What Kind Of People Use Visa Agenrts

[ukexile]

I wonder who uses this plethora of visa agents, set up around the country, to get a setllement visa for their partner?

It takes perhaps two days to put together an application on one's own. Meeting an agent, providing the necessary information and supplying the requested documents alone would take at least a day.

So, who are these people that pass over 1000s (how many is it??) of baht for this 'assistance'?

My own thoughts are that they are the very green, the newbies who wash up on Thailand's fair shores and meet the person of their dreams, quick smart. Or, perhaps they are Gentlemen who go down the mail order / Internet romance date who, lets face it, aren't usually the sharpest tools in the shed.

Then there are the 2 weeks in Pattaya sex tourists who fall in love and fancy getting little Noi back to the UK as quick as possible.

All likely overly worried about the complexities of such a process and, perhaps, having heard to many net scare stories, part with their money.

I ask this in all seriousness, I have never met anyone who didnt fall into the above catagories who actually paid for this service.

And, what qualifies these people? Are they ex-taxi drivers? Long term ex-pats? Surely there are agencies staffed by ex UKBA staff? And if so, why would these staff charge for what is, a rather simpe task?

Personally, I can understand why someone would employ an agency, in particular a trained ex-immigration office for a diffiucult case. But for a spouse or visit visa? Why??

Edited October 9, 2011 by ukexile

[knortyboy]

Sounds to me like you have some kind of gripe with these visa agents.

Did you give them money to get a visa for someone you know and for whatever reason didn't get it?

I've never used one and I'm sure there are some bad ones out there as well as some excellent ones, but if someone wants to use an agent, pays their money then that's up to them.

[malct]

It took me 5 weeks to put our application together and i needed the help from the forum members to guide me in the right direction.

some people don't have the time to put a application together and need the help of a agency.

Malc

[cardholder]

If I have an electrical fault at home I call out an electrician - because I know bugger all about electrics.

There are people who who know bugger all about the visa process and/or have an aversion to forms/dealing with authority. For them, paying for the services of an agent is often the best way to go.

In short - someone will use an agent if they don't want to do/can't do the paperwork themselves.

[ukexile]

Did you give them money to get a visa for someone you know and for whatever reason didn't get it?

No, as the post suggests I have no idea why anyone would use an agent. Do you know why?

[ukexile]

I'm sure there are some bad ones out there

Bad in what sense?

as well as some excellent ones,

Excellent in what sense?

but if someone wants to use an agent, pays their money then that's up to them.

I agree completely. Though why would someone use an agent?

Your post offers no explanation, rather, it just raises questions.

[ukexile]

It took me 5 weeks to put our application together and i needed the help from the forum members to guide me in the right direction.

five weeks ????!!!??? Mine took two days and perhaps eight mates have done it in the same or less, perhaps a little more. How on earth did yours take 5 weeks? What were the factors for such a massive amount of time?

some people don't have the time to put a application together and need the help of a agency.

As I said:

Personally, I can understand why someone would employ an agency, in particular a trained ex-immigration office for a diffiucult case

Your application was obviously a very difficult one. Can you offer a little insight as to why it was fraught with such difficulty?

[ukexile]

If I have an electrical fault at home I call out an electrician - because I know bugger all about electrics.

But you are comparing apples and oranges.

If I have to fill out a form for the council, I dont call out a civil servant. Its a simple application form and a case of printing out supporting data and writing a letter. Why do you think that requires a specialist skill?

[ukexile]

There are people who who know bugger all about the visa process

Thats why they provide accompanying guidelines - all very simple. What do you need to know about the visa process?

[ukexile]

In short - someone will use an agent if they don't want to do/can't do the paperwork themselves.

Fill out the form? Surely sending the supporting docs to the agent is the same as sending it to the processing cenre? Where's the advantage?

:jap:

[ukexile]

exuse the multiposts please.

[marksm]

Hand bags out hey? i wont use agents because i havent got the money and am not lazy . i use these forum and my friends who have been there done it to help but everyone wants to do the same thing .be with there t/g /misses if i had the money id be f@@k lazy too .if it takes you 2 days or 2 months does it matter ? everyone different get a grip mate its not a big deal

[ukexile]

]Hand bags out hey?

Not at all. There is no need for hostility. Just opinion so people can make up their own mind.

if it takes you 2 days or 2 months does it matter ?

That is nonsensical. Of course it matters.....If it took 2 months to compile an application then I'd pay an agent top dollar to do it for me. Because it matters that I'd have to spend 2 months on it. However, it doesn't.

everyone different get a grip mate its not a big deal

A grip? You mean by not posting and offering an opinion?

No, of course its not a bog deal. What on a discussion chat room is?

[ukexile]

• but everyone wants to do the same thing .be with there t/g /misses

Yes, obiviously. So you feel that agents are good for the extremely lazy (I'd disagree) or the rich?

[ukexile]

The following post on another thread got me thinking about all this.

September 2011

• 1 X Australian Tourist Visa
• 3 X UK Tourist Visa
• 1 X Schengen
• 1 X UK Settlement visa
• 1 X Irish Visa
• 2 EEA Family permits

A list of successful applications made through our Thai office in September 2011. Still awaiting two settlement visas these will go into Octobers figures plus various other applications of which 3 have come back today all the visas have been issued.

Whilst the above is clearly business promotion, the author outlines successes yet offer up no reason as to why another should opt for this service or offer any tangible benefit.

What is the benefit of your service or the services of any of the scores of similar set ups from Chang Mai to NST???

Edited October 10, 2011 by 7by7
Font changed to normal. Posting all in bold is poor nettiquette, see forum rules.

[MAJIC]

I'm sure there are some bad ones out there

Bad in what sense?

as well as some excellent ones,

Excellent in what sense?

but if someone wants to use an agent, pays their money then that's up to them.

I agree completely. Though why would someone use an agent?

Your post offers no explanation, rather, it just raises questions.

Well I will try to explain some of the reasons,some people are not good at writing and spelling,and reading intricate paperwork.

And there are those that become overwhelmed with paperwork, and some will be scared stiff of making a mistake and having it rejected.

And others do not have the time.Some prefer to pay Agents while they work some overtime to pay the fees,and even more have more money than sense!

Personally I have stated before on Tv on another thread ,that I would never pay an Agent to do what most of us are capable of. The worst part of it is: when you walk into a Agents Office,they know nothing about you,or your circumstances,or even your name,you have to physically sit there while you are asked the questions necessary to fill out the application,

shouldn't the alarm bells start ringing at this stage? and then you have to provide all the documents to add to your application,Utility Bills,Birth Certicates,Telephone Bills,yours and the GFs Bank Statements,translations etc etc,the list is large. The Border Agency Website tells you that employing Agents to deal with the application, carries no more advantage of success than if you had done it yourself (or words to that effect)

Fact of the matter is even though i'm sure Agencys do a very good proffessional job,in obtaining the necessary Visa,at the end of the day it's a business,for them, and they need you more than you need the Agency.In short personal choice. UP2U.

Edited October 9, 2011 by MAJIC

[potter09]

There's nothing wrong in asking what type of people seek assistance from visa agents. However, it is unfortunate that a seemingly cogent question has been marred by OP's apparent desire to cast aspersions on both agents and their clients. Whether an agent was an 'ex-taxi driver' or not, does not matter as long as they provide an efficient and professional service to their clients. The needs and competencies of people are variable and as reiterated by others, finally it is upto the person concerned to turn to an agent. What may be simple and straightforward to the OP & others, may not be so easy for another; let's not cast aspersions on those who are not able to or not confident enough to deal with visa applications themselves despite the detailed guidance etc provided by the UKBA. As far as I am aware, there are no formal qualifications or training requirements that one needs to satisfy to become a 'visa agent' in Thailand. I think, free constructive advice offered on this forum by several posters is as good as(or may be even better than) those who advice/help for a fee. Perhaps, the OP could join others in offering such constructive advice to those who need and specifically request on this forum.( It is also a fact that there are some UK registered immigration advisors who also operate in Thailand.)

Edited October 9, 2011 by potter09

[MaxOz]

Ukexile,

You are a first class troll, and I would even go so far as saying your a total c*nt too.

[Wallaby]

I must agree with Maxoz but will respond anyway.

I use/used an agent, I work fulltime in another country and have no desire to be bogged down with the paperwork. My girl got a passport but didn't understand why she then needed a visa. Her english isn't of the highest standard and it would drive me crazy explaining everything she needed to get a visa when I don't actually know what/why things are needed. I don't have a lot of money but I can assure it it was money well spent. Visa was no problem and I had no stress.

My agent was very well worth it. If you don't think an agent is worth it then don't use one. Up to you. Simple really.

[Turboadam]

Ukexile,

You are a first class troll, and I would even go so far as saying your a total c*nt too.

Agreed, I used an agent because originally, I thought - "do it myself, seems easy enough, answer the Q's, fill in the form". - Tourist Visa REFUSED!

I thought, what the hell, I just wanted a genuine TV for my TGF, she was to be going home at the end of it, I was going to support her, what was the issue?

So, got an agent and discovered the truth about the Australian visa system.

Answer:. the form to fill out does not extract (from the applicant) a full and complete satisfactory application that is likely to succeed.

Until you understand what the decision maker bases their decision on, you are not going to get the visa approved.

So OP, you are obviously a whole lot smarter and know stuff in your head already that a large % of the public don't. Cheers to you.

[Misterwolf]

Personally dont see the need of an agent who generally charge way over the odds and insinuate they are connected and will guarantee the visa.

Total crap and playing on peoples insecurities.

there is no doubt some people may require their services and these would generally fall into either the illiterate, professional with not much time or just plain ignorant and scared into believing they need an agent.

IMO if their rates dropped to a reasonable amount i may use them but at 30000baht for a TV for oz which takes max 1 hour to fill in they have no hope of getting my hard earned.

Keep in mind, an agent can only fill in the application and submit forms that either you or your TGF provide.

Their rates are exorbitant for basically being form fillers and couriers.

[MaxOz]

Personally dont see the need of an agent who generally charge way over the odds and insinuate they are connected and will guarantee the visa.

Total crap and playing on peoples insecurities.

there is no doubt some people may require their services and these would generally fall into either the illiterate, professional with not much time or just plain ignorant and scared into believing they need an agent.

IMO if their rates dropped to a reasonable amount i may use them but at 30000baht for a TV for oz which takes max 1 hour to fill in they have no hope of getting my hard earned.

Keep in mind, an agent can only fill in the application and submit forms that either you or your TGF provide.

Their rates are exorbitant for basically being form fillers and couriers.

Hehe I read over your post Misterwold. You are the classic example of someone who needs an agent because you take in what you want to only and disregard the facts.... your de facto application is doomed from what I have read 555555

[Turboadam]

LOL, to the naysayers - agreed that there are many sharks out there. But a genuine agent is employed not just to fill out the forms (yes, anyone can do that) but for What they know.

My agent has been worth his weight in gold simply for the knowledge he has learned over many years of doing this stuff and used to prepare our case - stuff I would not have though of in a million years. I am employed as a technical writer in the mining industry, so am not exactly illiterate either.

[7by7]

ukexile, you seem to have started this topic simply because I deleted some defamatory remarks you made about people who choose to use agents in another topic.

You claim that the process is easy and that anyone can find out what they need to know by reading the appropriate government guidance.

Yet you recently posted a question about applying for British citizenship, so one has to wonder why you felt the need to ask for advice and did not read the appropriate government guidance instead!

There are good agents, and there are bad ones. See Visa Agents Read this before using one. Caveat emptor.

Your motives for starting this topic are highly suspect, so I am closing it. Do not attempt to open a similar one.

NB, the agents who advertise on this forum, especially Bridge, DirectorIntegrityLegal, ThaiVisaExpress and VisaPlus, are very generous with their time in offering free advice to members via this forum.