UK based visa application agency

One thing I would like to add. I'm pretty sure that most of us here when we first decided on the visa route were thinking of using an agency, it was only when I came across BF that I changed my mind, mainly due to the post Micawber did. I read that article over and over until it all began to make sense and more importantly my mind-set changed, I was then switched on to the visa process, I knew my enemy much better thanks to that excellent thread "How to apply for a Fiancee/Spouse visa"

I nearly went with marriagevisahelp that maharg used and pulled out at the last minute. It was solely because they wernt OISC accredited.mBut having heard Mahargs approval of them then you could equally use them.

Might be a silly question John but what does OISC stand for?

Another question John, were you a member here at BF when you applied for your Spouse visa?

If the answer is no then would you have used an agency having used this site?

If you don't ask questions you don't find things out

"The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) is an independent, non-departmental public body set up under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 and the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 give the Immigration Services Commissioner various powers including:

• refusing an adviser entry to the regulatory scheme
• deregulating a regulated adviser
• limiting or varying levels of work advisers may undertake
• laying a disciplinary charge against a regulated adviser
• applying for a Restraining Order or an injunction
• prosecuting for illegally providing immigration advice and/or services
• prosecuting for illegally advertising immigration advice and/or services
• entering an adviser's premises
• seizing an adviser's records.

The OISC does not provide immigration advice or recommend or endorse a specific adviser."


http://oisc.homeoffice.gov.uk/about_oisc/

After the explanation I can see why you had reservations about using them, I just looked at the site again and appears it is still not OISC registered.

The answer is no. And neither was I a member elsewhere at the time I instructed Visalogic.

The second answer is dont know.

I was worried about our application for 3 reasons:

1 The Isle of Man factor. I didnt know if it would be more difficult than applying from mainland UK
2 Our age gap ( which isnt outrageous ) but still a gap
3 Length of time between meeting and visa application.

My wifes friend used them because her fiancee, then, was away on rigs alot and they had a tricky anullment situation.

I arrived at a decision to use an Immigration Agency independently of any forum. I only discovered forums later. I rang around several Immigration Agencies and spoke to each at length, gaining free info along the way. I did find it difficult to decide which to choose. I narrowed it down by going with OISC approved agencies and there was one or two that wanted the fees in advance, so I ditched them off the list. The rest I based on dialogue that we had had and eventuallly settled on Visalogic.


To be honest they were not perfect as you dont get 24/7 contact but they tended to respond within a 24 hour period during the week, at the very least. If it was important enough then they would always talk on the phone. My impression was that they are professional, competent and knowledgeable. I know that the idea is that if you pay for their services then you should be able to leave it to them but do keep an eye on things as you go. I queried most things that they did and said.

Looking back the job they did was a good one. My one reservation is the extra expense.

Very interesting to hear your opinion John

Regarding the expense, an extra £800 or so is nothing in the grand scheme of things, especially if it gives you extra confidence.

I must admit though, I expected you to say that you wouldn't have used an agency if you'd have been a member at BF for a while.

Thanks so much for all your input. I've been reading more and have managed to find something that puts me off every single agency/lawyer I've found so far. John and Maharg - do you know how long it took for them to get things all together and get the application submitted? I know that solicitors generally are notoriously slow and frustrating.

I appreciate what you say about doing it ourselves and part of me wants to, but I'm just too worried about missing something vital out and messing up the whole thing - especially when I read someone's application was over an inch thick!!! I can't find a simple step by step tick off list - you know like a very baby way of doing it. Without that I just won't feel confident, and even then I'm not sure. I just would rather pay the extra and have a professional involved who really knows it all inside out - trouble is I don't know how I'll find one I trust enough

I think you have made the right decision Lisa.

Regarding how long it will take, it will depend how quickly you can amass all the documents that are required for the visa, the agency will give you advise and probably fill the form in for you but its you who will have to chase round for all the documents required.

I will put together a list of documents you will need and post it later, it will come in handy for future postings

Edit: In fact I will let the agency advise you what documents to submit, better that way.

Is there a list anywhere already? I'll be checking everything they do anyway lol. Anyone ever heard anything about this guy? -http://www.healys.com/site/people/profile/ivon.sampson

The pdf below is a guide to the supporting documents that are required;

Thank you, but that doesn't include all the personal stuff? Proof of our relationship I mean.

And do we need all his financial info as well as mine?

Something worth saying is this. Not long after i instructed Visalogic to commence work I started to use a forum too. Just coincidence and unplanned. What I came across was conflicting advice. It actually made me more unceratin. Who was right and who was wrong. Two things convinced me to stick with the immigration agency.

Firstly the case worker that I used seemed have such a vast array of knowledge of the process. It became obvious that the expertise was far reaching. I thought, I am paying for this professional advice so I should stick with it. So despite the disparity in advice I stuck with the agency.

I recall asking a point about birthday / christmas cards. Many on the forum had said to have them put in as part of the application to demonstrate our relationship was ongoing. Or a photo of the inside of one signed by me to the Mrs. Visalogic said do not bother as it "would add no weight to the application". I quote the words. She knew exactly what would and what wouldnt be of use in our case. So I went with what she said.

I had expressed dismay at having to get my passport pages photocopied with authentication. They said. Dont worry, you can submit your birth certificate instead plus an un authenticated photocopy of the passport. I did what she said. She knew every minute step along the way.

No. The focus is on the sponsors income.

Everything is in that document, its vague that's the problem.

Let the agency advise you.

That's interesting John. I read somewhere here that you weren't very happy with them though? I think it was at the very start of your application?

I think it was about them not replying to emails and not keeping you up to date and stuff. Did you find them slow or did they work fast?

Just found this which is quite reassuring - http://www.reviewcentre.com/Passport-and-Visa-Services/VisaLogic-www-visalogic-net-reviews_1423734