I was just wondering if any of you are doing your own applications?
most people seem to use an agent but I'm not.
What are the benefits of using an agent other than to check your forms?

We did our own application and so far so good. Had medical requests and police checks requested without any further information being asked for.

I think it comes down to whether your case is a "simple" one or one which you will need professional guidance from an agent for and also how confident you are in your own abilities to provide the information needed.

HI Kapri

We used an agent as both my husband and I work and juggle our 3 boys - it was primarily the time factor - we didn't have any!! Using the 'Visa Bureau' allowed us to be shown which forms are required and how to compile our documentation. Also our caseworker Athena will check all forms to ensure they are correct before sending off. I guess they have the experience to know how and what the relevant authorities require.

Hope this helps

Lia

Thanks Guys. I've just seen anothere thread on this which has answered my questions. Mine seems fairly simple so I'm going to do it myself.

We did it ourselves and had no problems. As long as you have a simple skills assessment and read everything carefully it will be fine.

yep i agree with above. we havent used an agent and so far so good, had meds requested end of jan, with no other info needed, so just waiting now.
good luck

We also did it ourselves... if you get stuck on anything you can always find the answer by posting here..Maybe someone who has some spare time should write a step by step guide..

Cheers

We too did it ourselves - even though it wasn't a straight forward application, and with a fear of forms (dyslexic) However, we did it and its been okay...so far. Just waiting for a visa now..........COME ON!!!

Good luck though - you will get lots of help if you get stuck!

We've done ours ourselves Straight forward application.

Well actually we didn't do it ourselves, we did it with A LOT of help from the lovely people on here and the odd agent answered some questions on here for us too

Quite right, this website and the advice from both the agents and those who have already been through the process was absolutely invaluable!!

Congrats to all of you who have done it yourselves! I wouldn't have the confidence to even attempt it! Hats off to you. This forum has kept me sane ... so far!!!

Are you sure!

Ive used an agent purely cos i'm bloody lazy

We did the skills assessment (Engineers Australia) and the visa ourselves. Our case was very straight forward with no major complications. I just spent a lot of time reading forums (mostly this one) until I felt comfortable with everything that I was doing.

We applied June 16th and were granted the visa December 2. So it can be done as long as you're prepared for lots of reading

We have done it without one, and after reading through many discussion boards on here, I think its something you should if you have a relatively simple application, and know that you are the kind of person that reads things thoroughly before jumping in with both feet.

We have found the process really simple, but everybody's circumstances are different.

Best of luck
Denise
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