How We Work With You
Immigration and refugee law is a long road. Here, honestly, is how we walk it with you — and what we ask of you in return. Swipe to read each principle.
You are choosing lawyers — a deliberate choice
There is an old saying that, of three things — fast, excellent, and inexpensive — you may have any two. We have made our choice openly: we are a team of licensed lawyers, and we focus on careful, thorough work rather than on being the lowest quote. Everything a licensed immigration consultant or paralegal may lawfully do, we can do — and we can also do what they cannot, including appearing for you before the Federal Court of Canada and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Ms. Zhang holds a Canadian Juris Doctor and has practised at a mainstream Canadian firm across several areas of law, so the guidance you receive looks at your life as a whole, not only the form in front of us. When what is at stake is your family’s future, that depth of care is worth choosing.
We take the cases we can stand behind
As lawyers, we owe a duty of candour to the court and a responsibility to protect the fairness of a system that so many people depend on. For that reason, we are not able to prepare or file a matter built on facts that are not true — an application, an employment history, or a story that did not happen. We cannot report you: solicitor-client privilege protects what you tell us, unless you intend to cause serious harm to another person. But after we have spoken, if a matter is not truthful we will gently decline to act on it; and if we decline to act for you because of credibility concerns, we also cannot, in good conscience, refer you to anyone else. We hope you will understand that this same principle is what protects you — and every honest applicant — in the long run.
We walk this road together — your part matters
We cannot tell your story for you, because it is yours. We do not know your height, the colour of your eyes, or the details of your parents and siblings — and we would never invent them, because every invented detail creates a real risk of a five-year finding of misrepresentation under section 40 of the IRPA. The strongest cases are the ones we build side by side. If, for any reason, you are not able to take part in that way — including sharing documents and information with us electronically — we may not be the right firm for you, and we would rather say so kindly at the beginning than let you down later.
Clear communication, and fees you can plan around
For matters that are not urgent (that is, outside active court litigation, or where no priority fee applies), we reply to your messages within two business days, and we kindly ask the same of you in return, so that nothing slips through the cracks. Once your matter is filed, we check in with an update at least once a month, so you are never left wondering. Our fees are flat fees that include a set number of hours; if your matter grows to need a great deal of additional, hands-on attention, the legal fee will be adjusted accordingly — and we will always talk it through with you first. → See our Fees
We always begin with a conversation
We do not take on a client without a first consultation. Think of it, gently, as a first meeting between two people deciding whether to travel a long road together — it lets both of us see, honestly and without pressure, whether we are the right fit. A business or humanitarian journey can take eight to ten years, and this area of law rests on real trust and close cooperation. If that footing is not there at the start, there is little kindness in straining it for years. Earning a living is the fuel that keeps this firm moving — but it has never been the destination. The destination is yours: a settled, flourishing life in your new home. That is where we hope to help you arrive.
We promise you honesty, not a guarantee
After your first consultation, we will give you a candid and realistic assessment, including our honest view of your chances. Sometimes a client decides to pursue a difficult case with only a small chance of success — and if that is your choice, we will give it everything we have, as we do with every matter we accept. But we are not IRCC, the Immigration and Refugee Board, or the Federal Court. Sometimes a strong case is refused for reasons no one could control — a change in law or policy, an officer’s misjudgement, an unfavourable decision-maker. When the system surprises us, we stay firmly beside you; and if you choose to appeal or to try again, we are glad to keep walking with you. What we cannot do — and what the rules of professional conduct rightly forbid — is promise that you will win, or offer “money back if refused.” We would rather earn your trust through honesty than through a promise we could not keep.
Cloud-based & Paperless
Choosing BridgePoint Law is more than paying for legal services — it is a forward-looking investment in your life in a new country. We have designed our practice around efficiency, which is why we can offer transparent, competitive pricing without sacrificing the quality of the client experience. Because we operate as a virtual, paperless firm with a focused team, our overhead stays low and those savings flow directly to you.
Pay only for the work that matters
We keep our representation focused on the stages that truly impact the outcome of your file — typically up to the point your application is filed with IRCC. That means you are not paying for services that do not move your case forward. We also recognize that every client’s financial situation is different, and we are happy to discuss flexible payment arrangements tailored to your matter.
What is not included in the fees
Initial consultation fees are separate and are not credited toward future work. Government filing fees and third-party disbursements remain the client’s responsibility. Any additional legal work beyond the originally agreed scope — including further consultations, responses to IRCC follow-up requests after filing, or unexpected procedural developments — will be billed separately.
Initial Consultation
Before we can represent you as your lawyer, we require an initial consultation where our lawyer meets with you one-on-one to understand your case and needs. We offer 25-minute and 50-minute consultations. For more complex matters, we recommend the 50-minute session.
If your matter is urgent, please contact our assistant at info@bridgepointlaw.ca after booking and indicate that it is urgent.
During the initial consultation, our lawyer will assess your case. This step is important — it helps us determine whether we are the right fit for your matter, and allows us to represent you with confidence. Please note that we only become your lawyer after you sign a retainer agreement and pay the retainer deposit into our trust account.
Prioritized Fee / Rush Hour Rate may apply for urgent cases.
All fees are structured as flat rates, which include a package of lawyer’s and clerk’s hours. Time is billed in increments of 0.1 hours (6 minutes). Every phone call, email, and message (including WeChat and WhatsApp) is billable. Hours exceeding the included package are charged at the standard hourly rate:
Lawyer Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang — $450/hour | Case managers and assistants — $200/hour
Rush Hour Rate (out of Mon to Fri 9-5 work hours for urgent cases): Lawyer Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang — $650/hour | Case managers and assistants — $350/hour
Immigration Litigation
Legal Aid clients: please see Legal Aid Certificate below.
Overseas Payment Notice: If you are paying from outside Canada using a foreign payment method, please contact us and our finance team to apply for a tax exemption.
Prioritized Fee / Rush Hour Rate may apply for urgent cases.
All fees are structured as flat rates, which include a package of lawyer’s and clerk’s hours. Time is billed in increments of 0.1 hours (6 minutes). Every phone call, email, and message (including WeChat and WhatsApp) is billable. Hours exceeding the included package are charged at the standard hourly rate:
Lawyer Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang — $450/hour | Case managers and assistants — $200/hour
Rush Hour Rate (out of Mon to Fri 9-5 work hours for urgent cases): Lawyer Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang — $650/hour | Case managers and assistants — $350/hour
Business Immigration
In a cost-conscious business world, it only makes sense that we offer a flexible flat fee pricing model for all of our corporate clients. We work closely with our business clients to develop a custom immigration strategy and scope that works for them and works for us.
In this way, our corporate immigration clients are not paying more for legal support than they need to. However, they can rest assured that we are in their corner when it comes to the cross-border movement of critical personnel into Canada.
Please speak to our lawyer to discuss your business needs and develop your custom immigration strategy.
Overseas Payment Notice: If you are paying from outside Canada using a foreign payment method, please contact us and our finance team to apply for a tax exemption.
Prioritized Fee / Rush Hour Rate may apply for urgent cases.
All fees are structured as flat rates, which include a package of lawyer’s and clerk’s hours. Time is billed in increments of 0.1 hours (6 minutes). Every phone call, email, and message (including WeChat and WhatsApp) is billable. Hours exceeding the included package are charged at the standard hourly rate:
Lawyer Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang — $450/hour | Case managers and assistants — $200/hour
Rush Hour Rate (out of Mon to Fri 9-5 work hours for urgent cases): Lawyer Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang — $650/hour | Case managers and assistants — $350/hour
Family Immigration
Family immigration covers sponsorship and family-class applications to help reunite loved ones in Canada.
Overseas Payment Notice: If you are paying from outside Canada using a foreign payment method, please contact us and our finance team to apply for a tax exemption.
Prioritized Fee / Rush Hour Rate may apply for urgent cases.
All fees are structured as flat rates, which include a package of lawyer’s and clerk’s hours. Time is billed in increments of 0.1 hours (6 minutes). Every phone call, email, and message (including WeChat and WhatsApp) is billable. Hours exceeding the included package are charged at the standard hourly rate:
Lawyer Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang — $450/hour | Case managers and assistants — $200/hour
Rush Hour Rate (out of Mon to Fri 9-5 work hours for urgent cases): Lawyer Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang — $650/hour | Case managers and assistants — $350/hour
Individual Immigration
Individual immigration covers temporary and permanent residence applications for individuals pursuing studies, work, or long-term settlement in Canada.
Temporary Residence
Permanent Residence
Overseas Payment Notice: If you are paying from outside Canada using a foreign payment method, please contact us and our finance team to apply for a tax exemption.
Prioritized Fee / Rush Hour Rate may apply for urgent cases.
All fees are structured as flat rates, which include a package of lawyer’s and clerk’s hours. Time is billed in increments of 0.1 hours (6 minutes). Every phone call, email, and message (including WeChat and WhatsApp) is billable. Hours exceeding the included package are charged at the standard hourly rate:
Lawyer Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang — $450/hour | Case managers and assistants — $200/hour
Rush Hour Rate (out of Mon to Fri 9-5 work hours for urgent cases): Lawyer Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang — $650/hour | Case managers and assistants — $350/hour
Refugee Law
BridgePoint Law provides comprehensive legal representation for refugee claimants and persons in need of protection. Our experienced immigration lawyers handle refugee claims at all stages of the process.
Refugee matters are often complex and time-sensitive. Please book a consultation with our lawyer to discuss your specific situation and needs.
Legal Aid clients: please see Legal Aid Certificate below.
Overseas Payment Notice: If you are paying from outside Canada using a foreign payment method, please contact us and our finance team to apply for a tax exemption.
Prioritized Fee / Rush Hour Rate may apply for urgent cases.
All fees are structured as flat rates, which include a package of lawyer’s and clerk’s hours. Time is billed in increments of 0.1 hours (6 minutes). Every phone call, email, and message (including WeChat and WhatsApp) is billable. Hours exceeding the included package are charged at the standard hourly rate:
Lawyer Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang — $450/hour | Case managers and assistants — $200/hour
Rush Hour Rate (out of Mon to Fri 9-5 work hours for urgent cases): Lawyer Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang — $650/hour | Case managers and assistants — $350/hour
Immigration-Related Legal Opinion
Overseas Payment Notice: If you are paying from outside Canada using a foreign payment method, please contact us and our finance team to apply for a tax exemption.
Prioritized Fee / Rush Hour Rate may apply for urgent cases.
All fees are structured as flat rates, which include a package of lawyer’s and clerk’s hours. Time is billed in increments of 0.1 hours (6 minutes). Every phone call, email, and message (including WeChat and WhatsApp) is billable. Hours exceeding the included package are charged at the standard hourly rate:
Lawyer Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang — $450/hour | Case managers and assistants — $200/hour
Rush Hour Rate (out of Mon to Fri 9-5 work hours for urgent cases): Lawyer Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang — $650/hour | Case managers and assistants — $350/hour
U.S. Immigration
BridgePoint Law is expanding into U.S. immigration practice. Dr. Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang is currently pursuing admission to the New York Bar to add a second North American jurisdiction to our cross-border capabilities.
What We Will Offer
- Family-based immigration (I-130, K-1 fiancé visas, adjustment of status)
- Employment-based immigration (H-1B, L-1, O-1, EB-1/EB-2)
- Investor visas (E-2, EB-5)
- Cross-border coordination for clients moving between Canada and the U.S.
- Bilingual English / Mandarin service throughout
In the Meantime
While our U.S. practice is launching, we work with trusted U.S.-licensed partners to support clients who need both Canadian and American immigration advice. Contact us to discuss your matter and we will coordinate the right team.
For our current Canadian immigration services, please visit our Individual Immigration, Family Immigration, and Business Immigration pages.
China-Related Legal Services
We provide support for clients who need assistance with China-related legal documentation and cross-border coordination.
Overseas Payment Notice: If you are paying from outside Canada using a foreign payment method, please contact us and our finance team to apply for a tax exemption.
Prioritized Fee / Rush Hour Rate may apply for urgent cases.
All fees are structured as flat rates, which include a package of lawyer’s and clerk’s hours. Time is billed in increments of 0.1 hours (6 minutes). Every phone call, email, and message (including WeChat and WhatsApp) is billable. Hours exceeding the included package are charged at the standard hourly rate:
Lawyer Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang — $450/hour | Case managers and assistants — $200/hour
Rush Hour Rate (out of Mon to Fri 9-5 work hours for urgent cases): Lawyer Ningjing (Natalie) Zhang — $650/hour | Case managers and assistants — $350/hour
Legal Aid Certificate
For clients with a valid Legal Aid Certificate, please email us BOTH your CLT and CE numbers and your legal name as shown on the Legal Aid Certificate to info@bridgepointlaw.ca.
Clients with valid Legal Aid Certificates will receive a free 25-minute assessment before our lawyer claims your certificate.
Consultation fees are subject to 13% HST (Harmonized Sales Tax).
Notary Public & Apostille Services
Lawyer-notary services performed by Natalie Zhang, JD, member and coach of the Law Society of Ontario. Bilingual English / 中文. Starting from $79 + HST per document.
Notary Public — Kingston
Walk-in notary at Sanctuary, 221 Queen Street Unit 127. Serving Queen's University, RMC, federal employees, and Eastern Ontario. Mon–Fri 10am–5pm.
Visit Kingston notaryNotary Public — Toronto
By-appointment lawyer-notary at First Canadian Place, 100 King St W Suite 5700. Convenient to U.S. Consulate, Bay Street banks, and downtown closings. Book at (613) 417-1850, Mon–Fri 10am–5pm.
Visit Toronto notaryHague Apostille & Full Index
Certified true copies, statutory declarations, foreign bank documents, U.S. consular affidavits, Chinese government documents (户口本 / 无婚姻状况声明), and full Hague Apostille processing.
See all notary services