Hi All
I'm new here. but have been a lurker for many years.
I woke up to a godawful rainy day here in the UK, with the news that my RPL application has been approved in record time (not even 2 weeks!). What was even more surprising is that I'm getting slightly more points than initially projected, which has opened up the SC189 visa option.
I therefore have two avenues to consider; namely the SC189 and SC489 (family sponsored).
While I completely understand that the SC189 is the "superior" visa to get, I wanted to know what the real world draw back is, for opting to get the SC489 in stead?
Opting for the SC489 may sound silly to you, but there is some reasoning behind it. For me to obtain the SC189, I need to score higher on my IELTS. While the plan is to re sit it (have another test booked for next weekend), I can't help but feel that I will never be able to get the required "8" across board. I should add that this is not because of my language skills (or lack of), but I struggle with "finite" answers in the reading test. I'm questioning by nature and will be able to argue and substantiate WHY I chose certain answers over the "correct ones" until the cows come home, but unfortunately we're not tested in that way.
For reference, I have sat it twice already. The first time I got (L8,W8,R7,S9) and the second time I was slightly hungover and got (L8, W7.5, R7.5, S9). As you might be aware, that means I have a band score of 8 in both instances, but that's not good enough to get the 20 points. Each module needs to be at least 8 to obtain 20 points. (again, I think the distinction is a bit arbitrary and it pisses me off, but there's nothing I can do about that.)
If I choose to throw in the towel with the IELTS and go SC489 - do you think that I will severely regret it 4 years down the line? Am I guaranteed permanent residence after the 4 years is over (if I've been in full time work etc).
Will it be an expensive process to get permanent residency after the 4 years, or will it be best to keep throwing £160 a pop at the IELTS tests until I score 8?
Thanks in advance.
