I just want to share my experience with those people who want to apply for Canadian Immigration but don't want to spend several thousand dollars hiring an immigration consulting firm.
Before I submit my application package in January 2004, I was thinking of hiring an Immigration Consulting firm. After a few phone calls to those firms with a few key questions, I have decided that I can do it myself and would rather spend those money on a big flat screen plazma TV. A month after I sent out the application, I got the confimation letter from Buffalo with my File number. Another seven months, I received the second letter saying an interview is not necessary and asking me for medical exam, police certificate, bank statement, etc. Last week, I received the third letter saying the processing of my application is complete. They want to issue me visa and ask for my passport.
So I guess I just proved it. You don't need an Immigration Lawyer, at least for Canadian Immigration. Well, it might take some people a much longer time because they need an interveiw. I would think most people who are working in the US on H1B visa can get away without an interview. One thing you have to be very careful is that you need to ANSWER to whatever they ask for, although you do not have to submit the exact documents described on their websites or in their letter. Otherwise your application is incomplete.