When my husband and I tied the knot in 2012, it was the beginning of a beautiful adventure, but never in our wildest dreams did we envision that adventure would lead us to Australia. We were content in our simple lives in the Philippines, surrounded by family and friends, with aspirations like anyone else—building a future, nurturing our dreams, and providing the best for our future children. However, the desire to give our family a better life ignited a spark within us, one that would ultimately guide us halfway across the world.
The Decision to Immigrate
The idea of leaving everything we knew was daunting, but we felt it was necessary to pursue a life with greater opportunities. We were fortunate to have a close friend who introduced us to Respall Migration Australia, a migration agency that would become our guiding light throughout this challenging journey. With their expertise, we felt more confident navigating the complexities of the visa application process. Little did we know, this would be the start of a transformative chapter in our lives.
Step 1: Initial Assessment
The first step in our immigration journey was setting up an appointment with the migration agency. We could have chosen to manage the process ourselves, which would have saved us some fees, but we were relieved to have professionals on our side. The agency’s agents guided us through the labyrinth of paperwork and requirements, and they were instrumental in helping us understand the best pathway to take.
During our initial appointment, the agent delved into our backgrounds, asking about our ages, work histories, educational qualifications, and family connections in Australia. I’ll never forget the anticipation we felt as we shared our stories and aspirations. Based on our discussion, we decided my husband would be the primary applicant for our visa.
Step 2: Skills Assessment
The next step was critical: the immigration skills assessment. My husband’s professional expertise was evaluated under the ICT Business Analyst category, and he was tasked with submitting documentation to the Australian Computer Society (ACS). This process included crafting a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) form that outlined his relevant experience and qualifications.
As he meticulously gathered evidence of his skills—such as his resume, certificates from previous employers, and project descriptions—I saw a transformation in him. The weight of our dreams rested on his shoulders, and he poured his heart into articulating how his experiences aligned with Australian standards. I remember how we celebrated when we received the favorable letter from the ACS just a month later—it felt like we were one step closer to our dream.
Step 3: Documents Gathering
With the ACS letter in hand, we plunged into the next phase: gathering all the required documents for our visa application. The list was extensive, and we approached it like a scavenger hunt, excited yet slightly overwhelmed.
- Primary (My Husband)
- Form 80
- Evidence of Employment
- Diploma
- IELTS exam result
- NBI Clearance
- NSO Birth Certificate
- Transcript of Records
- Passport
- Passport Photo
- Payslip
- Tax Document
- SSS – Employment History
- Secondary (Myself)
- Form 80
- Medium of Instruction
- NBI Clearance
- NSO Birth Certificate
- NSO Marriage Certificate
- Diploma
- Transcript of Records
- Passport
- Passport Photo
- Child (Our Daughter)
- NSO Birth Certificate
- Passport
- Passport Photo
The meticulous gathering of these documents brought us closer together, as we shared memories associated with each one. Every piece told a part of our story, a fragment of our past that we were about to leave behind.
Step 4: IELTS Preparation
One of the most crucial requirements was for my husband to take the International English Language Test System (IELTS). To qualify for the Skilled Independent visa, he needed a minimum score of 7.5 across all four sections: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking.
Fortunately, the migration agency offered free review classes on weekends. My husband, though proficient in English, knew that mastering the IELTS required more than just casual conversations. I watched him dedicate countless hours to preparation, especially focusing on the writing section, which is often the most challenging.
After two months of anticipation, he finally sat for the exam. I still remember the mix of pride and anxiety I felt as he left for the testing center. When he passed, I could hardly contain my excitement; it was another milestone achieved!
Step 5: Expression of Interest (EOI)
After receiving the IELTS results, the migration agency submitted our Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Skilled Independent Visa. They informed us that it could take 2-3 months to receive an invitation to apply. In the meantime, we busied ourselves with the remaining documents needed for our application. Each day felt like a small eternity as we waited for the next step.
Step 6: Visa Application
Finally, after a nerve-wracking three months, the long-awaited invitation to apply for our visa arrived. The joy of receiving that email was indescribable. We jumped right into gathering any last-minute documents required for our application, determined to ensure everything was in order.
We submitted our Skilled Independent Visa application after two weeks, feeling a mix of relief and anticipation. “Now we just wait,” my husband said, trying to keep our spirits high. The wait, however, was fraught with anxiety. What if something went wrong? What if we were missing a critical document? These thoughts raced through our minds as we counted the days.
Step 7: Medical Exam
Two weeks after our visa application was submitted, we received a request to undergo medical examinations. I still remember the butterflies in my stomach as we entered the clinic; this was the last hurdle before potentially realizing our dream. The clinic submitted the results directly to the Department of Home Affairs, and we were left in the most suspenseful waiting game of our lives.
Step 8: Waiting for the Visa Grant
The following months felt like an eternity. Each day dragged on as we distracted ourselves with everyday life, but our thoughts often wandered to our impending move. I remember celebrating Christmas with our family, trying to enjoy the festivities while our minds were preoccupied with uncertainty about the future.
After ringing in the New Year, the wait continued. My husband frequently reached out to the migration agency for updates, and each time he received the same response: “Just a little more patience.”
Then, two days later, we received the news we had been praying for—our visas were granted! My husband called me with excitement, and we shared tears of joy and disbelief. We were finally on our way to a new life!
Step 9: Preparing to Immigrate
With our visas in hand, reality set in. We had to prepare for this monumental move, which included some bittersweet goodbyes. Here’s how we organized our lives in preparation for the transition:
- Resigning from work
- This was a significant step; we both loved our jobs and had built relationships with our colleagues. Leaving our roles felt like closing a chapter, but we were ready for the next one.
- Vacating Our Rental
- We had been renting our home, so the process of packing up our lives was a poignant reminder of everything we were leaving behind.
- Preparing Our Belongings
- We carefully selected which items to bring, knowing that we couldn’t take everything with us. Important documents and keepsakes were prioritized, alongside our daughter’s essentials.
- Completing Our Daughter’s Vaccinations
- This was a crucial step before heading to Australia, ensuring she would be healthy and ready for her new environment.
- Saying Goodbye
- Our final farewells were emotional. We spent time with friends and family, cherishing those last moments together. We didn’t know when we would be able to return to the Philippines, so these goodbyes were particularly significant.
Reflecting on Our Journey
As I sit here now, in my cozy living room in Australia, I can’t help but feel nostalgic. The journey to immigrate was fraught with challenges, uncertainties, and moments of doubt, but it was also filled with hope, anticipation, and the promise of new beginnings.
Looking back at our immigration journey, I remember that Christmas day seven years ago in the Philippines. Surrounded by loved ones, we shared laughter and joy, but also a sense of uncertainty about our future. Fast forward to today, and here we are—immersed in a new culture, making new friends, and embracing the opportunities that Australia has to offer.
Our story is just one of many, each immigrant’s journey is unique, but they all share common threads of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of a better life. For those considering taking this leap, remember that the road may be challenging, but the rewards can be truly life-changing.
As we celebrate milestones in our new home, we remain connected to our roots, ensuring our daughter understands the beauty of her Filipino heritage while thriving in this diverse and vibrant country. We are excited to see what the future holds for our family here in Australia, and we are ready to embrace every moment of it.
