The 5 Best Immigration Lawyer Firms in Ottawa
Immigration can be a tricky thing, and with so many ins and outs to it, you might want some help. That’s why we’re bringing you the best immigration lawyers in Ottawa!
In this article, we’ll also be laying out the details on what to know before hiring someone, some answers to FAQs, and the average cost of certain applications.
What to Know before Hiring an Immigration Lawyer
Let’s start off with the basics of what you might want to ask or do research on before hiring a specific immigration lawyer:
1. Credentials
Other than graduating from law school and passing the bar exam, you might want to inquire about where the lawyer got their degree. Another way is to check if the lawyer is in good standing on the province’s bar association website.
2. Experience
Although all lawyers must have a high level of understanding of Canadian law, there is a huge difference when it comes to immigration. Naturally, more experienced lawyers will be able to handle cases more smoothly (at least, that’s how it generally is!).
Ask your lawyer how long they’ve been practicing immigration law. If they specialize in it, all the better!
3. Cases handled
Immigration applicants are unique in every way, so cases can’t always be compared. If you have a special case, such as a criminal record, it will be worth it to bring that up with your lawyer and ask if they had experience with something similar.
4. Costs
Ask how much their fees are along with the fees for other requirements and documents. A good immigration lawyer will write up a contract explaining everything and include a price breakdown for everything.
Government fees are subject to change any day, but your lawyer should be able to at least provide you with a rough estimate.
How Much Do Immigration Lawyer Services Cost in Ottawa?
While we do our best to provide you with the average costs of services, keep in mind that actual prices vary!
| Application Type | Professional Fee | Government Fees |
| Consultation | 15mins: $125, 30 mins: $250, 60mins: $450 | |
| Spousal Sponsorship | $6,500 + $500 per dependent | $1,050 for spouse, $150 per child |
| Spousal Appeal at IAD | $11,000 | |
| Residency Appeal at IAD | $11,000 | |
| Judicial Review (settle) / Federal Court | $5,000 / $13,000 | |
| Procedural Fairness letter Response | $3,500 to $5,500 | |
| Reconsideration Request | $3,000 | |
| Criminal Rehabilitation | $4,500 + $500 per additional offence | $200 (regular), $1,000 (serious criminality) |
| Temporary Resident Permit | $4,500 + $500 per additional offence | $200 |
| H&C Application | $7,500 + $500 per dependent | $1,050 per adult, $150 per child |
| Deferral Request ro CBSA | $3,500 | |
| Express Entry | $5,500 + $500 per dependent | $1,325 per adult, $225 per child |
| PNP | $5,000 | ($0 – $1,500) as PNP fee varies |
| Tourist Visa | $3,000 + $500 per dependent | $100 per person, $85 per person (if biometrics required) |
| Student Visa | $255 fee, $85 per person (if biometrics required) | $150 fee, $100 per dependent, $85 per person (if biometrics required) |
| Open Work Permit for Spouse | $3,000 | $255 fee, $85 per person (if biometrics required) |
| Post Graduate Work Permit | $3,000 | $255 fee |
| Super Visa | $700 | |
| LMIA | $4,250 | $230 compliance fee, $155 fee, $85 biometrics (if required) |
| NAFTA/CETA Work Permit | $4,250 | $230 compliance fee, $155 fee, $85 biometrics (if required) |
| Business | $5,000 | |
| Caregiver PR | $12,500 + $500 per dependent | PR: $1,050 for PR, WP: $155, Biometrics: $85 |
| Citizenship application | $3,000 | $630 |
Top Immigration Lawyer Firms in Ottawa
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get down to the list:
1. Olalere Law Office
| BEST FOR | Individual and family immigration |
| SERVICES | Family Sponsorship Visa Employers Study Student Temporary and Visiting Visas Express Entry, Citizenship Humanitarian and Compassionate Application for Permanent Residence Inadmissibility Appeals Illegal Immigrants Visas |
| WEBSITE | www.ottawaimmigrationlawyers.com |
| ADDRESS | 508 Gladstone Avenue, Suite 206, Ottawa, ON K1R 5P1 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (613) 799-7572 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mon – Fri 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Sat & Sun Closed |
Olalere Law Office has been operating since 2004 and is a professional immigration law firm run by identical twins Kehinde Olalere and Taiwo Olalere. The firm is dedicated to helping clients and family members migrate to Canada.
Their lawyers have completed a variety of advanced training programmes provided by the IRCC. They’ve helped individuals and families move to Canada from countries all over the world.
They are known for being very professional and friendly with their approach, patiently guiding applicants through the long process of immigration and doing their best to provide the easiest route from point A to point B. They have dealt with a large number of inadmissibility issues and succeeded, making them highly respected and reputable in the field.
Pros
- Serves refugee claimants
- Specializes in Canadian immigration law
Cons
- Higher rates
Customer Reviews
Being highly specialized in their field, Olalere Law Office is a great firm to work with for your immigration needs. Check out these reviews from satisfied clients:
“Immigration and the application process had always been a complicated issue for me. Especially when I have been living in Canada for almost 30 years, and lacked help with the process or results with a previous immigration lawyer in the city.
The Olalere brothers were experienced, confident, helpful, and informative about the entire immigration/application process. They allowed me to finally get approved for a humanitarian and compassionate application for permanent residence, with no issues whatsoever.
You want the best people representing you, and I believe Olalere Law Office was the best choice to represent my case.” -Jae Kwon Park
“We were referred to the Olalere Law Office by a friend. We applied for spousal sponsorship for permanent residence. After exactly 12 months, and despite delays caused by the pandemic, we have received PR! We didn’t even need an interview! The service we received was exceptional, the brothers and their associates paid such great attention to detail to ensure our file was complete, suggesting changes along the way to ensure no issues would arise. They were very responsive to emails, texts and calls and even helped us speed through issues such as quickly obtaining a replacement passport during the pandemic. We are extremely satisfied with the process and will be recommending them to family and friends.” -Sissi Hirwa
2. Capelle Kane Immigration Lawyers
| BEST FOR | Specialization |
| SERVICES | Work Permits Business Visitors Permanent Residence Status Global Talent Stream NAFTA-CUSMACETACPTPP Korea FTA Chile FTA Labour Market Impact Assessments LMIA Significant Benefit to Canada Francophone Mobility Program International Experience Class Working Holiday Program Young Professional Program |
| WEBSITE | www.capellekane.com |
| ADDRESS | 360 Ravenhill Avenue East, Ottawa, ON K2A 1S5 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (613) 230-7070 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mon – Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sat & Sun Closed |
Capelle Kane Immigration Lawyers has been providing sound legal guidance on laws relating to Canadian citizenship and immigration since 1994. Their firm is the only one in Ottawa with two lawyers certified as specialists in Canadian immigration and citizenship laws by the Law Society of Ontario.
They built their reputation as Canadian immigration law specialists by providing advice that’s realistic and easy to follow. The team constantly looks for strategies to reduce visa processing delays and is flexible when meeting your needs.
Capelle Kane Immigration Lawyers provides each client with individual attention and customizes an immigration strategy for both immediate and long-term goals. They also provide PNP, Rural and Northern Pilot Program, Municipal Pilot Project, Employer Compliance, COVID-19 travel exemptions and Quarantine Act compliance and exemptions.
Pros
- Highly specialized in Canadian immigration law
- Over 25 years of experience
Cons
- Small team
Customer Reviews
With decades of experience backing them up, Capelle Kane Immigration Lawyers has sealed their reputation as some of the best immigration lawyers to work with in Ottawa. Check out these reviews:
“Betsy was extremely helpful handling our matters during the COVID19 period from beginning to end. Her advice was very professional and tailor made as every situation requires different strategies.
I highly recommend Betsy Kane for her legal services. Thank you again!” – D L
“I cannot emphasize enough how fantastic my experience with Capelle Kane (Phil Capelle & Lisa Bailey specifically) was. From my initial contact through to the end, I was given immaculate service, had each and every step of the process explained in great detail, and treated like gold. I would not only use Capelle Kane again in an instant, I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for such services.
Thank you Phil and Lisa.” -Caleb Tier
3. Ronalee Carey Law
| BEST FOR | Corporations and families |
| SERVICES | Visitor Visas Work and Study Permits Family Sponsorships Permanent Residence Citizenship Inadmissibility Issues Detention Review Hearings Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications Refugee Claims Private Sponsorship of Refugees Appeals |
| WEBSITE | www.ronaleecareylaw.ca |
| ADDRESS | 440 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 200, Ottawa, ON K1R 7X6 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (613) 564-8301 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mon – Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sat & Sun Closed |
Ronalee Carey focuses exclusively on immigration law. She helps people land jobs in Canada, reunite with family members, and escape back home from a potentially dangerous situation.
The firm actually has a small team of immigration lawyers just for these purposes. They offer legal advice to all clients who need guidance on immigration, and also aid large corporations.
They continue to help people immigrate to all major cities across Canada including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Montréal.
Pros
- Specializes in Canadian immigration Law
Cons
- Very small team
Customer Reviews
Despite the small team, Ronalee Carey Law has successfully aided hundreds of families and corporations with their immigration needs. Here are a few reviews:
“My first consultation with Ronalee Carey Law has been extremely cordial, helpful and very detailed, right from the meticulous evaluation to explaining the step-by-step process till the end. She addressed all the important and essential factors for PR application. Her briefing was very clear, detailed and accurate with high professionalism. She was extremely amiable throughout the consultation.
I highly recommend her for anyone with any kind of queries on Canadian Immigration and her expertise and knowledge would be very valuable.” -Sri Dharshini
“My legal representative from Ronalee Carey Law was well prepared for our initial meeting. They served as a helpful guide so I can move onto the next steps of my immigration process. I will be glad to refer friends and family to Ronalee Carey Law.” -Chaim Lord
4. Odette Rwigamba & Associates
| BEST FOR | Cost-effective representation |
| SERVICES | Real Estate Divorce & Family Immigration Business Mediation Personal Injury |
| WEBSITE | www.ottawalawfirm.com |
| ADDRESS | 219 Argyle Avenue suite 223, 1 Nicholas St suite 1206, Ottawa, ON K2P 2H4, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (613) 232-7900 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm Sat – Sun closed |
Odette Rwigamba Law Firm was established in 2003 and has grown steadily with their expanding client base. The firm has extensive experience representing clients before all levels of courts of Ontario.
They pride themselves on providing cost-effective representation specifically tailored to each client’s needs. The team is known for providing results-oriented and professional service.
In addition to all this, they offer competitive fees and great customer service. Located in downtown Ottawa, their office is also very easily accessible and open from Mondays to Fridays.
Pros
- English and French spoken
- More affordable fees than most
Cons
- Specializes in Real Estate more than immigration, even if they have an excellent record in the latter
Customer Reviews
Although the firm doesn’t specialize in immigration law, it makes up for that with both affordability and professional services. Here are a few reviews from satisfied clients:
“We have been using this firm for more than 10 years now, and we have enjoyed our experience every time. Very knowledgeable and practical.” -Liza Capone
““I believe Odette is absolutely the best Immigration and family law attorney in Ottawa.” –Carla Matias Gonzalez Correia
5. Achtari Law
| BEST FOR | Family sponsorship |
| SERVICES | Appeals Citizenship Express Entry Family Sponsorship Refugee Claim Self Employed Student Visa Work permit |
| WEBSITE | www.immigrationcan.com |
| ADDRESS | BELL MEWS PLAZA, 2039 Robertson Rd Suite 262, Nepean, ON K2H 8R2, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (613) 564-0004 (613) 546-0005 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm Sat – Sun closed |
Achtari Law PC has helped many applicants and immigrants achieve their immigration plans and goals since its establishment.
The team is highly experienced in evaluating each case to ensure the best route to Canadian residency and citizenship. In addition, they’re highly skilled in preparing all types of temporary and permanent applications like sponsorship applications, work permits, labor market opinions, and much more.
Achtari Law PC provides a variety of legal services with a focus on US and Canadian immigration law and cross-border issues. They guide their clients every step of the way and ensure that they make it into Canada.
Pros
- English, French, and Farsi spoken by the team
- Specializes in Canadian immigration law
Cons
- Only 1-2 employees makes their caseload and schedule very heavy
Customer Reviews
A small team doesn’t stop Achtari law from serving their clients effectively and efficiently. Check out these reviews:
“I used Negar Achtari Law services for humanitarian visa,
She was the only lawyer who accepted my case.
Even Some of lawyer said “NO” before consultation because of my nationality.
Ms Negar and her team members are positive, patience, understand on client side.
I still can’t believe that i can write review for Ms Negar and her team members’ great work.
Thank you so much Ms Negar and team members.” -Misun Yoon
“We were very grateful to work with Mrs.Achtari. She made the entire process so much simpler to understand and was both responsive and quick to act. Even though her office is located in Canada, she is very knowledgeable and proficient in immigration cases to the US like ours. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a professional and reliable lawyer.” -Neda Karami
FAQs about Immigration Lawyers
That concludes our list of the best immigration lawyer firms in Ottawa! We hope you found this helpful.
Did we miss a firm you recommend? Tell us all about it, we’d love to hear from you!