First Immigration Hurdle.

[gar374]

So, my wife and I introduced ourselves on here last year just before heading to Perth for 5 weeks.

 

Since we came back we agreed we were going to try and progress and the first step was for me (as primary visa applicant) to sit my IELTS test. I was at 50 points so needed another 10 (7's on the test).

 

Test day comes as does the stress of sitting an exam, and I did the best I could. 13 days later the scores come in. 7 7 8 and 9. Chuffed to bits.

 

Let the Visa company know to be told that for a software engineer, I won't get picked unless I have 70 points. Nightmare. Very low time for us. English was never a strong point of mine and I really felt I'd done the best I could do.

 

Anyway, the weeks passed and eventually I decided to have another go (less public this time, we kept it to ourselves). Test days comes, less stress as I knew what to expect this time. Was quite happy with how I did with listening and reading, not so sure about writing and the examiner for the speaking wasn't as good as the first time round, but hey!

 

So, we went out for a meal on the Thursday night 12 days later, knowing that just after midnight the results would be online. I had been quite low again, convinced of a spelling mistake on the writing part. Daring to dream of what might be.

 

00:15 and my alarm went off. Time to check the results. Well, time to figure out the login details first. Anyway, we managed that and a few minutes later the score were on my screen.

 

Listening 9

Reading 8

Writing 8

Speaking 8.5

 

I did it. So pleased. We had a few tears of joy and relief, I don't mind admitting.

 

So, we're waiting to hear back from the visa company now to start the process proper.

 

I've heard the goal posts have a habit of moving, and it can be a drawn out and stressful process. Any tips/help gratefully received, as well as projected timescales.

 

Oh, we're going for a 189 by the way.

 

All the best

Gareth

[cocolevi]

Well done on the ielts now your on your way, how did you get on over in Aus where did you stay.

Edited June 2, 2014 by cocolevi

[gar374]

We loved it. We stayed in Safety Bay with my Mum. Visited the city, amongst lots of other places. The beach was walking distance and our wee boy Danny loved being in the Ocean.

We took a camper van south and toured down to the Lighthouse near Augusta over a few days and then headed inland and north. Being coastal makes quite a difference to the temperature!

We didn't really plan anything, just drove until we saw somewhere we fancied (campsite) and stayed there for the night.

 

We caught up with friends from both home and Australia and to be honest, really didn't want to come home.

 

Next time we go we will be going home.

 

G

[nikkiwd]

glad you got through that part, one step closer for you.

[M1cha3la]

Well done on your IELTs, thats great news, one step closer

[flatpack]

I remember when I got my results, I couldn't remember my log in details so had to wait a little longer for an email from them. Sat having my break in the canteen when the email came, I thought I'd failed the speaking but got L8.5,R9,W8.5,S8.5. I nearly leaped through the ceiling whilst cheering pretty loudly!

 

Congrats

[ali]

Congratulations on the results Gareth - Well done mate