Guys,

Recently, I have been granted an Australian PR visa and we are planning to move there somewhere in mid 2017. As many would say this is a golden and once in a lifetime opportunity - no doubt it is, but I am nervous and afraid; I will be leaving my parents, siblings, peers, friends and culture.

I understand that many or at least a few have left Malaysia for good. My questions for you guys are-

1. How did you prepare yourself?

2. What is the job market like? I am in the 20s and a secretariat, I am honestly afraid on not able to find a job; white collar.

3. What are the advantages as a born raised Malaysian in Australia? I am a trilingual but couldn't write and read chinese.

4. How did you adapt to the society and culture? Though I am married to one but I am not sure if my SO defines every Australian.

5. I understand that the cost of living in Australia is proportional to the wages, but how is living standard compared to a RM45k - RM51k annual earner in Malaysia?

Thanks.

Gosh!

You dont know so many things in OZ and migrating there.

You are among the top 20% earner here. Wonder which bracket you fall into.

Good luck

Secretariat


I tried google. Image shows horses.

Can you share more?

Don't be lazylah.
Copy and paste and then type occupation.

How one can adapt to another country, I would say, depend largely on individual.

I have a distance aunt who is married to an Australian and been living there for a very long time.

I do heard of people who cannot adapt and finally give up their PR but I would say most of them make it.

I would say it depend on how determine you are.

Good luck.

Haha! Usually, the application would take about 15-20 months and mine was approved, I kid you not, under 7 months. I guess I have a strong case? With 15-20 months in mind, I thought I could take it slow.


Sorry, secretariat for business association. Well, I guess in another term it is an administrator or a secretariat administration?

Thanks, by any chance do you know in what way they could not adapt?

Some just can't adapt to the lifestyle there.

I think the biggest hurdle is to get a job over there. But I believe as long as you are determined, you'll pull thru. Some I know get depressed because they cannot find a job of equivalent position like what they had in Malaysia. Most will reject you because "no local experience".

Make friends. Which city are you planning to move to? There are tons of Malaysians in Australia these days. Plus, you mentioned your SO is partly Australian so I'm sure she would have some contacts there already.

I'm personally trying to figure this out too.
But having family and friends over there makes it much easier to adapt I would say.

You will feel lonely (especially your family is in Malaysia and you are in Aussie). It's a sooner or later thingy.

Do you like cycling? It's a heaven there for cyclist.

I am not very sure on the detail since we don't have any plan right now to migrate, so we don't probe further.

If I am not mistaken my distance aunt is in Adelaide. I seldom meet up with her, at most once a year when she came back for reunion with her sibling.
She did mentioned something about something similar to water rationing (not sure if its long term or occasional) and the local relevant authority will pay home visit to check on how much water you use etc.

And what I heard from my wife's colleague. Her relative (whole family) migrate over. Main reason is to let their kids starts their education over there.
They managed to last only half a year and decided to come back. Reason is sketchy - something about the different lifestyle.

If you are the type who is not discipline, takes things easy like 'tidak apa attitude', it might be difficult for you (That,s what I was told). Example like recycling etc.

Having said that, there are people who are happy to be there, one of our friend's son was in Australia - study and now working. She use to visit her son couple of times a year and last I heard was she is there now for 3 months. She like it there.

This topic should give you some insight:

https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...&#entry82087000

Plenty of sifus there. Ask what you need to.

Hey man, thanks for that. We will be moving to a town in Queensland. I have been there a few times and I must say Asian is a rare sight there. The demographic shows about 2.0% Asians!

The no local experience was it due to discrimination or just no experience in dealing with Australians?

Were they able to find job layer on? Does trilingual help?

As a diploma holder, finding job there would be harder and my only hope is my resume - working experience... If that would help! I guess working in a supermarket is a start, at least.

Are you married to an Australian as well?

Just a hope that I would able to earn enough to travel back or even bring them over.

I heard hiking is great too! Noted on the cycling - why is that though?

I have heard about the water rationing too! That was at Sydney then and another time at Brisbane. I had an argument with my SO thinking it was just a bs... Lol. I was wrong.

Half a year? Wow! that was rather quick - was there any discrimination though? During the 6 months, were they able to find any jobs?

Thank you on the "tidak apa" attitude reminder, definitely something for me to look into.


Sweet! Never thought of that sub forum earlier, thanks a lot man.

let's just say if new international student can adapt the area, why not you?

you will be fine if you be mindful about your surrounding

Sorry, I am not sure whether they found any job during the 6 months there.

I am not sure about any discrimination but from her conversation, she and her neighbors (not Asian) seems to get along just fine. I.e. they use to exchange foods and garden crops.

As far as discrimination is concern, I am sure there are - this all boils down to individual up bringing and behavior (my opinion) but the important thing is over there, at least its not written in the constitution - you know what I mean . ..

>1. How did you prepare yourself?

You got PR just like that, with no preparation?

>2. What is the job market like? I am in the 20s and a secretariat, I am honestly afraid on not able to find a job; white collar.

You got a job without knowing the job market?

>3. What are the advantages as a born raised Malaysian in Australia? I am a trilingual but couldn't write and read chinese.

No advantage, you need to adapt. To their culture, and their accent.

>4. How did you adapt to the society and culture? Though I am married to one but I am not sure if my SO defines every Australian.

You are either adaptable, or you are not. People who migrate and can't adapt have been known to move back.

>5. I understand that the cost of living in Australia is proportional to the wages, but how is living standard compared to a RM45k - RM51k annual earner in Malaysia?

No direct comparison.

You are migrating, and yet you are asking such basic questions?

A fellow road cyclist. Ex MTB-er.

I think it's better you gave your PR to Malaysian that really serious on migrating.

I can't believe you asking these kind of questions

Dekat luar sana, ramai beratur menunggu nak dapat and you look like a chicken lost in a forest.

The TS probably got his PR because his wife's an Australian. If that's the case, TS don't have to worry about rushing to head over ASAP. He can always get his PR renewed by virtue of being married to an Aussie. The RRV shouldn't be an issue because of TS' significant ties to an Australian (ie his wife).

Take your time to plan it through so you won't have any regrets.

Witch city in Queensland are your moving?I frequently sail to Gladstone.a small town in Queensland.quite a lot of Asian there and of course Malaysian there.

if it is not because of IELTS exam , i might be already in Aussie .

which visa subclass did you apply for?

that "usual" duration you quoted is the migration agent's comfortable duration... if you apply yourself, its way faster...

get PR no need mental preparation one mar, you just need enough points and prove those points

what are you looking at? band 8 in all modules?

yes . because i'm just a diploma holder . sad but true

IELTS is a walk in the park if you're using English on a daily basis. I'm a frequent IELTS taker, because in the past, I kept letting my PR status lapse and had to reapply 3 times (this time, with my business investments in Australia, DIBP have been generous and they've allowed a continued yearly renewal of the RRV - subject to business performance/turnover/revenue (aka amount of taxes paid) and continued proof of employment of Australian workers).

I've never gotten anything lower than a CEFR C2 level. QED.

Thanks.

Haha! Thanks for the insight.


Preparation as in the processes of leaving Malaysia, based on others' experiences, what did they go through it. Just pack and leave? I may misunderstood your statement, but the current position that I held is in Malaysia and I am wondering it is like in Australia.


I guess I tergelabah sikit but looking forward to it. Many of the information are already available online but I would like to know more from the experienced ones; Malaysians to Australia, as they would be able to give me more insights on what they have gone through. Real life experience rather than articles - in a way preparing myself.


Just gaining some information from here and there, so that I don't blunder. Thanks!

I will be moving to Sunshine Coast; 400km away! Are you sailor?

I did an online application, didn't go through any agents. I applied for 309/100 and it was approved under 7 months, way quicker that I expected as it mentioned on their site about 15-20 months.

I understand that Degree is the requirement in Australia likewise in Malaysia, but based on my experience so far, working experience could "balance" it out. Not the same in Australia?

why u going to sunshine coast? ur wife from there?

shud try victoria...melbourne in particular

no wonder la, partner visa

and why did it take you 7 months to get the grant?

good luck to you... band 8 all is not so easy to get...
i'm a banana and only managed to get overall 7.5 because i got 6.5 for that stupid reading module

boss... the first 2 times, which visa did you apply and was the RRV rejected?

Oooh.. Sunshine Coast.. you or your wife sure a beach lover person

The first and second times, I applied for the (if I recall correctly) 175 Visa, which was granted, but I wasn't keen to go. The RRV was rejected because I simply didn't stay enough days in Australia. This was my own fault. Having a brother in Australia wasn't any help - at the end of the day, DIBP was simply looking at how many days I stayed Down Under, and I failed miserably on both occasions.

The third time, I applied for the Business Owner (provisional) Visa. This is not the golden (mainly targetting loaded PRC) $15 million Premium Investor visa, but the less expensive one. I just had to demonstrate a commitment into putting at least A$5,000,000 into a designated business, and if I kept that commitment for at least 4 years (again, if I recall correctly), I get to convert my 188 into either an 888 (permanent) or 890 (permanent) visa. I am now on the permanent visa. It's a pretty good visa, because I only need to be in Australia for at least 40 days every year, as opposed to the old 175 Visa, where I had to be there for 2 out of 5 years!

I've not had my RRV rejected for the 888 yet - it's not due to renewal... I'll update you in due time (a few years more)

that's what i've read about also, AUD15mil, they'll give you PR straight
when i have the amount, i'll contact you again on the 888 visa
i'm now on 189, hopefully we can go before it expires, else it will be tedious and expensive

keep in touch boss

Ya and our home will be there too. We will start from there and see where it leads us.

Ya, partner visa. I am surprised that the entire thing was fast, the fact that I received my PR status; not complaining but surprised! My SO is a local and we have been together for 7 years & married for 3, so I think we have a strong case?

YA! They do have clean beautiful beaches and I enjoy having BBQ at the beach.

No worries mate. The internet and these forums are a wonderful medium to keep diaspora connected. Good luck with your 189! Don't waste it like how I wasted my 175 (twice)! - I reckon it'll only get harder and harder to migrate going forward, what with Brexit, the rise of morons like the Donald and the general anti-foreigner, anti-immigrant feeling worldwide.

i've yet to see a partner visa being rejected

i still have a few years before it expires so hopefully we can migrate by then...
and totally agree with you... visa approvals will get more stringent, moving over will be tougher due to the weak MYR...

Hi,

May I know what field are you in?

From what I knew and saw from my brother whom has been married and staying in Melbourne for the past 8 years, I don't think you need to worry much.

But, first of all, you will need to start learning to prepare your own food in advance. Not to say that you can't enjoy outside food, but you certainly won't find yourself the luxury in malaysia with predictable price.

Somehow, what I did notice my brother did was constantly scouting for near expired food which is almost the lowest price range and you can still eat it within few days time.

You need to prepare yourself for winter clothing as well as normal clothing when seasons change. That applies to your household items too.

Honestly, when one migrates over to a new country, supposedly a better country, for a better life, why would one need to scrimp and save and scrounge and scout for near expired food?

Shouldn't one migrate to enjoy a better quality of life? How is eating closed to expiry stuff considered a better quality of life compared to what can be had back home?

When I finally decide to take the plunge (honestly, undecided yet - because truth be told and in all humility, Singapore is a very pleasant, safe and secure environment for people with money to stay in) to Australia, I will do it on my terms, on my liking, and for a better quality of life and living, not for anything else.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Lucius,

There is nothing to fear about living in Australia and socialising with the locals (white) as I've lived and travelled in various states for over 30 years since i was a teenager.

Queensland is a vast country and a beautiful state in it's own right. If you have live in KL most of your life of course it will take time to adjust. I did too.

You just need a little patience. If you already have family and friends there, it should not be a problem. I have a KL childhood friend who recently remarried (lived in KL most of her life) to an american n had to move near Indianapolis, Midwestern US state n is coping well despite the deep snow in winter. She did it too.

The weather at sunny Queensland is very similar to KL. Very hot with 100% humidity. Winter is just great n much warmer than the southern state. I find Queenslander a lot more down to earth and sincere than the impatient city dwellers.

Generally in Aust, if you treat anyone with respect (regardless of social class) and are courteous you will get the same treatment. What I find most annoying about KL is, people there don't like say "Thank you", "Please" and the worse habit is queue jumping and double parking their cars.

If you plan to live here permanently in Aust you need to get rid of all your bad unsightly habits that you have acquired from living in Msia.

Most people here are friendly and to make new friends you just need to learn to start off with small talks. Eg. whenever I make new friends I don't look at their skin colour but would look at their heart and their attitude first. This is one of my key lesson in life.

Neither myself or my kids have experienced any racial abuse here. My kids were born and bred here and have many friends of different nationality. They never had any social barriers with any blond and blue eyes white people. My kids had stayed over at their homes, shared their food and clothes and vice versa throughout their school years. We even mingle with their parents.

This post has been edited by ssurrey: Oct 13 2016, 01:50 PM

Well said, well said. Hear hear. Truer words have rarely been spoken!

Kudos! Especially in bolded part. I work in a management field and i deal with a lot of people daily. Most of them are educated fella but yet attitude sucks. Never bother to say "Thank You" or at least reply with a smile. I have heard about racism in australia but thank god i didn't encounter any when i was in australia. i meet bunch of good and friendly people in australia and i always find chance to go australia long long in once.

This post has been edited by Angry Birdie: Oct 13 2016, 03:42 PM

yups already sailing about 10 years.if I migrate I will choose between Australia or Japan.Their mindset is totally different than us...but then I still love Malaysia (minus the politic)

Brexit won't happen lol we all know that

yeah true coz raves are a rare sight in msia nowadays, right ?

To be honest, I do look forward to migrate to Aussie too. But my biggest worry is how to secure a job, then only adapting to the culture, people etc.

I am still figuring out how to enter into their job market. Any idea guys? I've been told to apply thru jobsmonster etc but not accomplish anythg.

Help help!

Wow you are moving earlier than me. I got my PR in 2014. Been dragging my time here and i have to go by 2017.

I have the same worries as you too albeit i am single.

Gonna park here and look at the responses. Its true that you will have doubts when you earn sufficient here only to see yourself starting all over again in another country.

I studied in Australia for 2 years and i like the life there. That's why i chose to move. But to give up a job that i really love and pay that i would say more than sufficient... its really a big decision.

Hopefully it will be the right decision.

Keep it up. You are going with your partner. At least there is a moral and mental support there for you.

This post has been edited by adrianteo: Oct 14 2016, 03:04 PM

thanks for the understanding bro :-)

Bro, 2017 is only a couple of months away. If you don't make the move soon, I reckon you will never make the move in the end. I faced the same dilemma because I was comfortable where I was, making more than enough doing what I did and generally was extremely happy with my life in Singapore. I ended up wasting two PR visas and it was only when I neared what I felt was possibly my last throw of the dice (since I was going to be at the age where migration would be next to impossible soon), that I decided to finally get off my butt and do something concrete about it.

Luckily for me, the new category of the significant investor visa appeared just in time to save my sorry ass. So now I have a whole chunk of my assets locked up in Australia, and although that's a financial inconvenience, at least it allows me to continue being where I can maximize my business opportunities and still have one final chance to retire in Australia when it's time to call it a day

Mind sharing how u did it?

Check out DIBP Visa 188 convert to Visa 888. I used that route (and a good MARA registered migration agent).

What business have u invested in?

The mining industry isn't doing really well right now so yea they probably need people to revitalize their economy. Shouldn't be difficult.

2 businesses actually. I run a small boutique property development business - we mainly buy old houses or land and either rebuild/modernize an old house or develop houses on new land. Six months ago, my brother who lives in Sydney and I, together with some partners, started another venture. We are buying commercial properties to turn into medical centres.

Hope that helps.

Yup. Already bought my one way ticket. Most of the major preparation has been done. Now left with getting a job there.

Definitely not going to let go of my pr so easily. I guess i just have to embrace a new change.

wow grats!!

but how u get the PR in first place? curious..

Any chance or residing in Melbourne?

My network is in Sydney, so that's where I'll end up when the time is right

eh, since TS has a PR, doesn't that mean he would be entitled to unemployment benefits??

if that's the case, then no need to worry too much.

may I ask, what's your visa class??

189 skilled independent. Somehow i got it within 6 months so its kinda lucky though.

I heard is harder and more expensive now.

unemployment benefits isn't a lot and if you live in places like sydney or melbourne, you're practically eating bread and drinking water everyday

if you have future plans to develop eastern Melbourne suburbs, PM me, i'll be your first customer

money = quality of life -> said my wife

So true + very well said! WhenI first got back from Aus 10 years ago, the first I was told by Malaysians was that I was very polite.

Dude, if saying 'Please' and 'Thank you' is not part of your general vocabulary... let's just say I'm confused as to why it shouldn't be.

Actually before I left my dad always made sure we knew how to say please and thank you and 'pardon' properly. Old school.

Most of the younger Malaysians don't know basic manners.

This post has been edited by daylight_dancer: Oct 18 2016, 02:51 PM

Yes but only after 2 years of residency.