@jaj @bodhipaksa Though I am highly accomplished in my career and independent research, I have no degree from a college/university, so qualifying for an unsponsored visa is impossible for me in most countries.
I would have to get a work visa tied to a job - if I lost the job, I'd have to either quickly get a new job at a company willing and able to sponsor my visa or GTFO.
The UK has an unsponsored visa program that's a bit more flexible, so I got one of those.