Visa Agents

[VisasPlus]

Two years ago there was an excellent thread on the use of visa agents, particularly what questions a potential client should ask. It also questioned 'why use an agent'. Well as this topic has been referred to in a current question (visa to Australia) and as we are one of the sponsoring agencies I want to clear up a particular point - That of an agency being registered in the country for which the visa is being applied for.

In many cases it is is not feasable to be registered and to take the UK as an example. To apply and go through the extremely expensive (the cost have risen about 100% in the last two years) one needs to have an office in the UK. Not difficult and in fact we had one for eight years. However all our cases and work was conducted in Thailand, the office merely answered questions and forwarded enquries onto us, remember the actual applicant is usually Thai. They (the official bodies) would not accept documentation originating in Thailand. They also required PII (Professional Indemnity Insurance). My insurers (one of the largest PII in the UK) who I had been with for 20 years were polite but basically 'no way for cover in Thailand'. So we could not conform and the same applies to other countries. Finally would registration prove we were honest? I doubt it as several UK registered 'visa advisers' have lost their licenses with some now relaxing in HM establishments.

Using an agency is a personal choice and everyone is an expert, it is however getting more difficult as the world seems to build a new industry to support bureaucrats. In the end it comes down to trust, we have statements pasted on our walls about the truth, as many will know from my colleagues answers on the forum, we and he have a lot of experience (he worked for 'them' the UKBA for forty years, and he still has a sense of humour) The best advice has already been given on how to choose an agent if one wants one so I will close for now

Lloyd

[egdirb]

Interesting post Lloyd.

You no doubt have extensive knowledge and skill when it comes to UK visas.

I would however like to know what professional qualifications you have to provide Australian migration advice.

[Thongkorn]

Interesting post Lloyd.

You no doubt have extensive knowledge and skill when it comes to UK visas.

I would however like to know what professional qualifications you have to provide Australian migration advice.

you dont need any, but there are some it looks better if you have them , Like anything the more you do them the easyer it gets because you learn with experiance.

Edited February 29, 2012 by Thongkorn

[VisasPlus]

Interesting post Lloyd.

You no doubt have extensive knowledge and skill when it comes to UK visas.

I would however like to know what professional qualifications you have to provide Australian migration advice.

Hi, I did not say I personally have any professional qualifications for any country, do have some 11 years experience and some legal qualifications earned 50+ years ago but as Thonkorn states you don't need any. Experience is a good basis plus a lot of success stories.

[ThaiVisaExpress]

You don't have to hold registration if you are working as an off-shore agent .

No one here really cares about registration as long as you can demonstrate you have experience we process 100 plus applications per year.

[Mossfinn]

Experience, particularly at the 'coal face', qualification and registration. If you have one, I guess is OK, if you have the 'Four Horsemen', you are in the right ball park.

Don't ask the price, ask for the abilities and the four indicators above, then make your decision on appointing an advisor.