Niren & Associates Immigration Law Firm
Reviews and Complaints

I lost $2470 CAD. They didn't give me any good legal advice and just put my info into a template without doing anything. I had a consultation ($164CAD) and they said I should go for a TN visa. They said they would help with my application. I signed the papers and they charged me $1482 as a deposit. When I got the final "application package," they charged me the rest of the money I owed. I took the papers they made for me to the border on March 5th. I got banned from America for 5 years. Another lawyer told me for free about all the mistakes Visaplace made. I told Visaplace what happened and what they didn't tell me. They won't admit they messed up and are blaming me. How can a free lawyer know more than one I paid $2000 to?

Last year in March , I talked to Niren and associates about hiring a foreign worker. I paid for the consultation. I wanted honest advice before hiring the lawyers and using their service. During the consultation, I told them that we were a new business, only about 6 months old, and operated from home with just my husband and me. We were honest and gave them all the information they needed. Based on their advice, they said we had a good case and should proceed with the application, which would take about 6 to 8 months to complete. I paid a total of $5650 in fees. But since then, I've had 4 different lawyers assigned to my case, and it's been over a year and the application still hasn't been filed. They keep delaying, saying they need to strengthen my case. They would start the application, then withdraw it, and then assign me a new lawyer again.

On October 15, I paid $2500 to Visa Place after a consultation with a consultant. They seemed honest and reliable. They said they would help with my application for express entry to Canada. Their preliminary assessment was good, 489. They even promised to get me my PR before my birthday next year if I started the application right away. But things went wrong after I became a client. I sent all the required documents by March 4. I tried to meet with my assigned legal team to discuss my concerns, but they treated me poorly. I left a negative review on ***, but they didn't respond for months and then deleted it. I feel like they misrepresented me and disrespected me. I have no chance of succeeding with them. They don't show any proof of respect or professionalism.

I went to VisaPlace 'cause my buddy told me about 'em. He said they give good advice, are quick to respond, and make you feel confident for the interview. I got the TN visa, but working with Visa Place made things harder than they should've been. Here's the deal: they were unresponsive. From March 3rd to March 22nd, the lawyer and assistant didn't do any work and didn't answer my emails. I couldn't even reach the lawyer on the phone; the receptionist just put me through to the answering machine. My contract was starting on March 28th, so I had to scramble to get all my documents ready. And get this, the one thing they did write, the intro on the visa support letter, was full of mistakes. It looked like they copied and pasted it from someone else. I had to fix some "she's" to "he's" and correct other errors. And their advice was no good. The interview prep only took about 5 minutes, and they didn't give me any useful tips. When I looked it up online, I found out that all the land borders near Buffalo require appointments. I called the border office, and they said there were appointments available even after my contract started. But when I told my lawyer, they told me that sometimes border agents lie, and I should just drive to the border anyway. So, I drove down on a Friday, and guess what? They turned me away. Because of that, I had to book a flight the next day to enter before my contract started.

I paid Visaplace/Niren & Associates a total of $7500 CAD ($4000 April , $1000 Jun 2020, $2500 July ) for their legal immigration services one and a half years ago. They told me in the beginning that it would take about 3-5 months to get an E2 business visa for my family. I sent them lots of documents and forms in the spring and summer of 2020. In November , I gave them the final business plan, and they said they had everything they needed for a final review before sending it to the US consulate. It's been over a year now, and still no consulate appointment. They changed our lawyer or lawyer team at least twice, and it feels like we have to start all over again each time. They don't respond to emails or phone calls. I know Covid has caused problems and delays, but we've been really patient. We did everything they asked, paid on time, and gave them all the necessary documents. If they can't handle their workload, they should stop taking new clients until they finish the cases they already have. That way, they can avoid outdated information. They should also give new clients a more realistic idea of how long things will take. Right now, it feels like our family's future is hanging in the balance.

I hired this company to take care of the immigration process. I am a Canadian citizen married to an American and they were supposed to use the documents I provided to file a spousal sponsorship form for my immigration to the US. During my consultation, I was told it would take 2-3 weeks to complete the forms once they had the documents. Over the past two years that I have been working with this firm, my legal team has changed multiple times. I am never told about this change until I call after weeks of no response from my previous team. My biggest complaint is over the past 6 months. About 7 months ago, I was informed my legal team had changed and this new legal team wanted me to resubmit a bunch of documents so they had the most current information. I provided them with what they asked and am still currently waiting on my file to be completed. I have emailed multiple times asking for a timeline, when I can expect it to be finished and I’m given the same response; we are working on your file, I will talk to the lawyer in charge and get back to you with more details. And I would never hear back. About three weeks ago I emailed the human resource manager and she said she would talk to my team. I have not heard anything since. I have emailed her, my team, and the managing director twice since then and still nothing. I paid a $5000 retainer to this firm and am not happy with the lack of communication and the length of time this is taking. I either want to be made a priority or I want my money back.

Hi, my name is ***. I've been with Niren and Associates for almost 3 years. My case is about getting the green card, and I submitted all the documents they asked for. My work authorization expired in June , and I filed to renew it. I was happy with Preejo M., who was in charge of my case. He kept me updated step by step. However, he left the business, and Ahmed B. took his place. I have a complaint about him. He was supposed to update me, but he doesn't. I tried to contact him so many times by email or phone call, but he doesn't bother to respond. The last time I spoke with him after many calls was on November 5, and he promised to contact the USCIS and send them a letter, then update me. I'm still waiting, and I tried to reach him many times, but he just ignored me. I contacted Visaplace a couple of days ago, and the reception said he put a note on my file regarding the pending status of my case. The reception said they would pass my message to the team management, and they would call me within 24 hours. So far, nobody has contacted me. I'm really fed up with this business. At the beginning, they promise you many things, but in the middle, they become careless and don't think about their clients' situations. I understand that because of the pandemic, all cases are behind, but I had my first interview last February for my green card, and almost a year has passed. I would appreciate it if the Niren and Associates team could follow up with the USCIS about my case. I'm looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you.

I contakted VisaPlace in March . I wanted to move from Canada to the US to join my girlfriend and accept a job offer. I was advised it quickest to go to the US, marry my girlfriend and then apply for a spousal visa. As we intended to get married anyway, I followed the advice of VisaPlace. My first surprise came when the fee initially quoted to me increased significantly. Also, VisaPlace failed to advise me of additional fees I would need to pay to Homeland Security. However, I had already committed to VisaPlace so I paid over $7000 CAD, essentially draining my bank account. Then it was discovered that an application had been filed for an Immigrant Visa in error! Month after month, I was passed from one person to another. My caseworker ignored my emails or took days to respond. Completely frustrated, I spoke with a legal support rep who repeatedly scheduled phone calls with my caseworker. Most scheduled calls did not happen. I even have a few emails where the legal support rep admitted to 'just forgetting'. Wow! I received a request for another payment and when I called to inquire I was told it was just a 'glitch on our end' and to just ignore it! Finally, all paperwork was submitted and then, Homeland Security, notified me that my application was denied because VisaPlace had filed everything on OUTDATED VERSIONS OF THE REQUIRED FORMS! When I finally received my EAD, I called my caseworker and explained what I had received and asked if I could now cross the border for my brother's wedding. His response was, 'you're good to go'. After that, I went home several times but in September was stopped by the US border crossing and told I was NOT allowed to cross the border - effectively cancelling my application! I have lost my job, my home and the ability to visit my wife. VisaPlace expressed their regret - and that was it! I have compiled all emails and phone records and I am asking for a full refund as I wait for my new lawyer to process my application properly.

I got rejected at the border for a TN application on July 15th. I consulted Visa Place to see my options. They said they have a high success rate with such cases and would handle it for $3600. They promised to work on it fast due to my situation. I had sold my house and all my belongings in Ottawa, thinking I was moving to the States for 3 years. While I waited for Visa Place to finish my application, I was homeless. I made the payment on July 27th and was told that the usual turnover time is 2-3 weeks. However, due to my circumstances, they said it was high priority. I received the work on September 1.

While I was waiting, I had a couple of consultations with my "immigration specialist." I asked him some legitimate concerns I had, but he told me not to worry and that I was overthinking it. When I got to the border, all my concerns were brought up, and I wasn't ready to answer those questions because the "lawyer" told me they weren't important. The lawyer also advised me to DRIVE to the Buffalo border because they are the ones who can appeal/overturn previous rejections. They are supposedly a bigger immigration office and more knowledgeable than Pearson Airport, where I was rejected the first time. The lawyer told me NOT to make an appointment with Peace Bridge because if there is traffic on the border, I would likely miss my appointment. They suggested I apply as a walk-in for more flexibility and safety.

When I got to the border, the agents were furious that I didn't make an appointment because it was an APPOINTMENT BASED APPLICATION. The lawyer didn't know this detail. When I told the lawyer afterwards, he got angry at me and blamed me. Since this ordeal, I have called and consulted multiple immigration experts and lawyers. I mentioned my first experience on July 15th but didn't mention that I already consulted Visa Place. I wanted to do some research. All three companies said going back to the border would be REDUNDANT and wouldn't work. Visa Place assured me that going back is the best thing.

February 27th I paid for my first consultation with Niren and Associates, costing $75. I discussed my situation with an immigration advisor. She recommended applying for a student family visa. On March 3rd, I paid Niren and Associates to start the process, agreeing to $1500.00. They withdrew $3000.00 without my consent. On March 4th, I called the advisor about the payment multiple times without a response. The next day, the advisor called back, directing me to a new case manager. I've been unable to reach legal assistance to cancel my contract and request a refund. On March 9th, I made three unsuccessful attempts to contact the case manager, waiting on hold for over 13 minutes. I've asked the receptionist to have the case manager call me about the refund. My family has since received threatening emails. We just want our $3000.00 returned, as my application was never submitted and no work was done on our case. Despite trying for a month, we haven't been refunded. I have all necessary documents, emails, and voice recordings to demonstrate our mistreatment.

August 9,2020-I had my eligibility consultation with one of the Niren's immigration consultant. This was outside of the fee I paid for the filing of my express entry (EE) profile. During the consultation, the consultant assured me that with my qualifications, I will be able to enter the EE pool. August 10, the consultant sent me an email to follow up with me and answered some of my questions about immigrant visa, and promised me that I will surely qualify for EE. I was convinced that time since this is a law firm and they know what they are doing. On that same day, I signed up for their services but they did not send me a copy of the signed agreement instead they sent me a receipt of the money I paid for $2300-this is for the filing of my express entry profile. August 11, one of their customer representative agents introduced herself and sent me a list of needed documents for the filing of my EE profile. She was my correspondence whenever I had questions about the needed documents. January 18, all of the initial documents for EE profile were submitted and I asked the customer representative if I will qualify for express entry and according to her I will not get any points for my ECA because my education is not equivalent to a completed Canadian degree. She did not answer my question and instead she told me that sending her a lot of messages would delay her response. There was no guidance at all apart from sending me a list of documents that I had to turn in. I was a bit frustrating because I spent a lot of money to gather the documents. They could have been honest with me during the consultation or has given better options beforehand. I am really unhappy with their service. Yes, she answered my questions about the documents through email and that was the only thing she did nothing else and my express entry profile has not been filed. January 21, their team leader emailed me and scheduled an appointment to clear things up and discuss possible options but I told them I was not continuing with them and I just wanted my money back. January 25, I apologized to them and was quite open for other options but upon checking *** pointing system, I got discouraged to continue the filing of my EE profile, I knew there is no way I will receive an ITA because of my low score. So I told them I am open for a student visa hoping it would be cheaper than the cost of EE profile and ITA fee ($3800 with my partner application). One Canadian agency offered me $2500 for my SP and open work permit of my partner. Another agency offered me $1900 for both and I communicated this to them. So they told me that they will give me a full credit for the money I paid them $2300 towards SP, then I have to pay $1250 for the open work permit of my partner. I knew it was really expensive and I told them I will just process my student visa application on my own and just refund my $2300 since they have not filed my express entry profile . Their process of me qualifying for EE did not materialize, that was a wrong eligibility assessment. I want my money money. You can deduct $300 since one of your agents were there just to answer my document- related questions via email. I want my $2000 back. Dissatisfied customer.*** You should be brutally honest to your customers during the consultation so they won't expect that much.

I spoke with an immigration consultant on February 11th, about applying for permanent residency for Canada. I was attracted to VisaPlace because of the promise of excellent communication and results. It was mentioned how important the timely processing of the application was due to the penalty incurred with Express Entry after my approaching birthday. This is a key point. A payment was made for $2500.00, which was explained covers the creation of the Express Entry Profile. On February 12, a template of blank forms was provided and I was given a checklist of items to complete and a test to take. On Sunday, March 29, all information and test results was sent to my assigned representative. It was mentioned again that the application was time sensitive due to my age (the second time this concern was mentioned). Near the close of business, Monday, March 30, no acknowledgement was received from anyone to confirm the information was received. A follow up email was sent asking for confirmation and asking for an ETA for completion. The concern about my age was brought up again for a third time. Only after asking for one, a response was finally received the same day indicating the information was received. The ETA that was asked for was never provided. The response was also from a different representative than the one I was originally assigned. The fact that my representative changed was also never communicated to me. It certainly doesn't help communication when you don't know who your current representative is. At the end of the first week, on Friday, April 3rd, I asked again for an ETA and for a general status. This email was never responded to. The vendor later admitted this. Note that the vendor advertises an estimated response time of 24-48 hours. This time was not adhered to. This is also a violation of their own website promise of timely communication. On April 9th, an Express Entry double draw occurred. I was not able to participate in their draw due to the lack of progress on the Express Entry Application. There was no status known from the merchant of the Express Entry application due to no communication. On April 12th, the standard two-week processing time frame expired with no status and no communication. To prevent missing any future Express Entry draws, I was forced to enter my own Express Entry Profile on Sunday, April 12th, outside of the normal and standard two-week VisaPlace processing time. On April 13th, a cancellation email was sent to my representative for client abandonment. The response to the cancellation was an email with an apology and an excuse of internet trouble. My representative said the website was crashing on their computers and they could not enter the profile. Note that this was never communicated with me. Also, I had no trouble entering the profile on my own. This excuse and the lack of communication are not acceptable. VisaPlace seemed quick to take my initial deposit and then move slowly, or not at all, and then made excuses when called to task on it. On April 14th, A phone call was held with the Client Services Manager. During that call, the lapse in communication was admitted to and apologies were offered, promises were made to begin communicating in a timely manner, and another questionable excuse of computer problems was given. A $250 credit was offered to compensate for all the issues. I rejected the credit since I was forced to do the work myself due to their lack of timely response and lack communication on any issues. Note that the VisaPlace website policy is to keep their customer informed every step of the way. This was clearly violated.