Megan is an Australian citizen having been born in Adelaide. She owns her own graphic design company.
Nilo had left his Island home in the Philippines and was unfamiliar with all the “Mod Cons” of Western society.
How everything started
Megan met Nilo while holidaying on his beautiful remote island of Siargao in the Philippines.
On May 11th, 2010, Megan left the Philippines to return to Australia. The couple occasionally spoke of her return on face book/Skype but as the internet connection was never the best they continually got cut off.
During Megan’s time in Australia, she worked and saved money as she wanted to return to the Philippines as soon as possible.
After 7 months in Australia, Megan had enough money to return to the Philippines for 6 months. She flew to Manilla, Cebu then Siargao Island and later that night the couple met again for a drive through the village. Suddenly it started to rain so they pulled over and stood under shelter until the rain lightened. This was the moment they had their first kiss.
On the following months, they started collecting documents to apply for Nilo’s visa.
The First Steps
When applying for Nilo’s Passport and Visa everything involved was doubly difficult because of where they were situated. Simple tasks such as certifying documents and printing them out meant a boat trip of 4 hours and a stay overnight as the boat only made the trip daily.
When it came time for Nilo to have his medical check with the panel Doctors this was even more difficult as they had to travel even further first the 4 hour boat trip then another 8 hours from there on another boat.
One of the trips Megan was quite unwell. Her health was deteriorating daily due to living conditions. On this occasion, they arrived at their destination to complete some of the required documentation only to find it was a Public holiday and everything was closed for 3 days. Much to their disappointment, they had to spend a week finalizing documents before the tedious boat trips back to the island.
It was an extremely difficult time mainly for Nilo and Megan but also for Megan’s parents who only were able to help and communicate via Skype.
Throughout out all the difficulties and the huge roller coaster of emotions with times, they all thought Nilo coming to Australia was never going to happen, Megan and Nilos love grew even stronger and Megan was determined she was not returning without Nilo.
Then the wonderful news arrived Nilos Passport arrived by courier to his island…… Now for step 2 “The Visa”
The Visa Process
Many more boat trips and even more tears. Approximately 6months later the news they were all waiting for ….Nilos Visa had been approved.
Unfortunately as happy as they all were this was not the end. Another boat trip had to be made for Nilo to attend a compulsory seminar before departing the Philippines. It was quite traumatic for Nilo as it was something he had to attend alone without Megan who was not even allowed to wait in the building but had to sit on the steps outside for the entirety of the seminar which was 7hours with a break of half hour for lunch. It was only on completion of the seminar also providing that Nilo “past” the criteria that his passport was affixed with his Visa and label of confirmation that he had attended the seminar.
Life Dowunder
The big day arrived. All the family were at the airport to meet this wonderful person who had captured Megan’s heart.
When they walked through the tunnel of the airport Megan’s parents felt so happy and relieved their daughter was home safe and sound and after meeting Nilo it was easy to understand how their daughter had fallen in love with him.
Nilo adapted easily to the Australian lifestyle and is loved by Megan’s family. Nilo said he is so happy and feels at home. He loves living in Australia.
On May 12th they were married and had a beautiful emotion filled ceremony. Last month Nilos temporary visa was approved allowing him 2years in Australia, with the final stage for permanent residency relatively easy with no more expensive fees just confirmation they are still married and happy.
Nilo now works full time in Megan’s family business, he has his own tax file number as well as his own Australian business number, he now has a Medicare card. He has his learners permit and is taking driving lessons and is not far off of getting his P Plates.
They talk to his family regularly via Skype and are planning a trip back to the Philippines to celebrate their wedding with Nilo’s family.
What the future holds
Nilo talks of starting their own family and loves children as he is used to have many children around him in the Philippines and comes from a large family himself with 6 sisters and a brother.
Nilo will eventually be a partner in Megan’s family business, he enjoys working with his father-in-law who feels the same and is very fond of Nilo.
Any advice for couples in similar circumstances who are wiling to live together in Australia?
To everyone out there who is struggling with the huge process of getting their loved ones home. Don’t give up even when you think there is no hope.
We definitely advise getting help and assistance from Migration Downunder they have been a lifesaver to us. Julie Williams is a wonderful, caring, understanding lady who has been there for us every step of the way she is supported by a fantastic team of people. It is peace of mind knowing you have the help of true professionals guiding you through all the necessary steps.
A dream that comes true
