PART 9 - Vacating Singapore- Things to do when you permanently vacate a country

        It's been quite a few months since I updated anything in the blog. After 3 blissful and busy months here in Canberra, with so many ups and few downs, I have challenged myself to finish all the remaining parts of this migration episode and post it by this week.

        Here we are today, in our cosy warm home enjoying our first Canberra winter amidst friends who have become our family. God manifests in human forms –so true in our case. We met amazing people all along the way. I just cuddled a lab poodle yesterday on the streets, got a drop home from a kind lady when all I asked was for directions, a lunch invite from a random kind grandma and gifted a cute little girl a pink piggy bank who hugged me out of nowhere in the mall. Things just fell in right place. Canberra couldn’t welcome us more.

        Now back to our migration journey, this post will be covering the things to do when you permanently vacate a country. You can read the other parts of our migration experiences here.

Things to do when you PERMANENTLY VACATE A COUNTRY:
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1) Terminate all the Contracts/ Services:
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        This is the first and foremost thing we did when we planned to leave the country. Terminating requires time. So planning ahead saves from mess. This includes services like
Water, electricity, gas and garbage - (PUB), TV and Internet - (Starhub), Rental accounts etc. All this does not end in a day. Be sure to fix appointments, know the procedures and follow accordingly.

2) Pay ALL your Bills:
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        All the services in Singapore work in a contract based system. Most of the service providers charge an early termination fee, when a contract has to be terminated before its end period. And because it is Singapore, these fees would be expensive. Now, because a person permanently vacates the country, the easy and stupid option would be to escape it and make a run. But Singapore being a central hub, it is a transit for most of the countries. And failing to pay any of these fees may result in a civil case when you pass through the transit even after years. So it is safe ,best and ethical to terminate all the services, settle the bills inclusive of phone, TV, Internet, PUB, rental, Income tax, loans if any, credit cards etc. and keep the name in the records clean.

Simply put, Two reasons:
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a) Because it is the right thing to do.
b) Never risk your return to the country, even for transit.
c) Be sure that all the records are linked in some way, shared at some point and the immigration has access to them.

PS: You can sit down with the providers and negotiate these charges, providing the regularly paid bills, how loyal you have been to this provider (taking up all mobile, internet and cable-Tv with same provider for years), and your visa expiry (if that's the case), or your employer terminating your contract.

3) Revisit Memories:
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        Singapore was our second home. We started our lives there. Each corner and place in the country- we have memories and stories. We never thought leaving the country would be hard but it was terrible. From east to west, north to south we had many places, restaurants, kopitiams, temples, family, friends  to visit. We planned and printed a 60 day schedule exclusive for this, dedicated all our weekends. Ticked off one by one. I never knew reliving those moments would make up best memories. And we made personalized magnets and gifted all friends, family and colleagues. That way when they see the magnets, they remember their moments as well as us :)  

4) Back up all your data:
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        This will include photos, videos, non confidential office files, pay slips, income tax statements, monthly bank e-statements for multiple accounts, employer service certificates, offer letters, resignation letters, migration documents ,contracts etc. Dedicate a separate folder for all the countries you have lived, companies you have worked, your UG, PG, essential docs like passport, birth/marriage certs, and school/college certificates. Categorize everything to folders and make portable multiple copies of the entirety. If you update any folder, never forget to update the copies. You will never know your future needs.

5)Quitting procedures:
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        Plan your one way migration trip accordingly that you leave the country after you serve your notice period with your employer. Never skip this for these reasons.
a) It is always good to maintain a good name with the boss/ex-boss. You never know when you will need a reference/recommendation from him.
b) They might blacklist/ proceed legally by suing you.
c) Pay the salary back or the demanded figure worst case. Never burn the bridges. Think wise before you act.
        Never leave the country before you double check that all the income tax has been deducted. It is a criminal case to leave the country before paying your tax.

6) Sell /Give away your belongings:
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        Thankfully, we never bought any expensive furniture or appliances as all rented houses came furnished in Singapore. We had few cheap Ikea stuff for which I made appointments with charity and salvos. They came the day before we left the country and picked up all the clothes and other items. I also used gum tree and carousel for selling other remaining stuff. It was good fun and I enjoyed negotiating and reselling the used stuff for decent money.

7) Safe home for pets if ineligible to relocate:
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        The far most stupidest thing to do is to adopt a pet, when we are unsure of our migration plans. We were never an exception (or should I make it singular?! It was me who pursued this idea and convinced Arvind). We had a 2 year old guinea-pig named Jaangi. We loved her, she loved us and it was all a happy story till we had to give her away. The quarantine process of Australia is the most complex and strict one in the world and she was too little to undergo all this. At the end of the day, after all the drama I put up, we are just happy that Arvind's colleague who used to take care of her when we went for vacations was happy to adopt her. She resides peacefully in a happy home now.
Moral of the story:
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a) Never adopt a pet in a country you are going to live temporarily. Pets are family and they remember everything.
b) Worst case, Be sure to relocate him/her to a good happy home.

8) Take care of your Investments/ Bank matters:
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        We had a gold account with UOB, Singapore. It was easier to handle as it was paper gold. Though maintaining it was online, we wanted to close the account as we thought it would be an added risk and responsibility managing it from Australia. It never took more than 10 minutes to close the account.
        Opening an account online in any bank in Australia from any country is a no big deal for expats. So find out the bank that suits your needs, make use of the migrant banking deals, find out the exchange rates and transfer the funds early. Never put this in a hold till last minute.
        And regarding the existing bank accounts in Singapore - it being a central hub, is always better and convenient  to have one open. Opening one is never easy with all the list of documents you have to submit. So we retained Arvind's account with DBS and closed all other accounts and sub-accounts. Make sure you have the minimum balance so they don't keep deducting service charge each month. Make a last visit to the nearest branch and update your card and online banking pin. As the card is valid for 7-8 years and the banking pin is valid for 4 years. You can regularly check the account online and use it during transit.

These are the things we did when we vacated Singapore. Again this is simply our experience and may not be a complete guide. Following this post is Things to do during migration before you land permanently .
Stay tuned :)

The Sudden happy twist in the tale - Canberra is Calling with an awesome Job!!

Well, its time to say Hello Canberra :)

       All these days right from day 1 we were thinking about Melbourne and even made our first landing short trip to Melbourne. And then, one fine morning everything changed.

        We both randomly were applying jobs all over Australia, as ours is an independent visa (visa 189). After our surprise short trip to India this Jan 2015, the blessings from all elders and temples worked out instantly and we both were greeted with interview calls in our emails when we had landed back in Singapore. We both had skype interviews on Jan second week. And now, for the climax we both were successful. By February first week I had an offer letter for full-time Phd in Melbourne and when were about to celebrate my victory Arvind's offer came pouring in after that.

        My husband is a lark and I am not that much of a morning person. And all the good news, be this job offers or our PR or any other news for that matters comes to us early in the morning and Arvind rushes to me, wakes me with a jerk and shouts the whole thing even before I get conscious. The same happened for this and my heart skipped few beats for seconds when he told be about his offer.

        That's only when I realized we are not only a smart-working couple but we can't get more lucky for 2 reasons,

1) Our plan had always been that we would be migrating by June 2015, look for a Job and that's why we had saved money to face the migration expenses and sustain financially during the job search period. But now, we not only land in Canberra with a job, but the relocation expenses are covered by Arvind's employer too. I know its all bragging but I can't be more proud.

2) My only concern to Arvind was not to limit himself by searching only for satellite related jobs, which is current field in Singapore. To encounter more opportunities I requested him to expand his search/interests in anything related to embedded systems. But very fortunately, all thanks to LinkedIn he was able to find the same kinda defense job in Canberra too. Now, I can proudly brag that my husband works for Australia Defense Research, Canberra ACT.

        Eventually we decided to let go my Phd offer, as the purpose of this whole migration itself is to stay together and start a family. So I find it meaningless when I have to stay 500 Kms far from him. Fortunately Arvind tops my priority list. And more importantly I will be going as a student and Arvind as a full time employee with maximum benefits. So obviously we chose Arvind's path. This may put an end to my Phd and Melbourne dream temporarily, but with a supportive husband like this, I am sure that I will make myself worthy some day in Canberra too.

        Now we are all set, one way flight bookings - done, Shipping - arranged, temporary accommodation - done, Sg matters- settled, investments - closed, contracts- terminated, Packing- done. We leave Singapore on April 14 th and the date is not far away :)
Years became months, Months became days, Days became minutes and Canberra here we come.

"Good bye Singapore" post and "Things to do during Migration" post coming right away. Stay Tuned!

See you in Canberra :)

Money Management to Migrate (Part-3)

You can read our previous parts of migration experiences here. 

Migration means 2 things.

1. Patience

2. Money, Lots of Money

Not a pro in both. But I really try. At least I'm closer than I was yesterday.

Learning money management starts at home. I look back at my childhood and I couldn't be taught more.

What my Father taught me:

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1. Never ever LEND money. Lend money only if you don't expect it back.

2. Never ever BORROW money. Period.

What my Mother taught me:

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Oh! So many things from compulsory savings to radical budget.

They never gave me a single lecture on money management. Their actions did more than any lectures.

Its 4 years now I've started to handle money on my own. And I was terrible with it. Oh! God knows!   I loved useless crap.

Same cut dress in 4 different colors?? - Yes, Please!!

Sandals that I won't / can't even use?? - Add to bag!!

A book just because its cover page is red?? - Totally!!

A coffee mug just because I want to reach the count of 20 mugs?? - Can't stop!!

Now I look back, all I have is too much of guilt and possession of more useless crap. Yeah I ended it eventually and I have to. Saving money just works like dieting. Losing weight or getting rich- Both not gonna happen in one day.

Here are few tips, we follow.

1. Savings account that we can't access:

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        When I want something, I definitely want it. And when I handle the money, I easily buy it. And Arvind never says no to anything I buy. So the first job was to make Arvind strict towards me. The second job- we started a account where it requires both of us to withdraw/ transfer. So all my needy list goes through Arvind and the useless crap gets filtered out.

2. Be a Cheap Date:

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        Do not try this when you date, before marriage or even after few months of marriage. Once the glamour part is gone, when it is comfortable and familiar seeing the partner after a tiring sleep or walking around the house with night dress, that is the best time to take this step. 

A SWEETHEART is milk, A BRIDE is butter, A WIFE is cheese, as someone rightly said.

        Think creative. A carpet, some cheap wine, battery operated fairy lights/ a candlelight, homemade gobi manchurian and watching Friends can be as romantic as an expensive date. The best part is you feel the same and maybe a bit more proud saving few bucks.

PS: Don't be a cheapskate too. When the wife feels to dress up and go out, please do so. 

3. Cut down eating out:

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        Though I love cooking, I can't handle if its 24X7. We eat out a lot, like 4 days a week. Then we challenged ourselves to eat outside only twice a month and failed miserably. So we formulated a new plan, to start slow and now its eat outside once a week. Draw a plan which will work out, stick to it and it just feels great. 

4. Pay your bills, Pay your Savings too:

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         Treat your savings like a bill. At a particular date a large chunk of money automatically goes into our savings account. Its non negotiable. This way money adds up real soon. 

Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving- Warren Buffet.

5. Make a Pact:

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        I started a no-spend August. But mid week I stapled my finger unfortunately and ended up crying all day. Convincing me became so tough for Arvind and eventually he ended up buying 2 gowns for me. So again its no-shopping September. I've taken a vow not to buy anything that isn't food or household or transport related.

PS: Don't beat yourself too much. At least you have to keep yourself alive and happy.

6. Cut back movies:

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        Every Friday is a compulsory night out. Its there in our family rules. Staying home at Friday nights, I literally feel like I am being punished. We used to go to meaningless movies, just for the pleasure of popcorn and coke. So Arvind switched the household shopping schedule to Friday nights. Its a win-win. 

        1st and 3 rd Fiday nights- House hold shopping. 2 nd and 4 th Friday nights- Movies.

So all Fridays are a night-out and the family rules are obeyed too.

        All these are nothing new and I am not an expert too. Just few things we follow. It is not always easy. But it's completely worth it. After all these years, if we don't learn to manage money, the future will make us learn in a hard way. And that is not the risk we wanted to take.

Happy Saving !! 

Migration to Australia- (Part 2) - When the going gets tough only the tough gets going !

You can read our other parts of migration experiences here.

All this started 1.5 years back on Jan 2013.  Thanks to few friends who inspired us to take this huge step. It’s been a roller-coaster ride so far. Also many thanks to our immigration specialists AIMS – Things wouldn't be this easy without them.

Migration- Pure Rocket Science:
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Of all the other things like money, qualification etc needed for migration, the most important thing is PATIENCE. 

Step 1- Do we qualify ?

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The very first step is meeting the basic eligibility criteria. Thanks to our young age, our master’s degree and Arvind’s years of work experience.  And now comes the money. Forget the second part of migrating over to the country, Just to get the Permanent Residence for a family of two, it costs around 15000 Sg $ approx (inclusive of the agents fee). Again Thanks to Singapore money, for making it affordable. After all this is an investment.

            So with choosing the visa category, satisfying the points test, going through with IELTS, (not whining about the preparation for the exams as it all ended good), and the next step was skills assessment.

Step 2- Getting ready with the docs:

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            This was the most tedious step. Apart from Birth certificates, Education certificates, marriage cert, passports, we needed Service certs from all companies, bank statements from all banks, salary certs, letter of recommendations from all bosses of all companies, letter of resignations, letter of appointments, transcripts, medium of instruction certs, etc.. What more and what not?

            In Our case, we had to collect all these from India too, troubling our parents and friends back at India.

Step 3- Skill Assessment

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            Everyone who applies for a visa subclass 189/190 have to encounter this step. Simply put, the migration department of Australia evaluates the worthiness of our work experiences (to Australia standards) to offer us a Permanent Residence Visa. For this, they require us to write a CDR (Competency Demonstration Report) – A minimum 25 page report, listing all the work experiences detail for all the companies we’ve worked.

            The good part is, only the primary applicant has to submit the CDR and so for Arvind, he had 4 years work experience at 3 different companies. So it was 3 chapters in total accessed by EA (Engineers Australia).

PS: Now with India becoming a permanent member of Washington Accord, there is a rumor that the Indian engineering graduates may not have to go through this. But this remains a rumor till now.

Step 4- Submitting EOI and PATIENTLY WAIT, VERY PATIENTLY WAIT:

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            So After a wait of 14 weeks, the results of CDR Assessment came in leaving way for the next step.

            Submitting EOI (Expression of Interest) is basically filling up all the forms including the IELTS, Skills assessment results, submitting it and waiting for the invitation rounds to get an invite. This is the crucial part, as it may take upto 2 years (max) to get an invite. The invitation rounds are conducted twice a month. Each and every midnight of first and third Sunday was a sleepless night for us for about 7 months.

Step 5- YAYY! The Invite:

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            After a worthy anxious wait of 7 months, we were finally given the invite, allowing us to proceed with medical and police clearance. Though for the Police clearance we had to get from both India and Singapore. The end was not far.

Step 6- The Permanent Residence – The Great Escape:

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            Here we are, smiling with the granted visa. Thanks to our extremely supportive parents, AIMS, and all others who helped us in this journey. Words will never describe this Joy. Now that the seemingly hard part is over, can’t wait to migrate and start a relaxed calm, peaceful life in Australia. Of course with few fast races here and there.

After all what is life without UPS and DOWNS! J

NOTE: The whole migration process may vary from person to person, family to family. There is no least or max time. It depends on various parameters like points, age, qualification, nationality etc.

Sharing Our Timeline Below:

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Occupation Code     :     233411 Visa 189

9 MARCH 2013       :      IELTS Exam Written

21 MARCH 2013     :     IELTS Results Acquired

         8.5                  :     IELTS Band Score

27 JULY 2013          :    CDR Approved

7 AUGUST 2013      :    EOI Submitted

24 MARCH 2014      :    Received Invite

2 APRIL 2014          :    PR Application Lodged

23 APRIL 2014         :    Medicals Completed

14 MAY 2014           :    Case Officer Assigned

15 MAY 2014           :    Police Clearance Applied

21 MAY 2014           :    PC Received (India)

5 JUNE 2014            :    PC Received (Singapore)

9 JUNE 2014            :    Form 18, Medicals and PC Submitted

10 JUNE 2014          :    Visa Granted (happens to be our wedding day at 2012 :) )

PS: Not making this a very vague post, listing all the details, providing the links etc. This is just a go-through post to understand the overall Process.