@George *****

No, London. Different consulates apply rules with varying degrees of severity. It's worth sussing out which ones are the 'easiest'

I had the same problem when I applied for a METV a while back. They said that statements from savings accounts were not valid. I got round it by transferring the required amount into my current account for a few months so it showed both transactions and overall balance.

@Marc *******

And what do you do with your life that makes you superior to me?

@Bobby *******

Do you get off on being patronising to women? 'Poor Jane is confused'. Yes, my 'real visa' has been inspected several times because I've left the country several times. And I asked immigration about the agent because I wanted to check they were legit. Seriously, what is wrong with you?

@Bobby *******

it’s not 65K, where did you get that figure from? (More misinformation). Someone (like me) pays because they can more than afford it and they have a life. I don’t want to spend even half a day in immigration if I can pay to avoid it. My visa is no more bogus than yours. It’s been inspected by immigration several times - I even asked immigration about the agent I used! Stop saying bs like ‘common knowledge’ and provide evidence if you have allegations to make. I’m not upset. I just find the way you and people like Tod peddle this stuff disingenuous. And I wonder what your motives for doing so are.

@Marc *******

EXACTLY!!!

@Bobby *******

because THEY CAN AFFORD IT.

@Marc *******

well it does to me. Less than $100 a month for a leave to stay for a year? Hell yeah. That’s the issue. Some people posting think that’s an outrageous amount of money, others (inc me) often spend that for a 3 night stay in a hotel

@Bobby *******

they are not necessarily ‘bogus extensions’ by ‘bribes’. I really suggest you research what you’re talking about prior to posting ( preferably by talking to immigration officials as I have rather than other ‘expats’ with a lot of time on their hands). No one is disputing there are ‘rogue’ agents out there but there is nothing that prevents you, for eg, applying for a visa in district where you don’t permanently live. It’s NOT hard to get out of ‘agent cycle’. If you choose to apply for, for eg, a retirement visa in your home country after using an agent, there is zero problem as long as you fulfil the requirements (like anyone else). Stop spreading misinformation

@Tod ********

I don't need your prayers. I'm very happy with (and confident about) the decision I've made and I also to live with the consequences. I find your attitude patronising ('until you leave the glorious "Land 'O Thailz'.) I've travelled to, and lived in, over 70 countries, so I (I'm guessing) I have a lot more 'world experience' than you. I don't have a 'a paper pusher', I have a legit agency, and I've even spoken to immigration about it/them. I don't like the way you bully and 'scare monger' about this, and wonder what your motives are beyond 'I don't anyone to be take for a ride'. Happy to leave it at that.