26/11/2025
Why You Should Apply for Your Visa Yourself — Not Through an Agent
A lot of people have come up to complain that TMT Travels and other visa agents sc@mmed them a lot of money for visas. My take on this matter is that embassies do not refund visa fees after application irrespective of whether it is successful or not. If the fees charged by these agents were little, I would understand that they probably lost it on visa fees to embassies. But these agent charge as much as 4m to 10m for visas that is not up to 500k. This is the reason I always advise people to apply for visas themselves. It’s easy!
I know it is tempting to hire a visa agent to “make things easier.” But in reality, applying for your visa yourself is almost always the safer, cheaper, and more reliable option.
Here’s why:
1. Most visa applications are straightforward
Embassy and consulate websites provide clear, step-by-step instructions. If you can follow a checklist, you can complete the application on your own. Many people eventually find out how simple the process actually is once they look at the official requirements.
2. You avoid unnecessary fees;
Visa agents often charge high service fees—sometimes even more than the visa itself. Why do people actually pay 8m for a visit visa to Canada when in reality it doesn’t cost up to 300k. Doing the application yourself saves money that could be better used for your trip.
3. You stay in full control of your documents;
Giving your passport and personal information (financial details, employment records, etc.) to an agent adds risk. Applying directly with the embassy keeps your data secure and in your hands at all times. I have seen stories where people couldn’t get their passport back from agents after 2 years of apply for visas.
4. Agents cannot guarantee approval;
Only embassies and consulates make visa decisions; no agent has special influence or shortcuts. When an agent promises “guaranteed” approval, it’s a red flag. I laugh when some agents deceive people that they have connections in embassies, lies😁. Completing the forms honestly and accurately yourself is equally—if not more—effective.
5. Official sources are always more reliable;
Embassies provide the most accurate, up-to-date information. Agents may rely on outdated templates or guesswork, which can lead to mistakes, delays, or even rejection. I have seen people get 5 years visa ban because agents used forged documents. When you apply on your own, you’re following the exact instructions from the authority issuing the visa.
6. It builds confidence for future travels;
Once you apply for one visa, you’ll see how manageable the process is. You gain skills and knowledge that make future applications even easier. Many seasoned travelers do all their own paperwork. Personally I have applied for several visas myself and also guided people on how to apply just by simple watching YouTube videos and going through relevant websites via google.
Bottom Line
You don’t need a middleman to get a visa. With a bit of time and attention, you can complete the application yourself, save money, avoid unnecessary risks, and ensure the information submitted is accurate and secure. Always rely on official embassy guidelines—and trust yourself to handle the process.
