Constancy, sweet sweet constancy
Posted on Monday 17th March 2008
Unsurprisingly another Simpsons reference.
Now we’ve been here for a while and intend being here longer, I’m looking into ways to make staying easier. Currently I’m only provisionally registered with the local Health Board, not registered at all with the Australian Medical Council and having to renew my visa yearly.
Fortunately the AMC have seen sense and realised that UK medical graduates are worth having and of an equal standard to local doctors. They have created the “Competent Authority Pathway” which means they recognise many UK medical schools as being “competent authorities” to issue degree certificates and, as such, don’t require additional validation. Once my application is accepted it will mean full AMC registration so I can work anywhere I like, which means being able to do locums for supplementary income.
The next step after that will be to apply for permanent residency. Again there is a pathway for people with desirable skills especially in areas of shortage. This means registering as a Skilled Independent Migrant, which means not having to go through the visa application rigmarole every year. It’s not a cheap option in the short-term, but will pay off in the greater scheme.
While on the subject of permanency, we have put up some of our artwork in the house so it feels even more homely. Some of the clip frames didn’t survive shipping from Leicester, so we will have to get them re-done. The value of insurance proved itself as we were able to claim for the damage. It helps having an obliging landlord who was happy for us to put up picture hooks. Bit-by-bit we are making the place our own and soon it will look like we have lived here forever. After moving twice in 2 years a little “constancy, sweet sweet constancy” is very welcome.
That’s very good news; I’m glad things are working out well for you.
Thats great things are goin well