Summary:
In China, it’s still common for agents to use "wholesale" or "lottery" visa application strategies. The document preparation fees are incredibly low, sometimes just a few hundred RMB.In a "wholesale" approach, an agent submits 100 clients using a single application template.In a "lottery" approach, out of 100 applicants, 10 might get lucky and be approved.The agent makes money off those 10 successful clients.
Story:
In a small city in China, there’s a visa agency called "AA." It’s not a large agency, but it’s well-known locally because their visa approval rate seems pretty good. The owner, Mr. Li, often boasts, "At Hongyun Agency, we meet all customer demands, with a visa approval rate of 95%!" He also promises a "full refund" if the application is denied.Mr. Li’s visa business has a secret weapon—what he calls the "wholesale" and "lottery" application strategies. These approaches are crude but have carved out a niche in the competitive visa market. Every day, the company handles a large volume of clients, charging a small fee for document preparation. Most applicants pay no more than a few hundred RMB. For those unfamiliar with the visa process, this price is very appealing, and they flock to Mr. Li’s agency.Mr. Li’s method is simple: he doesn’t tailor each application for every client. Instead, he has a standard visa application template that he applies to 100 clients, regardless of their individual background. This is what’s known as the "wholesale" approach. He submits all the applications in bulk and waits to see if a few "win the lottery" and get approved."This method is simple and efficient," Mr. Li often reassures himself. He knows these applications aren’t customized for each person—they’re just a gamble. Out of 100 applications, a few are bound to get through, which is the logic behind the "lottery" method.Whenever a client’s application is successful, Mr. Li enthusiastically calls them and often brags about these successes on the company’s WeChat account. For those whose applications are rejected, he calmly tells them, "When it comes to visas, luck plays a big role. Not everyone can succeed. Maybe try again next time, and you might get it."Though most people aren’t satisfied with this outcome, the low price and promise of a full refund leave them with little to complain about. Mr. Li’s business continues to thrive, with new clients coming in every day, all hoping to be among the lucky few. Mr. Li, like a casino dealer, watches the applications like bets on a table, waiting for luck to strike.In this seemingly fair but luck-driven visa market, Mr. Li continues to profit from the 10% of clients who succeed, keeping his agency afloat. After all, he believes that as long as people are willing to gamble, his business will never stop.
Solution:
1. Understand and Identify Agent Practices
First, you should recognize the risks of this kind of agent practice. If an agency submits a large number of applications using the same template without tailoring to individual circumstances, the chances of success will be low. Identify early on whether the agent offers personalized services or if they’re just using a mass-application strategy.
2. Avoid Cheap but Ineffective Services
While low prices might be attractive, evaluate the importance of your visa application and the cost-benefit ratio. Cheap services often come with low quality. Instead of wasting time and money on a "wholesale" approach, consider investing in a more reputable agency or law firm, even if the cost is higher. The chances of success will be much greater.
3. Don’t Be a "Hands-Off" Applicant
- Be Involved in the Process: As an applicant, don’t rely entirely on the agent. While the agent can help organize materials and submit the application, you should have a clear understanding of your own application status. Stay in contact with the agent and ask for updates at every stage, so you’re not passive throughout the process.
- Provide Detailed and Accurate Materials: Don’t simply hand off all the work to the agent. Ensure that the materials you provide are accurate and complete, and offer as much detailed background information as possible. Only you know your situation best, and the completeness and authenticity of your documents are critical to the success of your visa application. The agent may have experience, but they won’t care about the outcome as much as you do.
- Regularly Check Application Status: Regularly track the status of your visa application and request timely updates from the agent. By staying on top of things, you can react quickly if problems arise, preventing delays or issues caused by agent negligence or errors.
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