Are you guilty of procrastinating any of these steps?
How long does a migration process take? - That is a question we hear quite frequently in our office. We don't have a straight answer for that - because the answer is it depends, and a lot of it depends on you. But experience has helped us to identify some of the villains that consistently slow people down.
Take a look at the list of what we identified as the four biggest enemies of the migration journey. It is important that you spot them early on to eliminate them and define or get back to your strategy. And know that the struggle is real and that you're not alone.
1. Deciding to stay in Australia
The decision-making process is different for every person. To decide to invest time, money, and effort to stay in Australia permanently is not a simple choice for most people. There is the family you left behind, friends of a lifetime, a career that you will have to restart in a new country, to name a few.
It is a process to transition from the international student to the migrant mindset. Needs and circumstances change, and we change. And so, it is neither surprising nor exclusive if you are having doubts about what you want to do and if you're going to stay.
What is important is that you assess your priorities and your real chances and opportunities to become a permanent resident. For the latter, a good registered migration agent can help.
2. Starting your Skills Assessment
The lack of a clear strategy can keep you in the unknown for too long. A distractor can also be not finding out soon enough if your occupation has a migration pathway. By the way, defining what your occupation really is when it comes to migration is also a major step. You might get distracted with a job that is not related to your profession or what you want to do but pays well. This attitude could cost you points toward your work experience, it may put your chance of getting a positive Skills Assessment at risk and make you waste time and money
Have you thought that completing your skills assessment can help you make a final decision about your migration plans? The skills assessment is a significant part of your strategy. Don’t leave it to the last minute to find out if your qualification is equivalent to an Australian one, for instance. It will cost you more to fast-track an assessment. It will also add unnecessary stress to your life.
3. Take the English test. We mean it!
This is one of the most feared and most procrastinated steps of the process. But you can't avoid the unavoidable. We know that it's usually not the most comfortable situation to sit a test, but if you're applying for a skilled or an employer sponsored visa, you will have to.
What we advise is that you study strategically. Start by taking the time to learn the tests. Maybe you've already taken a prep course for a particular test, which is helpful. Then make a study plan and follow it through. Keep your eyes on the prize at the end of the rope. Tests may be valid for up to three years. It may take more than one attempt to achieve the necessary score for some people, so stop procrastinating.
4. Moving cities
You’ve moved to Australia. You’ve found friends that are like family - or you have some family here - you have a job, you know your whereabouts, and you’ve established a sense of routine back to your life. You’ve found your new comfort zone, and you don’t want to leave. But why would you stay if there is no migration pathway where you are?
Let’s go back to the fact that you’ve already left the nest to come here in the first place. And you’ve made friends and found a job and a routine. You can and will do this again! And to be honest, you’re not starting from scratch if it’s not the first time you’re doing something. You only start from nothing once in life. After that, you add on.
Stop procrastinating and make the next move.
The migration journey is full of questions and moments when you may ask yourself if you're doing the right thing. But pushing back the steps won't get you the answers that you need or the desired outcome.
It would help if you also had the proper support and team to walk this path by your side. We're here to help. Booking an appointment with us is easy and simple - click here.