eribow

Wow! You have proved that determination pays off. You are a shining example of true determination. Mini you will be very proud. Well done!

I first travelled to Australia back in 1996 and I've had a love affair with the place ever since, having been back for several holidays since. But, I had Mini Me when I was young and any thoughts of travelling or migrating were put on hold (a very long hold!). It's been over four years since I joined PIO, looking for help on student visas, as my original plan was to go to Australia on a student visa. After looking at the financial costs (no matter how optimistic I was nor how rose coloured my glasses were) it proved to be impossible. So I resigned myself to another few years of studying in the UK, which without going into my life story, certainly hasn't been the easiest four years of my life. Anyway, I've just finished the four years and even if I get the results I'm hoping for, I would still require a minimum of 2/3 years relevant work experience to qualify for Oz if I followed the occupation my degrees are geared up to. Further to this, I have a Mini Me, who is not so Mini anymore and it was getting to the stage where any longer and she would not be able to be included in any future visa plans as eventually she would not have been dependent on me and would have to qualify in her own right. So, it's been a difficult few years and there didn't seem to be an end in sight ......

 

 

 

In the meantime it just so happened that previous work experience meant that there was a chance I could apply for a visa under a different occupation. I spoke to two different migration agents (one lady was very helpful though and went beyond what would normally be a quick email for an initial assessment) but, both thought without a relevant qualification I would not be able to pass the skills assessment......

 

 

 

.

 

 

.

Anyway I did! :yes:

 

I also passed the IELTS at first attempt with all 8s or above (right in the middle of exam period at Uni :arghh:).

 

Then I got WA SS :yes:

 

Then I applied for the 190 visa.....

 

 

And at 2.00am this morning myself and Mini Me were granted permanent residency for Australia

 

:jiggy::jiggy::jiggy::jiggy::jiggy::jiggy::jiggy::jiggy::jiggy::jiggy::jiggy::jiggy::jiggy::jiggy:

 

 

 

08/04 Docs to Vetassess. 15/04 Docs arrive at Vetassess. 23/04 Vetassess Docs acknow. 25/05 Sat IELTS. 07/06 IELTS results L8,R9,W9,S8.5. 05/08 Vetassess - Positive. 6/08 Submit EOI. 07/08 WA looking at EOI. 08/08 ITA WA SS. 10/08 completed WA SS. 12/08 WA SS successful. 14/08 WA SS confirmed. 14/08 ITA for 190 visa. 15/08 Visa applied for. CO: 30/09. Meds: 09/10. PCC: 11/10. Grant: 25/10.

Parleycross,

Your expat shield link works a treat.

I can now watch wanted down under in oz.

I knew there had to be an easier way!

Cheers,

Erica