we used an agent but there are a lot of fellow forumers who did not, i think most of the people in the forum are filing the application on their own and once they get stuck theyc ome here and ask. it entirely depends on how much research time you put into it, how lazy you are and how much time you have (if age is running against you then go for an agent).

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ACS assessment : May 2008. Visa Application VE 175 : September 2008. State Sponsorship : September 2009. CO Allocated : 17th November 2010. Medicals and PCC submitted : 13th December 2010. Medicals for my Daughter : 22nd December 2010. All Documents Met : 31st December 2010 (except for meds for my daughter)

VISA GRANT 27th January 2011

Reached MELBOURNE on 16th June