Sunday 19 December 2010

Melbourne, Australia

English Version
I had started this post 3 times before, actually sometimes I finished it but just only now I published reasons?
I could say so many but the true is that the laziness and be learning new things in a new country and a radical change make you be focusing all the time.
The flight was excellent, of course very long and many flight hours (6 hours from Bogota to Santiago Chile, 12 from Santiago to Auckland, 3 from Auckland to Sydney and 1 from Sydney to Melbourne).
Since the first moment the change is amazing, in the Airport didn’t check us the baggage (11 Suitcases), we only said that we bring some powder milk for our daughter and some basic medicines like pain killer and pills against cold. Imagine how difficult is to push two trolleys at the same time with all the suitcases, but the Melbourne people kindness shows up since the first time, an airport employee helped us with one of the trolleys some part of the journey and later a common Melbourne citizen helped us to get to airport counter.
Then in Melbourne we took a taxi to the place we previously rented by internet and we immediately settled there, the people who rented that apartment are very nice and we recommended widely. (If there is someone interested in that place, the link is: Glenmore)
The next step was to look for a house to rent and fortunately that only last two weekends, we applied for two houses and both were assigned to us then we decided for one of them. That is a good thing here in Melbourne because you can apply for several houses and you don’t have to pay anything to do it. When we settled down in the house then I start to find a job and only it took me 3 weeks, during that time I applied about 20 job offers and I had 3 interviews and now I am working with one of those companies, the funny thing is about three weeks later to be working I received a call from one of the other companies which a presented interview and they offer me to have a final interview but I had to tell them that I already was working and thanks them for the opportunity.
The fist week my wife and daughter got out to play at the park and they found a community hall and in that place they found a playgroup for our daughter, my wife enrolled her straight away.
Now because of that playgroup we had met a lot of Australian families and some of them had invited us to have dinner, BBQ’s and some other activities, in that group only are 3 immigrant families included us so we had been learning about the Australian life style.
I don’t want to make this post too long so I am going to finish here and later on I will write about Internet, buying car, buying furniture, arrange bills etc.


Spanish Version

He empezado este post más de 3 veces, de hecho algunas veces lo he terminado pero solo hasta ahora lo vengo a publicar, cuales son las razones?
Podría decir muchas pero la verdad es que solo se trata de pereza y de estar enfocado en las nuevas cosas que un país Nuevo y un cambio tan radical lo llevan a uno a descubrir.
El vuelo fue excelente, por supuesto muchas horas de vuelo (6 de Bogotá a Santiago de Chile, 12 de Santiago de Chile a Auckland, 3 de Aukcland a Sydney y finalmente 1 hora de Sydney a Melbourne).
Es impactante el cambio desde el primer momento, en el Aeropuerto no nos revisaron las maletas (11 en Total), solo dijimos que traíamos leche para la bebe y la formula del médico, así como medicamentos comunes para la gripa y Dolores de cabeza. Ya se imaginaran lo difícil manejar dos carritos con todas las maletas, pero la amabilidad de la gente se dejo ver desde el primer momento pues los encargados del Aeropuerto nos ayudaron hasta cierto punto y luego un ciudadano cualquiera nos ayudo el resto del trayecto.
En Melbourne tomamos un Taxi hasta el sitio que habíamos alquilado y nos instalamos inmediatamente, las personas que nos alquilaron, súper amables, ampliamente recomendados. (El link, por si alguien está interesado es: Glenmore )
Luego empezamos con la búsqueda de vivienda la cual afortunadamente solo nos tomo 2 fines de semana, aplicamos a 2 casas y las dos nos las asignaron, luego decidimos por una de ellas. Esa es la ventaja de Melbourne, tu puedes aplicar a cuantas casas quieras pues no debes pagar nada para poder aplicar, una vez instalados en la casa empezamos con la búsqueda de empleo la cual solo tomo 3 semanas, durante esas 3 semanas apliqué como a 20 empleos de los cuales tuve 3 entrevistas y en una de ellas quede y empecé a trabajar, como 3 semanas después de estar trabajando me llamaron de una de las empresas que había presentado entrevista para una entrevista final pero les comente que ya estaba trabajando que estaba muy agradecido por la oportunidad.
Mi esposa la primer semana salió con la niña a un parque cerca de la casa y en el centro comunitario encontró un grupo de juegos para los niños y se inscribió inmediatamente, ahora gracias a ese grupo hemos conocido a varias familias las cuales no han hecho invitaciones a comer, salidas a parques y otras actividades. La mayoría de esas familias son australianas y solo 3 familias del grupo somos inmigrantes, lo cual ha hecho que vayamos aprendiendo el estilo de vida australiano.
Para no hacer este post tan largo lo dejare allí y luego escribiré sobre el internet, compra de vehículo, compra de artículos para el hogar, servicios públicos etc.

Wednesday 10 March 2010

Useful Links

Browsing through internet I found this list and I think is very useful for any who is interested in the Australian visa process.

Navegando por internet encontré esta lista y pienso que es muy útil para cualquiera que esté interesado en el proceso de visa Australiana.


http://www.gettingdownunder.com
http://www.pomsinoz.com/
http://aussieneighbor.freeforums.org
http://www.immi.gov.au
http://www.citizenship.gov.au
http://www.passports.gov.au
http://www.mrt.gov.au (Migration Review Tribunal)
http://www.nz-oz.gov.au (for Kiwis heading to Australia)

MIGRATION AGENCIES
http://www.themara.com.au
http://www.mia.org.au

COMMUNITY MIGRATION ADVICE in AUSTRALIA
http://www.iarc.asn.au (Sydney)
http://www.rilc.org.au (Melbourne)
If elsewhere in Australia, IARC or RILC may be able to refer you

STATE IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES
http://www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au
http://www.immigration.sa.gov.au


IMMIGRATION FAQs
http://www.ptlabs.com.au/visas/faq.php
http://www.austimeline.com (Timelines)
http://www.richw.org/dualcit/ (for US citizens in Australia)

SKILL ASSESSING AUTHORITIES
http://www.ieaust.org.au (Engineers)
http://www.aaca.org.au (Architects)
http://www.icaa.org.au (Accountants)
http://www.cpaaustralia.com.au (Accountants)
http://www.nia.org.au (Accountants)
http://www.aps.psychsociety.com.au (Psychology)
http://www.acs.org.au (IT)
http://www.anmc.org.au (Nurses)
http://www.naati.com.au (Translators)
http://www.detya.gov.au/noosr/ (Teachers, plus general information)
http://www.workplace.gov.au/TRA/ (Tradesmen)
http://www.vetassess.com.au (Most 50 + 40 point occupations)
A full listing can be found on form 1121i (Skilled Occupations List)

ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING
http://www.ielts.org
http://www.oet.com.au

GOVERNMENT PORTALS
http://www.fed.gov.au
http://www.nsw.gov.au
http://www.vic.gov.au
http://www.qld.gov.au
http://www.sa.gov.au
http://www.wa.gov.au
http://www.tas.gov.au
http://www.act.gov.au
http://www.nt.gov.au

DRIVING LICENCE
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au
http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
Other authorities can be found through the state government portal.

AUSTRALIAN EMBASSIES
http://www.australia.org.uk (London)
http://www.ahc-ottawa.org (Ottawa)
http://www.austemb.org (Washington DC)
http://www.australian-embassy.de (Berlin)
(All overseas DIMIA offices)
http://www.dfat.gov.au/missions/ (All overseas Australian missions)
Not every Australian mission has a DIMIA presence.

FOREIGN EMBASSIES in the AUSTRALIA
http://www.info.dfat.gov.au/protocol (Full listing)
http://www.britaus.net
http://canberra.usembassy.gov
http://www.canada.org.au
http://www.nzembassy.com/home.cfm?c=18

BANKING
http://www.commbank.com.au
http://www.anz.com.au
http://www.stgeorge.com.au
http://www.national.com.au
http://www.westpac.com.au
http://www.australiancu.com.au
http://www.bankwest.com.au
http://www.banksa.com.au
http://www.hsbc.com.au
http://www.citibank.com.au
http://www.migrantbanking.co.uk (Commonwealth Bank, London branch)
http://www.americanexpress.com.au

REAL ESTATE
http://www.property.com.au
http://www.realestate.com.au
http://www.domain.com.au
http://www.tenants.org.au (Tenants rights)

HIGHER EDUCATION
http://www.go8.edu.au
http://www.hecs.gov.au

DISTANCE LEARNING
http://www.une.edu.au
http://www.deakin.edu.au
http://www.monash.edu.au
http://www.usq.edu.au
http://www.ola.edu.au
http://www.oli.tafe.net
http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk

NEWS and MEDIA
http://www.abc.net.au
http://www.ninemsn.com.au
http://www.seven.com.au
http://www.theaustralian.com.au (National)
http://www.smh.com.au (Sydney)
http://www.theage.com.au (Melbourne)
http://www.afr.com.au (Australian Financial Review)
http://www.crikey.com.au
http://www.mikesradioworld.com/oceania.html (Radio stations online)

SHOPPING & RETAIL
http://www.angusrobertson.com.au (Books)
http://www.binglee.com.au (Electrical)
http://www.dse.com.au (Electrical)
http://www.coles.com.au (Supermarket)
http://www.dymocks.com.au (Books)
http://www.retravision.com.au (Electrical)
http://www.westfield.com.au (Shopping Malls)
http://www.woolworths.com.au (Supermarkets)

EMPLOYMENT
http://www.seek.com.au
http://www.hays.com.au
http://www.careerone.com.au
http://www.mycareer.com.au
http://www.jobsearch.gov.au

HEALTH & SOCIAL WELFARE
http://www.centrelink.gov.au (Social security)
http://www.hic.gov.au (Health Insurance Commission, incl Medicare)
http://www.mbf.com.au (Health insurance)
http://www.medibank.com.au (health insurance)
http://www.hcf.com.au (health insurance)

TRAVEL & MOTORING
http://www.flightcentre.com.au
http://www.trailfinders.com.au
http://www.qantas.com
http://www.virginblue.com.au (Main competitor to Qantas)
http://www.sydneyairport.com.au
http://www.melbourneairport.com.au
http://www.greyhound.com.au (Bus)
http://www.drive.com.au (Car prices)
http://www.nrma.com.au (Insurance, Roadside assistance)
http://www.avis.com.au
http://www.hertz.com.au
http://www.bayswatercarrental.com.au (Car rental, Sydney and Perth)
http://www.airlinequality.com (Airline reviews)

TOURISM
http://www.australia.com
http://www.yha.org.au (Budget accommodation)

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS
http://www.australia.anglican.org
http://www.uca.org.au (Uniting Church - Methodist/Presbyterian)

WEATHER
http://www.bom.gov.au
http://www.australianweathernews.com
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~jamestorm/bristorm.html (Brisbane)
http://members.iinet.net.au/~jacob/weather.html (Perth)
http://www.dropbears.com/brough (Morning Glory cloud waves)
http://www.realsurf.com.au/ (Surf reports)

WEBCAMS
http://perthcam.bankwest.com.au
http://webcam.omni.net.au (Melbourne)

POLITICAL
http://www.liberal.org.au
http://www.alp.org.au
http://www.aph.gov.au (Parliament)
http://www.aec.gov.au (Elections)
http://www.whitlamdismissal.com (Political history)
http://www.australianpolitics.com

POSTAL & TELECOM
http://www.auspost.com.au
http://www.telstra.com.au
http://www.optus.com.au
http://www.vodafone.com.au
http://www.virginmobile.com.au

UTILITY PROVIDERS (SYDNEY)
http://www.agl.com.au
http://www.energy.com.au

INTERNET
http://www.ozemail.com.au
http://www.pacific.net.au
http://www.ihug.com.au
http://www.iprimus.com.au
http://www.iinet.net.au
http://www.aunic.net (Naming)

DIRECTORIES & SEARCH ENGINES
http://www.yahoo.com.au
http://www.google.com.au
http://www.whitepages.com.au (Online Directory)
http://www.yellowpages.com.au

OTHER GOVERNMENT SITES
http://www.abs.gov.au (National Statistics)
http://www.rba.gov.au (Central Bank)
http://scaleplus.law.gov.au (Legislation Information)
http://www.casa.gov.au (Civil Aviation Safety Authority)
http://www.ato.gov.au (Taxation)
http://www.aqis.gov.au (Quarantine)
http://www.customs.gov.au (Customs)
http://www.firb.gov.au (Foreign Investment Review Board)
http://www.familycourt.gov.au (Family Court, includes divorce information)
(Administrative Appeals Tribunal)


OTHER AUSTRALIA SITES
http://www.austlii.edu.au (Legal Database)
http://www.melbourne2006.com.au (Commonwealth Games)
http://www.taxpayer.com.au (Taxpayers Australia)
http://www.bpay.com.au (Bill payment)
http://www.slsa.asn.au (Surf life saving)
http://www.australianflag.org.au (Australian National Flag Association)
http://www.southern-cross-group.org (Expatriate Australians)
http://www.hea.asn.au (Home-education)
http://www.rfds.org.au (Royal Flying Doctor Service)
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fireants (Brisbane Fire Ant infestation)
http://www.ntf.flinders.edu.au (National Tidal Facility)
http://www.ga.gov.au/nmd/geodesy/astro/ (Sunrise / Sunset times)
http://www.whereis.com.au (online maps)

Monday 8 March 2010

Visa Approved

A Great News

Visa Aprobada ,Visa Approved,visum goedgekeur,Visa miratuar,تأشيرة وافقت
VISA ЗАЦВЕРДЖАНА,VISA ОДОБРЕНИ,VISA APROVADA, 簽證認可,VISA ODOBRENO,VISA SCHVÁLENO,VISA GODKENDT,VISA GOEDGEKEURD,VISA HEAKSKIIDETUD,VISA inaprubahan,Visa päätti,VISA APPROUVÉ,VISA APROVADOS,VISA APPROVED,VISA ΕΓΚΡΙΘΗΚΑΝ,Visa APWOUVE,A VISA JÓVÁHAGYOTT

Thanks God!!!

Friday 5 March 2010

Taking Medical Examinations

We woke up early because our appointment was settled at 7 AM and we live far away from the medical center; it took us 1 hour to get there. When we arrived the medical center was still closed but 5 minutes later the first employee arrived.

She asks us about what embassy was the documentation for, because they make medical examinations not only for Australia but also for Canada, New Zealand and I don’t know what others countries.

Later she asks about the File reference number which arrived in the email that the case officer sent us and we showed her the original passport because we forgot the photocopy. At that time the office was with 7 people more taking the same medical examinations for the same and/or different countries.

Then the secretary took us a picture to each one with a digital camera and fill out the information in a template form for the medical and RX exam and we pay 680.000 Colombian pesos (340 dollars approximately). After that we were called for another employee who took us the blood test and gave us a little plastic can for the urine test.

Afterwards the first secretary gave us the medical order to take the chest RX in other clinic called IDIME, that clinic center was at 10 minutes by car and we arrived there at 10 minutes to 9 am and the attention was really quick but the result took 1 hour to be ready. At that place we didn’t pay anything because the previous money we pay in the doctor’s office include the RX too.
With the chest RX result in a sealed envelope we come back to take the general examination with the doctor but at that time (10 AM) our daughter was sleeping in my arms and was necessary to wake her up, thing no easy to do because at that time is her usual nap time.
Finally we woke up our daughter and the doctor only heard her heart and her lungs and during the entire interview he was watching her and taking notes on her movements and her general behavior.

The interview was really fast; only the doctor takes your blood pressure, hear your breath and your heart, some regular questions and no more. Before noon we had finished all the medical requirements and the doctor told us that everything was ok, very normal.

The medical center is in charge to send the documents to the corresponding office, in our case that office was Sydney because we are applying for a General skill independent visa (175).
We wait 7 days before call the medical center ask them for the tracking number for our documents and there they gave us that number and also informed us that the documents already arrived to Sydney on February 23.

That day (Feb 23) we checked through the evisa system and the medical examinations looked “Received” and 3 days later the status had changed to “Referred” and the March 03 they seem Finalized.

Taking PCC

That was easier, only we needed to call the DAS and ask for an appointment for the next day, and the day of the appointment we carried the national ID, a photo and 15.000 (8 US$ approximately) and half our later we had our Police clearance certificate.

Those paper (PCC) we uploaded for the e-visa system on March 03, 2010 because we had to wait for the translations.

I want to add the Attention in the medical center was excellent and reliable, they know all the procedure and they have software where there is the template for every form you need in this case 26EH and 160EH.

Tuesday 16 February 2010

Case Officer Assigned



A week ago, I was working on my computer at 11 PM when I decided to open my email account just to check if some email had arrived, when I saw a new email with the subject Adelaide Office, at the beginning I didn’t understand what was it about but when I started to read the body of the email a big wave of emotions fill my body. The message was from our case officer who is requesting that we take the medical examinations and send the police clearance certification (PCC).
Also in the email there is a statement that says: “Timeframe for response
You must respond to this request within 28 days after you are taken to have received this letter”. So, taking that in count tomorrow we’ll take the medical examination and the PCC on the weekend.
Despite the new regulations DIAC issued last February 8th, our case in going really fast because only took 92 days since we apply for the PR to have case officer assigned.
Thanks God!!!.

Funcionario del caso Asignado

Hace una semana, estaba trabajando en mi computador como a las 11PM cuando decidí abrir el correo solo para revisar si había llegado algún email, cuando vi un nuevo correo con el título Oficina Adelaide, al principio no entendía de que se trataba pero cuando empecé a leer el mensaje del correo una gran ola de emociones invadió my cuerpo. El mensaje era de nuestro funcionario del caso quien está solicitando que nos tomemos los exámenes médicos y enviemos los certificados judiciales.
En el correo también hay una oración que dice: “Plazo para responder Usted debe responder esta solicitud dentro de los 28 días después de haber recibido este correo”. Así que tomando eso en cuenta mañana nos tomaremos los exámenes médicos y el fin de semana los pasados judiciales.
A pesar de las nuevas regulaciones que DIAC publicó el pasado 8 de Febrero, nuestro caso está yendo bien rápido porque solamente tomó 92 días desde que aplicamos por la PR hasta tener funcionario del caso asignado.

Gracias Dios!!!.