Migrant stories

Eleven years after moving from China to Australia to study mechanical engineering, Qilin Chen signed the contract to buy his very first home in Melbourne. With his wife by his side and their first child on the way, Chen knew it was a defining moment – one that confirmed his decision to call Australia home.

After graduating from RMIT University in 2017, Chen worked for a year before being invited to apply for a Skilled Nominated visa, which allowed him to stay in Australia permanently. He says building a career here has given him access to a supportive environment, with a competitive salary, a good work-life balance and many opportunities for growth.

“I really enjoy working in Australia,” Chen said. “Engineering companies are very supportive of personal development and willing to provide resources and assistance to help you grow.”

When Ricardo Caballero Feito took the opportunity to move to Australia with his employer, international engineering company Ghenova, he was surprised at the number of opportunities here for skilled workers.

Ricardo has qualifications in naval architecture and ocean engineering, quality, health and safety, and project management. In Australia he is managing the engineering work and supporting the business development at Ghenova Australia.

Ricardo said moving to Australia with his work provided him with a unique experience and the ability to make a difference in a vital industry.

He enjoys Melbourne’s rich multicultural environment and Australia’s focus on work-life balance.

For both Ricardo and his partner, moving to Australia has provided adventure, new challenges and wonderful experiences.

Rupinder Kaur arrived in Australia on a student visa. While in Australia, she found work in the aged care sector as a disability support worker. After this experience, she chose to apply for a Postgraduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing, and now works as a forensic health nurse.

Rupinder’s skilled migration pathway was through living and working in regional Victoria, where the slow-paced lifestyle provides a work-life balance and lets her spend more time with her young family. She has found her colleagues and the local community very welcoming, and she has developed many friendships.

Migrating to Australia has been extremely fulfilling for Rupinder, both personally and professionally. “People should give it a go,” she said. “I feel happy and I’ve established myself.”

Selina Yue Zhang came to Australia as a mature student to undertake a Master of Social Work. In China, Selina worked as an English teacher and had completed a Master of Linguistics. After spending some time in the workforce, she decided to study abroad and experience something new.

Selina was initially employed part-time as a disability support worker while studying, going on to secure a full-time position as a social worker shortly after graduating.

Selina said moving to Australia is one of the best decisions she’s ever made. She has good career opportunities, and her employer provides free training to help prepare her for more senior roles. She enjoys the work-life balance, the inclusive working environment and flexible work arrangements available in Australia.

Selina enjoys Australia’s multicultural community and finds it interesting learning about different cultures. She hopes her experience will inspire more people to choose Australia as their home.

After first living in Australia as a graduate student, Sophie Minjia Zhong moved to Australia permanently and commenced work as a social worker in the aged-care sector. She said she enjoys a work environment open to mature-age employees who change career. She appreciates a work-life balance that provides her with plenty of time to spend with her family and to pursue her own interests.

Sophie worked in China as a teacher before she undertook graduate studies in Australia. She was attracted to Australia by its strong economy, diverse culture and natural environment.

She and her family have felt welcomed in their local community and are enjoying a wide range of cultures and foods, including those from her homeland.

Sophie said her local community celebrates diversity and different cultures.

Urvashi Chhabria moved to Australia from India with 6 years’ experience as a physiotherapist. She initially came to do her Master of Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy at the University of South Australia.

Urvashi said once she became a resident there were many career opportunities on offer. She now works as a senior physiotherapist in private practice in an Adelaide clinic where she enjoys helping people achieve their goals and live pain free.

Urvashi says the health system and facilities in Australia are of a high standard and structured to help people get access to the care they need.

In Adelaide, Urvashi enjoys the beaches, parklands, being surrounded by beautiful landscapes and the access to amazing wildlife.