Agency Or Go It Alone

[nik2]

What are the opinons on going through an agency for applying for a settlement visa. Are the costs worth it? Can it speed the process up? etc....

[CharlieB]

What are the opinons on going through an agency for applying for a settlement visa. Are the costs worth it? Can it speed the process up? etc....

An agency won't be able to speed the process up at all, so don't go with one to try and speed it up. If you are able to read government forms and fill them in without too much help then you should be ok to do it on your own and save the x thousand baht they would charge. Look at the forms you have to fill in, make a list of things you are unsure of and post them here. Nearly everyone reading this forum will have filled them in before and you can get useful advice/help here.

If you do decide to go with an agency, make sure it's a legit one that is registered with the OISC and not one that costs you 50k baht and 100% guarantee's a visa when they can't guarantee a visa will always be granted.

Edited October 14, 2009 by CharlieB

[7by7]

Fully concur with CharlieB.

The British embassy has this to say about agents.

Use of visa agents

There are a number of visa agents in operation throughout Thailand, prospective applicants may choose to use them in order to support or prepare their entry clearance application. It is important to note that these agents are in no way whatsoever connected to the Embassy. They have no influence over the outcome of an application. Our outsource partner, VFS Global, operates from the UK Visa Application Centre. Their staff are clearly identifiable by their uniform.

Any decision to utilise the service of an agent is entirely at the applicants discretion.

Most visa agencies in Thailand are unqualified and unregulated; they are mere form fillers. Unfortunately some are out and out con merchants who will make all sorts of false claims to trap the unwary.

If you do decide to use the services of an agent then it is best to use one who is on the OISC register of advisers.

Although, given the circumstances you described in your other thread, I see no reason why such a straightforward application should require the services of an agent at all; but it's your choice.

[ThaiVisaExpress]

As advised use a company with proven ability lets not forget you are paying for a total service not just the visa, we include taking her to Bangkok booking x ray and taking her to the hospital etc.And taking her to submit the application however as advised you can complete the application yourself or instruct a consultancy with a fee scale and which is regulated to give immigration advise.

If you require professional help feel free to contact me we have an office in Thailand and the UK.

[Irish]

What are the opinons on going through an agency for applying for a settlement visa. Are the costs worth it? Can it speed the process up? etc....

An agency won't be able to speed the process up at all, so don't go with one to try and speed it up. If you are able to read government forms and fill them in without too much help then you should be ok to do it on your own and save the x thousand baht they would charge. Look at the forms you have to fill in, make a list of things you are unsure of and post them here. Nearly everyone reading this forum will have filled them in before and you can get useful advice/help here.

If you do decide to go with an agency, make sure it's a legit one that is registered with the OISC and not one that costs you 50k baht and 100% guarantee's a visa when they can't guarantee a visa will always be granted.

I have a friend in the very same position at the moment in a dilemma as to whether to use an agency or not. He is getting married early next year and is taking his wife and then step-daughter back to the USA. As soon as he gets back to me with his specific questions I will post them on here and I would be grateful for any help for him.

[Thongkorn]

Do it yourself its not rocket Science, just take your time to fill in the forms , There are some guidance notes that come with the application vaf forms, I did it and i got it first time, its expensive to use an Agent just to fill your forms in ,They only use the information you give them , You will get a lot of good information off this site , Save your self £300/£400 , You can get your Ex ray done in one day, if you are not married you can put your affirmation to marry in then go get your Ex ray done in the same day , as for Marring you can just walk in off the street literally, 3 days to do the lot, Then submit your application that you would have pre booked on line .

Edited November 17, 2009 by Thongkorn

[cuddleypete]

I agree with Thongkorn i myself did it years ago by myself and the help of this forum ,Things have changed from then to now But you can do it yourself cheap just take time reading forms, and if not sure ask on this forum for help no matter how silly it might seem you should get the answer here ok. But i also agree with 7by7 if you want to use a agency use one who is on the OISC register of advisers.

Best of luck

[7by7]

Just like to point out that Irish is talking about a visa to the USA.

Irish, may I suggest that when/if you need to ask any questions that you start a new topic. I'm sure that members will be happy to help.

[Irish]

Okay thanks. Yes 7by7, I am asking for a friend from the USA. As it is the same as the OP's question on here I thought it might be better to piggyback this one but as soon as he gets back to me with his questions I will start a new thread.

Thanks again.