Physicist turned freelancer looking to emigrate from UK
 

Hi,

I'm thinking of applying for a skilled independent visa, but not sure if I'd be in with a chance.

I have a PhD in Physics from a UK University, but for the last 4 years have worked freelance as a Software Developer.
Whilst this is a pretty standard route in the UK (physics/maths - > software) my qualifications are obviously not in ICT.

From what I can gather, I would get 30pts for my age (33). 70 points for qualifications (PhD UK according to appendix 3). 20 points
(4 years software development experience)

However this only leaves me with 120 points and as I understand it the minimum number is 160pts, so I have no chance right now?

Are there no points for English IETLS like for Aus?

Would my 4 years software experience count if it's freelance? And does it count even though my qualifications are not directly in ICT?
I seemed to get into trouble with the Aus points as my qualifications and nominated occupation (software dev) don't really tie together by their reckoning, but it doesn't seem that this would be a problem here?

Re: Physicist turned freelancer looking to emigrate from UK
 

If you are going to use IELTS for help, then please spell it correctly on the application. Otherwise they may not accept that you are a genuine ingrish teacher

Re: Physicist turned freelancer looking to emigrate from UK
 

It's just a typo. A transposition . We all do this at times. My husband does it all the time in fact ;)
However, did you post to the wrong place as the OP is not a teacher.

The way the points are pegged at the moment means that the majority of applicants need a job offer in place to reach the 160 mark.


No points for IELTS.

Re: Physicist turned freelancer looking to emigrate from UK
 

Yes, you need a job offer, or more realistically an actual job before the points work out. And the difficulty of getting a firm written offer of employment remotely was so hard, that my missus and I decided to gamble, and come over on a six-month visitor's visa. It worked out for us, but if you gamble and lose... :(

Re: Physicist turned freelancer looking to emigrate from UK
 

The New Zealand economy is tiny - sometimes the employers have difficulty finding staff and sometimes it is the employees that have difficulty finding work. Right now I think things are on employees' side and a gamble stands a better chance of success but a lot will depend on the type of work being looked for.