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 ...

Canadian Expatriate and Travellers Forum Index -> Canadians in the USA -> US Visas and Immigration

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Cherelle
Junior Member

Joined: 01 Mar 2008
Posts: 13
Location: Canada (for now)

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 2:41 pm

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?

snoroqc
New Member

Snoro

Joined: 18 Mar 2008
Posts: 1
Location: Austin

Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 11:13 am

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.
_________________
Snoro

samdonowa
CanuckAbroad Regular

Joined: 27 Dec 2007
Posts: 33

Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2008 3:22 pm

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!

MarieR19
CanuckAbroad Regular

Joined: 18 Oct 2007
Posts: 37

Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 2:05 pm

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.

samdonowa
CanuckAbroad Regular

Joined: 27 Dec 2007
Posts: 33

Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 8:45 am

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!

ramarsh
New Member

Joined: 02 Apr 2008
Posts: 3
Location: Florida

Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 11:12 am

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.

samdonowa
CanuckAbroad Regular

Joined: 27 Dec 2007
Posts: 33

Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2008 12:03 pm

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.