) has a decent flat rate. Also the Visa Place in Toronto is awesome. They helped me, and saved me, when I was turned down. If this is your 1st, I recommend you hire a lawyer, they'll teach you on what to say, what NOT to say, and how to say it when you are going through your interview.

thx Marie! am going to see Visa Place today. they have a free consultation so lets see what happens.

Does anyone know what Mr. Rizzo's flat rate is? I emailed him but haven't recd a response as yet.

thx!

I have obtained 3 TN visas with NO problems. As long as you have your documentation prepared exactly like the website tells you to, its easy easy easy. Make sure it states in your offer that you are a temporary employee. 30 minutes at most in Customs and Immigration - $56 - and presto, new TN1 visa. I would not waste one penny on some crook lawyer that takes the cost from $50 to $5000. but suit yourselves.

lawyer is needed depending on the level of experience and esp if one is not confident, as long as the money is well spent, i dont mind the first time.

My TN-1 is due for renewal on June 29th. I used a lawyer my first time and had a good experience (took 15 minutes @ border) My lawyer has contacted me and is looking for $800 plus the $56.00 renewal fee. I have read some of the posts about having all of your paperwork in order... Having a lawyer do it the first time, I don't know what paperwork is essential. Does anyone have a check list??
Zach

My TN-1 is due for renewal on June 29th. I used a lawyer my first time and had a good experience (took 15 minutes @ border) My lawyer has contacted me and is looking for $800 plus the $56.00 renewal fee. I have read some of the posts about having all of your paperwork in order... Having a lawyer do it the first time, I don't know what paperwork is essential. Does anyone have a check list??
Zach

Did the lawyer give you a copy of the first petition? It's typically pretty straightforward, unless you are in a scrutinized occupation. If your lawyer is like the lawyer I used, all he did was change the dates and a line here and there - and charged 500.00USD. A monkey could've done the job faster and cheaper, lol.

Your renewal/extension will require the same docs your first did. In reality, every petition is a new petition.

You need to provide:
1/ A letter from your employer with the details of the position and a request to extend, just like the letter for your first TN-1. If you have a copy of that letter, you can refer to the format he used. TN-1's can now be granted for up to 3 years at a time.
2/ Proof of Canadian citizenship (passport as of June 1st)
3/ Your credentials (degree, transcript, etc.)
4/ Fee (56.00USD).

For some of the professions where they are known to scrutinize the applications more intently, like the computer systems analyst and management consultant professions, it can be useful to hire a lawyer to make sure that your application is not denied. However, most TNs are pretty cut and dry, so if your application is one of those (e.g., architect applying for a TN and has a degree in architecture), you probably don't need to hire a lawyer.