The Analyst Down Under

The ICAA has declared that my qualifications are “suitable for immigration purposes” as a management accountant a week before expected. I really don’t want to waste any time in getting my visa, since the assessment is valid for a maximum of two years, as is the IELTS result. Since changes are taking place more frequently than website updates, most of the information is out of date. The best place to start with the visa application process is probably the introductory page for the online application at http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/general-skilled-migration.htm The online application requires you to read the Life in Australia booklet before applying, available here . I ordered a copy today, with reference number '20101206221226 Khan'. Of course, the pdf version is also available from here , and contains essential facts and figures about Australia, including some history, general knowledge, government, laws and civil rights and some social commentary on Australian way of life...

Sweat, blood and tears are good. Then maybe you can just pass on those CIMA papers like I did (I shudder to think about the bucketfuls due for November at the Management Level, and beyond). I am grateful to the Lord and to all the people whose prayers pulled me through. On the other hand, life just isn't effortless any more. I know I don't always dot my is' and cross my ts' but I missed out on the minimum 7 band IELTS requirement in the writing section. Which means another Rs. 10k (or is it 12k already?) and unnecessary delays. I guess this time around I'll have to sit down and do some 'practice' - or at least one blog dedicated to IELTS exam strategy, because that's where I messed up. 'Unnecessary delays' is right because I just had a virtual classical Homer Simpson 'doh moment while going through the assessment criteria for immigration. Turns out I could have been in Australia already (yeah right), if I had applied just a few months earlier...