“UKGVS do appear to be legit. BUT After a real frustrating engagement with UKGVS (May 2022) I would not recommend using them for the application for a normal UK visitor’s visa.
It is not a question of content, but how the application process was managed on a mobile phone and the cost involved in the process.
Background: I needed to apply for two 2-year UK visitor’s visas. I had completed the UKGVS request form on their website – Had quick response from friendly person, who congratulates you for using UKGVS. Then quick referral to someone in UKGVS Support center. This person, also friendly, but with emphasis on getting you to agree/sign the TOU and quick finalization of upfront payment (in my case 780 GBP). Payment not towards the visa costs (as the two visas would cost 780 GBP), but that was not the case, as I was paying upfront for UKGVS service. (UKGVS “Terms of Use” = 10 pages, difficult to read while on a mobile, but lots of pressure on you to complete the above process).
An exuberant cost, at 300 GBP per hour for their service, including the completion of 2 basic forms, which in my case was not complete. Then there were delays and difficulty contacting the relevant persons. I had forwarded relevant documentation and receipt was acknowledged, but later more requests for documentation followed. Tried numerous calls to their contact no (as per website). I had also repeatedly inquired re the costs – only response after I cancelled application. There were communication issues on both sides.
In the end, after much frustration – I just had to cancel and requested a refund.
UKGVS response: They would not refund the 780 GBP (cost for their assistance and time ?) & referred me to their TOU. They then made an offer of paying a third of the amount, without informing me that this would later be followed by another email with a form that I had to sign, which would practically restrict me from writing any negative review (type of gag order).
Do yourself a favor. Read the Terms of Use “TOU” of UKGVS Then decide if you:
1. Want to provide UKGVS with the vast amount of personal information – under their terms of use in mentioned in paragraphs (TOU) dealing with Confidential Information, Communications, and Guarantee of Visa Acceptance (where they state that they can grant limited access to its websites and/or services to third party immigration and/or visa consultants or lawyers).
2. Whether you really want to pay an exuberant fee for the completion of a basic visa application form and one or two minor things (for a normal UK visitor’s visa application)”
“They are scam!! they just took my money and vanished since April! when I reviewed them two month ago they called me and just giving falls hope and promising will get back in a week!! still nothing happened and again no one is replying my emails!
I just want my money back at this point! I paid thousand euros to these con artists. don't trust them.
#UKGOV should really stop these people. they can maybe do small things through their contracted OISC legal advisor but nothing real except empty promises came out of them! they only reply empty words here to save their cover. GIVE ME BACK MY MONEY!!”
