msmyrtle

Hi all

I am pleased to share that I fulfilled my (Subclass 190) two-year commitment to WA last week.

I actually arrived in Perth on a 476 (Recent Engineering Graduate) in May 2011. The 476 is an 18 month visa and unfortunately some life stuff happened and I didn't have my documents sorted in time so I left Australia the day before my visa expired and lodged a 190 application offshore (I think I was in Malaysia when I was invited to apply).

I was extremely hopeful and kept my apartment. I front-loaded my medical and I sorted my police certificates ahead of time. Fortunately I was granted a visa within 3 months. I returned to Australia a permanent resident in February 2013, and registered with the State of WA the following day.

The past two years has been interesting, especially with the decline in the mining industry. After my last job fizzled out I took time off to figure out what I wanted to do. I have been accepted to Melbourne Uni for a graduate degree in law, which I have already started. So, although I have a few months left until I'm eligible for citizenship I will be leaving Perth and shifting to Melbourne for my studies.

I have really enjoyed my time in Perth and made great friends both through work and my hobbies. Thanks also to the BE community for being there.

old.sparkles

Congratulations and good luck in Melbourne. What area of law are you hoping to do?

We have a 176 visa and will have done our two years in April although having just bought a house, there are no plans to be moving again anytime soon

msmyrtle

I'm studying Construction Law Taking a few intro courses to see if it'll help with my career goals, but so far I've enjoyed it.

I think we arrived in Australia at roughly the same time, I remember some of your earlier posts!

Pollyana

Congrats

Buzzy--Bee

As always, I'll be interested to hear your comparisons!

BB

msmyrtle

I was in Melbourne last month for my first seminar. Stayed out in Essendon and took the tram into town for my lectures.

Conceptually, I think I should *love* Melbourne, but I only like Melbourne. It has everything I love: Coffee! Asian food! Arts scene! Knitting!

Perth isn't a bad little spot. I've made some good friends here and I'm sad to be leaving. Then again, there's also a world of difference in perspective when you're a cashed-up FIFO worker essentially on one week's holiday to a student living on a budget

I'm sure I will love Melbourne once I get settled in and start making friends and doing stuff.

Also my attitude towards Perth has improved now that it's started to cool down and below 30 for the past few days