Frequently Asked Questions

Why should someone hire a lawyer for their immigration matter?

An individual may hire a lawyer to assist with their immigration matter for a number of reasons:

• An individual's circumstances often create complexities regarding immigration
• Some individuals have limitations with respect to their English language skills or their ability to prepare the documents required for their application
• Some people lack the time or inclination required to prepare their own applications

An experienced immigration lawyer can provide assistance in sorting through the complexities of the issues and has the expertise to assist with the preparation and assembly of the required documentation.

What services are provided when Mark & Company, Barristers & Solicitors, prepares a full-service immigration application?

When Mark & Company is retained to prepare an immigration application we:

• Assess the circumstances surrounding a client’s case and plan a suitable immigration strategy
• Direct a client as to the supporting documentation required for his/her application
• Prepare all immigration forms required for the specific application
• Submit the application to the appropriate immigration office
• Act as the mailing address for the applicant throughout the immigration process
• Prepare all correspondence required throughout the processing of the application
• If required, prepare the applicant for interviews with Canadian immigration officers

How does Mark & Company Law Corporation communicate with clients residing outside Canada?

Mark & Company Law Corporation communicates with clients in a variety of ways in order to collect and exchange information, including:

• Telephone
• E-mail
• Instant Messenger
• Skype
• Courier
• Facsimile
• Where necessary we also use the assistance of interpreters and translators

How are legal fees determined?

Legal fees are determined based on each individual’s specific needs. In most instances, clients are quoted a specific fee for the job to be performed. In addition to the legal fees, disbursements, filing fees and taxes are also charged, where applicable. Clients are also provided with a schedule of when each payment is required.

How are fees handled by Mark & Company Law Corporation when they are paid by a client in advance of the performance of the performance of legal work?

When a client pays fees to Mark & Company, the fees are placed in a trust account. The trust account is located in Canada and is overseen by the Law Society of British Columbia. Once work on the file is performed and billed, fees are then transferred from the trust account to Mark & Company’s general account for payment of services.

The trust account of a Canadian lawyer is an important feature in the protection of the fees you pay for the services provided. Mark & Company Law Corporation maintains a trust account, managed by its senior counsel, Linda Mark. This trust account is regulated and audited by the Law Society of British Columbia. When you pay legal fees for services not yet performed, the funds are placed in a pooled trust account. As legal services are performed, Mark & Company will issue an invoice to you, following which the funds will be transferred to the general account of Mark & Company. A ledger is created for each client for whom trust funds are held, which records all transactions related to your account.

How can legal fees be paid to Mark & Company Law Corporation?

Legal Fees can be paid to Mark & Company by:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• Cheque
• Interac
• Money Order