Sitting Here In Limbo

It was March 2020... and you already know where this is heading. I had finished going through my immigration process to Australia in what felt like record time. I submitted my application for my 190 New South Wales visa on the 30th of March. I thought to myself,"pandemic? Just another bird flu. Processing times on the Home Affairs website say nine months. Might have to quarantine, but I'll be in Australia within the year!"I now write this blog 600 days later and no Case Officer has been assigned to my file. Onshore applicants (those already in Australia) filled up the quota for 2020 and may do so again. Despite the pandemic winding down and borders across the world opening, I and many others could very well be waiting at least another year due to the backlog of offshore migrants. Some have even been waiting since July 2019 last time I checked Immitracker.

Before Covid-19, the world was getting smaller. Having visited Australia and lived there for a year and a half ,the thought of traveling between my hometown of Austin, Texas and Brisbane, Queensland was nothing to me. A simple stop over in LA to see friends before leaving for Australia on a 12 hour flight where I would catch up on all the movies I missed sounded like cake. To most it seems that isn't the case, but long travel isn't for everyone. The speed, mobility, comfort and affordability of travel was increasing before the pandemic. I afforded the travel by using credit card points and paying off the balance before interest accrued. Then, it was a matter of planning ahead to get a good deal. When all this changed in the blink of an eye, it felt like some almighty, evil higher-up thought us expats were just too damn happy so the powers that be pulled the plug on our lifestyle. The doors certainly shut the moment I handed in my application, that's for sure. I shouldn't joke though, because many have actually fallen to conspiracies. There is truth to our pain, however.

The doom thoughts drove on... "Had I been duped? Was this Australia's scheme along? Did they just take our money and leave us immigrants out to dry?" The negative thoughts and conspires ran madly through my head, driven by the fear of the unknown. I was also "stuck" at a toxic job and was relying on Australia to save me from my troubles; a mistake to begin with. Australia represented a land where I could start an entry level job in any industry and still make a liveable wage. My health care would be better! I could surf every weekend! I was in love with the landscapes and wildlife, even the scary ones. Australia was the place for me and I could not bare the thought of anywhere else. Australia has her own problems, no doubt. Nevertheless, we all know when we've found the place we belong.

Then, 2021 came and went with no answers. It was such a strange time because it wasn't even life goals that were delayed. Everyday comforts and essentials we take for granted were out of reach or delayed into oblivion. Material shortages made it hard for me to continue as a freelance carpenter. Rent and housing were surging out of control. Movies and television shows we relied on as a mental escape were delayed by at least two to three years in some cases. "Pity me! I'm fuckin' stuck with no meaning or purpose!" Half of our frustrations are first world problems I admit, but I won't say it was nothing either. The prolonged uncertainly led to break ups and lost job opportunities. Australian citizens not being able to come home or leave the country to be by a sick loved one's side was devastating. Despite all this, it could been even worse.

Rather than discounting my own struggles with positive-thinking mumbo-jumbo, I decided to simply acknowledge my feelings. I could not just "keep busy" anymore to pass the time. Checking my email every day for updates was painful and doom-scrolling the news for hope, only to find more information alluding to a longer wait, was making my chest contract more than it should for a 33 year old. I decided to look inward; how would I use my time so that I could guarantee my success in Australia when the time would come for my arrival? I knew I had a phobia of starting a new job surrounded by new people so that would be the obvious place to start. I also knew I wanted property and as a single lad I would need more time to save for a downpayment. Mandarin is a popular language in Australia and many of my fellow Americans don't know a second language, so I took to Duolingo (I've committed to practising every day until my visa is granted. Day 30 so far!) What started this revelation was seeing Daniel Craig's final Bond outing in No Time To Die. In the film, James Bond is wasting away in a beautiful villa in Jamaica having thrown away his future on past cynicism and a deep mistrust of other people. It isn't until he is drawn back into a battle that leads him to his lost love. At first, I missed the point. Actually, while watching, I was suddenly filled with a fantasy of bribing a pilot and skydiving over Australian airspace; then, after cutting the parachute, my backpack morphs into a surf board... I land in a perfect curling wave and surf to shore on New Year's Eve when all the cops are distracted by fireworks. Some poor onshore applicant would then have their identity stolen - and now my name is Peter, a rural carpenter undercover, looking over his shoulder the rest of his life... but at least I made it to Australia and will not (and can't) leave again!

However, the more important lesson from No Time To Die was when Ralph Fiennes' character of "M" recites Jack London: "The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time."

Two quick important reasons art exists: to inspire and introduce new ways of thinking. I'm now in a more stable mindset, focusing my energy on improving myself for the adventure ahead. I have my slip-ups but I strive to retain my regimen. Here is a simple list of Do's and Don'ts to maintain your sanity while you wait in a seemingly endless limbo period:

Don't

• Drown in conspiracy theories of fear-based minds such as yourselves and others.

• Develop envy toward those who have achieved your goal; you will follow them and others will follow you.

• Pester your migration agent every month for answers. They want you in your new country as much as you do. They will update you when there is news (checking in every 6 months is okay).

• Take your frustration out on family. Be thankful you have extra time with them and if you feel your presence is becoming negative due to your frustration, take a break from their company.

• Be hard on yourself. Enjoy catching up on the latest entertainment.

• Take to heavy drinking or drugs.

Do

• Learn a new language, or improve your English.

• Begin selling your belongings. It's okay to hold onto items that keep you sane in the meantime.

• Donate items. It feels good to help people and clear out clutter at the same time.

• Continue to save money and welcome new ways to earn it.

• Visit friends and family you won't see for a long time.

• Learn a new skill you could use overseas.

• Exercise.

• Visit the library or a new park. It's free.

• Make sure you have the right gear for your travels. Think I wouldn't throw in an ad? It helps support this blog check out our products and subscribe for more posts! Thank you for reading.