Son of Metaphoid. Picking my words very carefully, I personally would not use a visa agent again. Yes, I was unhappy with a previous encounter with an agent. I feel fairly confident that most people are bright enough to pick their way through the requirements of a basic visa application. There is also enough information on this website to assist in making a straightforward application.

Thats my opinion, others may disagree, and it is possible agents may be of some value in providing advice on more complicated applications.

There is nothing basic about a spouse visa at all.

Also if money is not an issue it is a great time saver.

Thanks for that Frank. I am inclined to agree with you.

There are a few registered agaents (with DIAC ) with offices here in Syd and Melb. and also in BKK etc.

Maybe of use with the more difficult visas that require translations etc...more research necessary I think.

Rizenkroft, the application for a spouse visa may be lengthy, but it is in plain English, and unless there is a plan to deceive, I am sure it is within the capabilities of most people. I am also sure that there are many visa agents who will tell you how complicated it is, and how much you need their expert services to get you through the minefield. Don't forget, it is actually you that will be doing most of the legwork in providing and formatting the information. Well, I am equally sure that the promises of no visa-no fee, or "if we don't get your visa we don't want your money" (they have been paid up front of course) are based on the fact that getting your money back is a slim chance (Challenge me, please, I would love to be proven wrong).

I had a previous Thai partner, and managed to get a spouse visa for her unaided, along with some 8 or so Visit visas for my current wife and previous partner. It's not rocket science. The forms are designed for the average Joe Blow, and not for the legal profession. I only started this post to see if anyone had come across my current unusual circumstances, which include having a Thai partner some five years ago. Certain things are not on the government information pages, and it is forums like this that can often provide the answers.

If you decide to go with an agent, good luck, but it is worth reading the veiled warnings that DIAC have made about the use of agents.

Son of Metaphoid, if you get anything translated into English for a visa application, to the best of my knowledge, it has to be done by an approved government translator (Have you seen those border protection tv programs, where they get a foreign speaking translator on the phone to conduct the interview?) DIAC provide a list of approved NAATI (I think that is the abbbreviation - from memory) translators. There is no involvement of a visa agent in getting documents translated, at least if you want DIAC to accept the translation.