Using someone to handle a process.
WHY PEOPLE USE THEM
Familiarity with the process Time saved Access to offices
WHAT LEGITIMATE AGENTS PROVIDE
Correct preparation of documents Knowledge of current requirements Follow-up
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Who they actually are Whether they are accredited, where accreditation exists What exactly they will do What it costs, in total
WHAT TO BE CAUTIOUS OF
Promises of expedited outcomes Requests for payment into personal accounts Reluctance to provide references or receipts Claims of connections inside an agency
WHY THAT LAST ONE MATTERS
It suggests irregular routes, and the resulting documents may not verify.
WHAT TO INSIST ON
Official payment references in your own name Copies of everything submitted The credentials issued directly to you
WHY IN YOUR OWN NAME
Registrations made in an agent's name create ownership problems.
WHAT EXAMPLE LOOKS LIKE
A domain, registration or account controlled by the agent.
WHAT TO VERIFY AFTERWARDS
Every registration, independently.
WHAT TO KEEP
All documentation, in your own possession.
WHAT TO NEVER SURRENDER
Original documents, without necessity.
WHAT TO DO IF SOMETHING SEEMS IRREGULAR
Stop, and verify with the agency directly.
WHAT TO PREFER WHERE PRACTICAL
Doing it yourself, at least once, to understand the process.
