Hi all,we did it ourselves 136 visa,sometime's we wished we had used an angent if only have someone to contact...if you go alone...that's it.... your alone...there's good agents and bad one's out there...I'm sure you will know the bad one's very quickly...its upto you at the end of the day...we did find it easy to do with the info from web site's,but we had one or two problems which would have been nice to hand over to an agent to sort out...but thats in hind site..

Steve

The correct answer to your query is that if they apply and can demonstrate they meet the set criteria they will get a visa - quite simple really.

I've said this on BE before but... Plenty of people don't use an agent - they can be useful but don't be fooled into thinking a DIY application is something impossibly complex. It's not.

However each case is different - To clearly understand the pros and cons check this recent thread: http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=370058

Good luck!

We have gone through immigration process twice, first in 1997 and again this year both times we did ourselves. On both occasions we have been successful - getting our visas on Tuesday. I would say that as long as your work record and application is relatively normal I would try it yourself but also put in as much information as possible ie job description etc. My OH is a mechanic and after reading his description I think I could possibly do some of it as it has been broken down so much but he was advised to do this by someone who went with an agent. We didn't do that first time just got references from everywhere he had worked and as long as they match up application I am sure it will be ok.

Very difficult situation to be. As long as they are prepared to go over forms with fine tooth comb and check everything in triplicate I am sure they would be ok. It also depends on their finances Agents are a lot of money on top of your actual application charges.

Long winded but hope it helps good luck.
Sandra
x

Liam,

You can try and cut corners and do the whole thing yourself. Many people who have a relatively simple case do not use an agent and will trump on about how easy it was and do not waste your money using an agent.

In my opinion I would never advise anyone, even with a relatively easy case to go it alone. Why do people have this misconception that every Migration Agent is out to fleece them and they do not justify their costs?. Sure there are cheaper agents and dearer agents, a bit like everything else in life really but if you want to stand the very best chance of obtaining an Australian visa you must use an agent without question. People pay a professional pilot from an airline to fly them to Australia and do not ask them to justify their charges or professional ethics so why do some people ask this from a professional Migration Agent.

I wish you all the best with what ever you decide.

Tony

Having reread the original post, I have to say - if your friends have enough cash to pay the application fee just to see what results they get....... I wish I had that sort of money

I have to stick up for the agents here. They all vary in price and they all vary in expertise. I would pay my agent the same fee again, without a doubt.

Any hitches are sorted straight away. While this site is fabulous, I would alway recommend getting that expert opinion if you are not sure about something.

Minor things are fine, but you can't expect Alan and George etc to answer EVERY question you have for free, the do after all run a business