Kristina Serpentina

Argh, finally decided which solicitor to go ahead with, emailed him only to receive an automated response, that he is on leave until the end of the month!

Hi, Gene, a lot of immigration lawyers would offer you a free first consultation to assess whether it is worth their while. I think the best way forward is to send them your CV and then have a chat. A friend of mine used Visa Bureau in London and was very happy, then my friends in Sydney recommended homemigration.com. (Admin, please let me know if naming actual companies and lawyers is not encouraged here and I apologise beforehand!). I haven't used them myself, but will get in touch with them shortly. Where in UK are you both? I personally can't wait to get out from this depressing weather and the permanently black skies.

Uturn, I am Lithuanian. Ozmaniac, my undergrad is in Psychology (from Goldsmiths, Uni of London) , which, according to Aussie (and everyone else's) description, is about science, labs, research and other boring things, so although I really enjoyed studying the subjects, I never really used it. Graduated in 2008 and somehow managed to find jobs, where they allowed me to work therapeutically and with actual people and not in the lab despite my lack of qualifications. I did eventually acquire MSc in Play Therapy (its a type of child psychotherapy), but, like I said, my experience came first and degree - afterwards. Well, I have booked my IELTs already, it's on the 21st... At least I am familiar with their format and apparently the results will be ready on the 3d of March. I have calculated that if I get 8 in IELTS, then I should be able to get 75 points on 189, whereas the minimum is 60. Does that increase my chances? Also, does the invitation to apply for a visa mean that it is very likely to be granted or still a matter of luck?..

Hiya, how come second time? When are you moving? Are you moving there for work or any other reason?

Hiya, not strictly a POM, in fact, not a POM at all, but been living in UK for 14 years now and feel it's time for me to move on. My both BSc and MSc are on the SOL, but the difficulty will probably be relating my work experience with my education. My experience is certainly related to my MSc, but the problem is I did it other way round - experience first, degree after (graduated in 2014). Booked an academic IELTS on 21.03 and there's quite a bit of pressure to get 8 in each part... Although I did get an overall 7 in 2004, and that was without preparing at all and before my both degrees. Nevertheless, it is making me anxious. If I get an overall 8 and the lawyer does a good job with the first issue, I should get 75 points for the 189 visa. But that is IF that happens... The lawyer actually works with my friends' company in Sydney and is recommended by them. They had a chat with him on my behalf and he recons I have a good chance. I have spoken to a few friends about my plans, but don't want to make it public knowledge until I have some certainty. Hope to meet some people on here who can relate to my situation!