From international student in Melbourne to PR in Darwin: How this Pinay confronted challenges in Australia

In this episode of Trabaho, Visa, atbp., we explore the story of Cristina Magbojos, who moved to a different state to find a pathway to Permanent Residency.

Credit: Supplied

Key Points

• Cristina Magbojos, a Communications Professional, arrived in Melbourne as an international student in 2016 and pursued a Master of Accounting.
• She and her family later moved to Darwin but were caught in a border shutdown, resulting in their extended stay in the Northern Territory until they eventually secured Permanent Residency.
• According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2021, there are approximately 7,000 Filipinos in the Northern Territory, with numbers continuously growing.

In an interview with SBS Filipino, Cristina shared that her start in Australia as an international student was far from easy, especially since she left her family and her young child behind.

“It was really difficult. As a mother, it was hard to leave my child. Moving to a new country meant many adjustments, like the school system," Cristina said.

I felt overwhelmed, experienced homesickness and depression, but thankfully, I had a support system. I also volunteered, which helped.

Cristina Magbojos

Cristina also encountered jobs she never imagined she would do.

“There was a time when I worked as a cleaner and was assigned to clean toilets, and there are things you cannot unsee. I thought my mom might want to send me home if she knew. But I considered it a decent job; it paid the bills and provided experience.”

Cristina Magbojos started her journey in Melbourne as an international student, then moved to Darwin and is now a permanent resident in Australia. Credit: SBS Filipino

Despite the challenges, Cristina achieved what she sees as a success by becoming a permanent resident along with her family in November 2023.

Before obtaining PR, Cristina held a Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa after completing her master’s degree to stay in Australia for an additional two years, while her husband applied for a Pandemic Visa.

With the help of her registered migration agent and her job as a General Accountant, she submitted a Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa, which granted her and her family Permanent Residency.

Cristina Magbojos and her family. Credit: Supplied

According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2021, there were about 7,000 Filipinos in the Northern Territory. The majority are labourers, technicians, and trade workers, as well as professionals and community and personal services workers.

Cristina’s advice to Filipinos aspiring to become PR or citizens of Australia is to be determined and not easily give up.

Disclaimer: The general explanation and information provided are for guidance only. For additional information and advice tailored to your situation, consult a lawyer or registered migration agent in Australia.