Andy, The answer, as always, is 'it all depends'.
The OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) has a responsibility for the regulation of Immigration Advisers.
They make sure that the advisor is a fit and competent professional who can act in your best interests.
Do make sure the advisor you choose is a member and is experienced. Try to find one by the recommendation of others.
Also do be sure that whoever you take on has experience with similar application cases to yours.
There's a lot of people out there just waiting for your money. There are no short cuts or guarantees for a visa
Don't be taken in by claims of success rates. This is meaningless.
Always remember they cannot do all the work for you, they cannot collect all the documented evidence. You still need to do that yourself.
All they can do is ask you to supply information and the UKBA required documentation.
Anyways:-
OISC Immigration Advisors
Their main webpage is http://www.oisc.gov.uk
My suggested top 10 short list of possibilities:-
MediVisas 020 7953 3090 http://www.medivisas.com
White Rose Visas 0800 8600851 / 0114 2096247 http://www.whiterosevisas.co.uk
Talbots Solicitors 0800 118 1500 (FREEphone) http://www.talbotssolicitors.co.uk/
Immigration Visa Services - UK 0121 689 9721 http://www.ivs-uk.com
Visa Direct 0208 871 0816 http://www.visa-direct.co.uk
DJ Webb & Co. 020 7480 5999 http://www.webbimmigration.com/
Leslie & Co Solicitors 020-8577-5491 / 020-8572-7252 http://www.leslieandcosolicitors.co.uk/immigration
Danielle Cohen 020 7267 4133 http://www.daniellecohenimmigration.com
WM Immigration Limited 079 1269 4824 http://www.wmimmigration.com
Visa Direct 0208 871 0816 http://www.visa-direct.co.uk
If you want me to recommend someone let me know I'll send PM
Yep this is spot-on.
The thing is that you do not want to forget or miss anything. You don't want to cut any corners, you want to be sure all requirements are done and dusted, all supporting documents included.
In short be fully compliant.
Most people do it themselves and very successfully too.
But, if you can't give the time and attention needed, if you feel there are some weaknesses or complications that pull down your self-confidence, then get some help.
There's more than enough here on the forum, but if you've got the budget get some professional assistance.
You can always double check your advisor's advice here![]()