Completing 6 years in Oz
 

Hi all,

I thought i'd share my experience in Oz.

I'll be completing 6 years in Oz this July.

I came over to Adelaide as a Masters research student in July 2005 with intentions of upgrading the course to a PhD and heading back to India. Ran out of funds and couldn't upgrade.

Ended up finishing the course and found a job near Mackay, Queensland as a manager on a prawn farm in '08. My examination process was really long and went into arbitration as the examiners couldn't agree with each other. I had hoped to apply for a 485 (18 month) visa at that stage and i couldn't go ahead with that as i didn't have a course completion certificate

My employers came to my rescue and sponsored me for a 457 visa which i applied in '09. I was on an unsubstantive visa at the time and had to head offshore when i lodged the application. The agent advised that the whole process would take only 4 weeks.

I landed in India for a 4 week holiday which ended up into a 3 month harrowing wait. The government went into a major overhaul of the temporary visa program and i was literally in tears. Thankfully my employers were patient enough to wait for me for 3 months and i was back in Oz.

I'm still here and recently received my residency ( a couple of weeks ago) and the relief is palpable. I still can't believe that i am a resident and read the approval letter often.

I married my beautiful, patient girl friend last year. We did 8 years long distance and that was a wonderful moment for the both of us to have lasted so long and finally get married.

We're renting a place in Sarina, Queensland at the moment. I can't quite afford to buy a house now, but that is definitely on the agenda. The missus is working in a childcare centre now. She is a psychologist and is getting her qualifications assessed and apply for registration. Registration is next month and hopefully she'll find a job in her field soon. She doesn't mind it here either now, although the lack of people and vast open spaces did freak her out when she came over the first time.

I will be eligible for citizenship next year, which i am looking forward to take up. Australia has been a fanstastic experience so far. Met some wonderful people. The laidback attitude fits well with my personality and things are looking good for us. The beaches, sunshine and general climate agrees with us. When the cyclones, rains came the Aussie spirit really came to the fore. People would help out without asking any questions and we made many friends through those difficult times.

I finally know (Rugby league) and enjoy watching a game other than cricket. I still find it a little hard to support Australia at cricket against India. May be we'll just leave that one contest at that.

I wish everyone else a great experience in Oz as well.

Re: Completing 6 years in Oz
 

goodonya, sounds like you and your mrs have both worked hard to get where you are:)

Re: Completing 6 years in Oz
 

Wow...bet those few paragraphs don't accurately reflect the full extent of the drama you have been through to get where you are today. Thank you for telling us. As an Aussie I must say I think we are lucky to have great immigrants like you and hope everything is a little easier for you and your patient wife from now on !!!! :thumbsup: If she needs a few more people around you can always come down and visit us all in Brisbane :)

Re: Completing 6 years in Oz
 

Great update congrats :thumbup:

Re: Completing 6 years in Oz
 

A great update! :thumbsup: Good luck to the both of you! :):fingerscrossed:

Re: Completing 6 years in Oz
 

What a story, you should write a book, people will think you made most of it up! I am glad things are working out for you finally.

Remember that you do not have to support Australia in the cricket just because they gave you PR.;)

Re: Completing 6 years in Oz
 

Thanks all for ur kind messages and wishes.
Through all trials and tribulations, perseverance and faith is what has helped us pull through.
As many have listed on their posts, the mantra to finding happiness here is to do adequate research, have reasonable expectations and put yourself out there to make friends and meet new people.
It is such big country and the people are different. You can't expect people to notice you out of the blue. People are really friendly and welcoming.
While I do miss my family and friends from India, I don't actually miss India so much. My friends here and my life keeps me occupied.

Re: Completing 6 years in Oz
 

Hi fish,

I could fill a few pages for all the dramas we've Ben through, but its all worth in the end. Would I do it again... definitely yes, but may be with a few changes.

Re: Completing 6 years in Oz
 

Brilliant update, thanks for that. :D Good luck with the rest of your life.

Re: Completing 6 years in Oz
 

Great story and well done for hanging in there.Cant have been easy for either of you.Fair play to you and the missus.:thumbsup:

Re: Completing 6 years in Oz
 

Really interesting read & congrats!
Hope you continue to go from strength to strength:thumbsup:

Re: Completing 6 years in Oz
 

Great to hear a good news story!