Migrating to Australia entails many steps, and it can take a long time to get a Permanent Residency visa granted.
The first step of the application process is to apply for a skills assessment. Pastry Cooks, who are Philippine passport holders, go through the Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) with Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). This can take one to six months, depending on the availability of the assessor. The next steps, such as lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI), applying for state sponsorship, and lodging a visa application, can take six months to two years.
Although it is a lengthy application process, claiming the prize– that is, being able to live and work in Australia permanently, is worth all the time, costs and effort. Here’s a true story about a Pastry Cook from Makati who, in December 2017, decided to take his journey to migrate to Australia.
Rizalino Manas, in his younger years, was a sensible nephew as he would always help out his aunt in the kitchen when preparing food for the family. While studying Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management at De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde, Rizalino and his team joined many cake decorating and bread sculpting competitions and consistently bagged first and second place awards. These were the moments when Rizalino realised his passion for patisserie.
After graduation, Rizalino developed his career as a Pastry Cook at Shangri-La Makati and Shangri-La The Fort while winning pastry and culinary competitions in the Philippines and Singapore.
Rizalino was influenced by some of his friends who were granted Permanent Residency in Australia and decided to apply with his partner. In the Philippines, there is no concept of a de facto partner relationship. It is either a Filipino couple is married, or they are just boyfriend and girlfriend. However, Rizalino and his partner Krisna have lived together for over 12 months and have satisfied the meaning of de facto partners per the Migration legislation.
Rizalino got his skills assessment as a Pastry Cook from TRA in August 2018, received his Victorian state nomination granted in December 2018, and lodged his 190 visa in January 2019. On the 31st of December 2019, Rizalino’s and Krisna’s 190 visas were granted. The couple was ecstatic to have heard this great news and planned to move to Australia in April 2020. However, due to the pandemic, it was only in December 2020 that the couple arrived in Melbourne.
Here are some excerpts from my interview with Rizalino and Krisna:
1. How has becoming an Australian Permanent Resident changed your lives?
We felt that our life here in Australia as permanent residents is more secure as we are entitled to many government benefits. We remember, just into our second month, we were able to use our Medicare health benefits with no hassle and surprisingly free for our health check-ups.
We did not encounter any problem applying for work either because permanent residents have unrestricted rights to work. Even though we arrived during the pandemic period, we were blessed that work opportunities were still present.
2. How can you compare your work life in the Philippines to that in Australia?
I feel that it is more rewarding to work in Australia. Firstly, you will definitely earn a higher salary with the same job that you do in the Philippines. It means that you can save more.
Companies here promote work-life balance, which is really essential in promoting health and mental well-being. In the company where I work, the management is considerate and flexible in giving work schedules to staff with kids.
In terms of the people in the workplace, there is room for growth as it is composed of diverse people. It means we also learn, and the workplace opens us to different backgrounds and cultures. In return, we can also share our good values as Filipinos.
3. What are your suggestions to Pastry Cooks who intend to migrate to Australia?
Understand the process and ask the right people with the knowledge and expertise before applying for a PR visa. If you have the right skills and experience as a pastry chef, we suggest you go for a permanent residence visa. It will take some time, but it will be worth it.
Pastry Cooks are still listed under the Department of Home Affairs’ skilled occupations. If you have plans of making Australia your home, it is suggested to seek advice or assistance from a Registered Migration Agent or an Immigration Lawyer to understand your visa pathways.
