I am in the UK, and have a friend who would like to visit me from the Philippines. I thought this would be easy until I have now read about how hard it is to get a Visit Visa. As we haven't met yet I assume this is the only Visa he can apply for? Can anyone advise on how we would have the best chance of getting it approved? I know there are agencies over there but I assume some of these would not be safe to use? So is it better for him to do a personal application?

Thanks in advance.