UK based visa application agency

No. We simply checked it. They filled the application form out. Sent us a draft copy and we checked it.

Yes. They made the booking.

And compiled our case.

Thats the real difficulty. Who to go to.

It really is hard. I just want to be sure that whoever does it does a good job.

I was in your shoes 3 years ago.

Did you dip your toe into the water today and contact any agencies that look promising?

Yes, I've spoken to a couple. I asked JPS about their property inspection thing (them saying it has to be done by an approved person) - they said that is correct, and if one got passed without it must have slipped through the net. Then I asked Visa Logic about it and they said that I might not even need it - that it depends how many people live in my house, and if I do need it then usually the local authority will do it for me.

So two rather different opinions. Agh help how do I know who to trust :/

Interesting feedback which already shows us that there are differences in the agencies. All I can say about the property inspection is that myself and JA didn't submit one, most recently myself less than two months ago. I submitted the following;

1. Tenancy agreement showing that there was more than 6 months to run on it.
2. Letter from estate agency saying a second person would be allowed to move into the property
3. Council tax bill plus utility bills
4. I included the information from the estate agency that was on the internet when I rented the property. This included a floor plan and pictures of the interior.

I do not think I was lucky and it slipped through the net, I gave them exactly what they asked for

I'd agree with the visa logic response. I never produced one even though my local council did it gratis at the time. There was only me living in a 3 bed house at the time. I just sent title deeds with my application, which is available online for a minimal fee

I'll chuck JPS out the pot then. Anyone heard of www.visabureau.com?

I agree.

I believe there are people out there scamming off the back of the property survey thing.

All the UKBA want to know is if the property is big enough for the two of you and if there are children involved then big enough for them too and that you either own the property or rent it and have permission from the landlord to stay.

They just dont want people out on the streets that they might be forced to support financially.

So now I've replied to an email from the Visa Logic guy. I got an automated reply saying he's away til Monday (which he told me) and I should email Carl, so I emailed Carl and I got an automated reply saying he's away until the 11th of August and I should email Shazmeen, so I emailed her and got an automated reply saying she's away until the 28th of July and I should email Carl. Don't feel very confident anymore

Not very organised then are they, never mind there is always us chaps here to fall back on if you decide to do the visa yourself, we wont let you down

My better half thinks we should do it ourselves Timmers. I just don't feel confident at all though - I know it will be a huge headache and I'll get stuck every step of the way lol.

Why don't you try us? Work your way through the application, as soon as you are stuck just post here and we will sort it between us.

There is a lovely lady called @Anne who has recently started to post here, she has just submitted her application, I'm sure she will help too.

You have nothing to lose but saving yourself £800

But we do have something to lose because if we get something wrong it will get denied. I've just read more stuff about Visa Logic and there are lots of good things said about them around. The thing is they really know exactly what the home office need, and our case is a bit complex, and they will even liase with them if needed. I think I'll get way too stressed out doing it myself - and it will take much longer too, and if it fails I'll never forgive myself.

Can you give us a clue on the case complexity, Lisa?

It has often been said that if ones case is complex then it is then that you should consider a good agency.

It's about the finances, John. I'll pm you and anyone else who wants to know, if that's ok :/

Ok

Ohhhhh i see. And that is 3 yrs ago. Hehehehhee.... well since you already know stuff from agency and stuff if you do it on your own. What do you prefer and suggest to us newbee doing the application on our own? Or with this Visalogic??...