Honestly it just depends on how much the service is. If you feel uncomfortable, you just voice it. Every agent is going to have a different process. You just need to make sure that the Soft Power documents are legitimate and that you are happy with the school you will be applying with. I would focus on that part the most.
SMART Visa comes with an "electronic work permit." So it makes sense how he was able to get covered to come back in. Basically the future of work visas, hopefully.
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