Fairly straightforward from the title. I understand this is obviously a personal question and everyone likely has a different answer. But I basically would like to know if the documentation and compiling of things is difficult on its own without an agent from anyone who has gone that route. On the other side if anyone has used an agent and found them to be particularly helpful. From the looks of it an agent is likely to cost $800-$1000 more depending on where you go. Regarding my relationship we have been together over a year, living together much of that time. We both work, no criminal history, and are the same age if that helps at all.

Just looking for some insight, I know I cannot expect a concrete answer. Thanks.

Curious here. If you're both here in Thailand and you've been here over a year, why not skip the K1 route, get married here, and file for an IR-1 wive visa. You appear to be eligible to file for filing via the DCF route, Direct Consular Filing, with the local USCIS office on Wireless Road.

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/iv_overview_howtoapply.html

2( Petitions filed with the USCIS Bangkok Field Office: Once the IV unit receives the case, our staff will contact the applicant with the IV Packet 3 (Pre-Interview) Instructions. Please read the instructions carefully and submit all documents to U.S. Embassy Bangkok’s Immigrant Visas unit. Once the Packet 3 documents are received and the case is determined to be documentarily ready, the IV unit will schedule the applicant’s immigrant visa interview. The applicant will be informed via email through the Packet 4 Appointment Packet which provides further guidance on additional required documents including the medical examination. Generally, interviews are scheduled within 60 days of receipt of the Packet 3 information, and applicants should refrain from contacting the IV unit to inquire about an interview appointment until 60 days have elapsed from the time the Packet 3 documents were submitted.

We did all our own paper work for K1 to the US.

If your situation is not complicated, save money and time by doing it your self.

Look up the web site "visa journey", lots of free and very useful help.

I used an "agent" basically he sent me the correct blank forms. I filled them out, Got everything together. He collected a fee. I have helped other people using visa journeys site. When I did it I used their sample forms, which were fill-able forms by the way. Removed the sample information and put in the real info. The only problem I had was that 1 guys wife had left and he divorced her by placing an ad in the paper saying she could not be found. We submitted proof of the ad and other proofs a couple of times. It turned out they only wanted a statement that she could not be found. No proofs please.

Good luck. I'm sure you will find its not very hard to do by yourself.