07/05/2026
Here is an actual Permanent Residency Journey from start to finish:
LONG POST AHEAD: SKILLED MIGRATION GUIDE (Process, Updated Costs & Personal Experience) – For CIVIL ENGINEERS & OTHER ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS 🇦🇺
SUMMARY:
⏳ Total Duration (English Exam → Visa Grant): 1 year & 4 months
💰 Total Cost: ~₱400,000+ (processing & visa, excluding pocket money)
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Since marami pa rin nagtatanong about our migration journey, I decided to compile everything here (process, updated costs, and real-life experience). Feel free to message me if may kulang or if you want insights about working & living in Australia 😊 Happy to share our Journey and Life in the Land down Under. 🇦🇺.
Mindset first: Stay Positive. Trust in God. Do Your Part 💯
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📅 TIMELINE & PROCESS
🧠 2022 – START OF JOURNEY
Jan 13, 2022 – Start PTE Review
💸 ₱5,000 (5-day review class) - mainly they will only discuss the format of the exams. Not recommended to take anymore, dami naman pala sa Youtube.
As an Engineer, most of the time my english is not englishing. 🤣
👉 Tip: Practice at least 2 hrs/day for 1 to 2 months. The exam is very technical. Kahit magaling ka sa English, you need to understand the format.
Mar 11, 2022 – Book PTE Exam
💸 /USD 230 (/₱13,000+) x 2, nagtake din si misis for additional points
Mar 21, 2022 – Took Exam
Mar 22, 2022 – Result: Proficient English (Score: 73)
👉 1 Take only. But if you're aiming for a Superior Score, you may re-take as much as you want. In engineering, you only need to score 65 for each modules (Speaking, Listening, Reading & Writing) to be able to apply for Skills Assessment.
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📄 SKILLS ASSESSMENT (ENGINEERS AUSTRALIA)
Mar–May 2022 – Prepare CDR & documents(Payslips, COE, etc.)
👉 A skills assessment is not an exam, but a structured written submission that presents your professional experience, knowledge, and practical competencies. It requires supporting evidence and documentation to validate that your skills align with the standards of your nominated profession. Online lang din ang submission nito.
May 30, 2022 – Submit Migration Skills Assessment-Competency Demonstration Report (MSA-CDR) + Relevant Skilled Employment Assessment
💸 AUD 1,413.50 (assessment)
⚡ Fast Track: AUD 368.50 (optional but recommended)
June 22, 2022 – APPROVED (Civil Engineer- Skill Level 1 ANZSCO 233211) ✅
👉 You may also start drafting your CDRs while reviewing/preparing for English Exam. This will help you submit immediately the documents for skills assessment once you passed the English Exam.
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🧾 EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)
June 25, 2022 – Submitted EOI (Subclass 190-NSW, 80 pts) to Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Australia. Online lang to, no need to go to Embassy or any Australian Office.
👉 No fee
Oct 03, 2022 – Submitted additional EOIs (Subclass 189, 75 pts & Subclass 491, 90 pts)
Oct 06, 2022 – INVITED (Subclass 189) 🎉
Score Breakdown: 75 pts
Age: 30 pts
English Language Skills: 10 pts
Work Experience Outside Australia: 10 pts
Qualifications(Bachelors Degree): 15 pts
Partner Skills: 10 pts
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📝 VISA APPLICATION
Oct 27, 2022 – Lodged Visa Application
💸 Updated Fees:
- Main Applicant: AUD 4,765
- Partner (18+): AUD 2,385
- Child (
