It is meant to be doable by anyone. So don't hire a lawyer. All they would do is take your money for filling in a few forms.

I applied  for Canadian PR on Sept 2008 by myself.
I got return of my application package on October 2008 for correction.
I got reply on March 2009 saying that they received my application and it is in process.

I got second reply on May 2008 and it said that they rejected my application because it does not match the required 38 occupational list. I was very frustrated because I was hopefully waited for more than 7 months of time. I later thought I had better hired a mediator for a successful application. Now I made my heart and mind prepared to live in Nepal, even in some sense I felt lucky to leave such a dream country like USA and Canada where you will be struggling to live until you do not have a strong and specific skill sets.

Three days ago I  received a letter from Buffalo Center after 11 month and it says to send my original experience letter. Now I  feel I lost my passion to live in these dream countries.

Yes. I forgot to mention. Read the applicaiton guide at least two times...

# of people victims due to wrong occupation (NOL) list selection after waiting couples of month. If you do not have good documents, though consulting companies, just digest your money in the name of fees, and you are on your own. They can't do anything once filed has been declined or rejected.

Therefore make sure, everything is all rights and match proper documents before spend couple of 1000's buck.

Read this article...from the immigration website of canadian government.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/representative/index.asp


I am posting the content below:

"Immigration representatives are people who offer immigration advice or assistance to visa applicants, usually for a fee.

You do not need to hire an immigration representative. It is up to you. The Government of Canada treats everyone equally, whether they use the services of a representative or not.

If you choose to hire a representative, your application will not be given special attention by the immigration officer. Your representative also cannot guarantee that your application will be approved.

All the forms and information that you need to apply for a visa are available for free on this website. If you follow the instructions in the application guide, you can complete the application forms and submit them on your own."