Great dream, DO IT!In my book (How to make your dream of living in another country a reality) I explained in details how to be successful in any visa application with or without a registered immigration agent. Here’s an extract from Chapter seven which will help answer your question:.......Visa application – the real dealWhen it comes to visa acquisition, the magic formula is to make sure your application is as strong as it can absolutely be.Getting a visa today to live and pursue your dream in a desired country is one of the best feelings in the world. It is an opportunity of a lifetime. I view the whole visa application venture as an investment. As aforementioned, it involves non-refundable fees and related expenses. It takes a lot of time and energy to gather the required documentation, fill out the application form and eventually submit. It also involves heaps of emotions since our travel dream is largely dependent on the ultimate outcome. This is why I always approach every visa application with all seriousness. Apart from one visitor visa that I was denied some time ago when I was an undergraduate student, all my other subsequent visa applications (student, work and residency visas) were approved. Six successes in total. Yay!Here are the keys to all my visa application successes:· As soon as I decide to apply for a visa, I make a written timetable and start organising supporting documents well in advance: Some of the RIGHT documents take weeks and even months to gather. I never rush!· Always save and have adequate funds to pay for the non-refundable adjudicating visa application. I hate losing to the immigration officials with no favourable results. Once bitten, twice shy!· I choose my application assistants carefully. Even though I principally complete the entire application form on my own, I never hesitate to seek help from trusted family members (such as my wife) and friends (those I know have been successful with the same visa type I am pursuing) if necessary. When I am unsure of anything, I contact the immigration department directly through emails or call their direct line. Sometimes, I will have to hold the call for over 45 minutes, but the officers are able to point me in the right direction.· Since I take full responsibility of the whole application process I ensure I read all available guidelines and information provided by the country’s official immigration website. The good news is that each application form has an accompanying guide, which is available for free on the official immigration websites. I carefully read the guide before attempting to complete any visa application form. I go over them multiple times so I don’t miss or misinterpret anything.· It is advisable to always check the credibility of any immigration consultant you select. To ensure you receive professional, honest and reliable advice, ensure you stick to the recommendation to always engage a licensed immigration adviser, registered immigration law specialist or designated government agency to assist you with your visa application. People often ask me if they should hire an immigration adviser. I have heard success stories from people I know who used their service. It is important to note that applying for a visa is very personalised and circumstance based. In the worst-case scenario, assuming due to my circumstances, I need personalised immigration help from a consultant, I will choose them carefully. Nowadays, there are many consultants and travel agents who claim they can answer all the technical questions and help you with your visa application to varying degrees. Beware of the scammers out there!· I complete the application forms with all the attention they deserve and supply all the right requirements. Accuracy and consistency is very important to me! I avoid incomplete or vague information. I just follow the instructions in the application guide, complete the application form and submit it on my own.· I arrange the documents in the specified order. I aim to make the immigration officer’s job of reviewing and reading through my application pack as easy and simple as possible.· I stay away from pitfalls such as providing false or fraudulent information. I am very aware that the authenticity of all the information and documents I supply will be verified. I am reminded that, if I’m banned or blacklisted, it could have a negative effect on my future visa applications. I move away from being in a fool’s paradise by believing the immigration officials will be lenient or understanding if I make mistakes or errors. It is my notion that these immigration officers will decline or fail my application based on my own errors............................................I wish you great success in your journeyCheers.LouisAuthor, How to make your dream of living in another country a reality