Episode Summary:

This week on Moving to Australia podcast, we sit down with Kelly Zhu, who secured her PR in Dec 2023 after her skills assessment was rejected by VETASSESS.

Kelly moved to Australia from China in 2016 as a student. She graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Arts from Western Sydney University in 2020. Initially, the biggest adjustment she faced as a student was the transition from living with her family to living independently. At Uni, since English is not her first language, she had trouble understanding all that was being discussed in the classroom. She would translate all her assignments to Chinese to be able to work on them before they were turned in. She lucked out with her seniors as they would help her out in understanding the English language, and guide her with writing essays, which eventually helped her with her homework and other tasks.

In 2016, finding accommodation was not much of a challenge in Sydney. Most students from China use a local app, through which they are able to find a room to rent. Renting a room and not an entire unit is a great way for students to save on their monthly expenses. Kelly recalls her challenges in finding an affordable place to rent, a good landlord, and trusting roommates. Fortunately, she was able to find a place for herself with an accommodating and welcoming family.

After living independently in Sydney for a while, when she reflected back on her life in China, she appreciated that she could do things at her own pace and what she wanted to do. In China, there were certain expectations from family and less freedom to pursue a path of your own. Professional life is also quite difficult compared to Australia where she has more freedom and given more respect as an individual. Kelly started playing the piano at the age of 4. Teaching music to children in China was something she thoroughly enjoyed and wanted to pursue it further after coming to Oz.

When she applied for her skills assessment, it was rejected by Vetassess. Her friends directed her to Amitava, who understood her background and prepared the necessary paperwork to appeal against it and got her skills assessment approved. Amitava shares his advice on the best way to get a positive skills assessment.

Kelly emphasizes the benefit in seeking professional help for a VISA application or appeal. Failure to provide accurate information in your application can be detrimental, leading to added costs, anxiety and stress, so having an expert like Amitava can be invaluable.

Kelly shares her backstory which led to her starting a music school - Music Bubbles. Apart from teaching children how to play the piano, she also performs at concerts, birthday parties, cafes, and restaurant. Her dream is to pursue a Masters degree in music and organize annual concerts for her students so they can showcase their talents, just like she has been able to.

Keywords:

Western Sydney University, Subclass 485, Subclass 189, Music Bubbles, VETASSESS, Skills Assessment

Main Topics:

• (00:00) Moving from China as a student

• (04:47) Initial impressions about Australia

• (06:23) Rejected Skills Assessment

• (10:13) Seeking Immigration Assistance

• (12:30) Becoming an entrepreneur

Additional Resources:

• Music Bubbles

• Temporary Graduate Visa

• VETASSESS - Skills Assessment

If you are seeking immigration advice, would like to have a discussion about your application, or any other matter related to your PR call us at +61 415 882 542.

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