Until Miles Turned into Moments

I never truly understood the challenges of a long-distance relationship until I was in the same situation now. Mine is locally though. Haha. Seven years ago, it was easy for me to advise my clients who have partners to temporarily face the challenge of being away from their loved ones because they can eventually be together in about months or so. Don’t get me wrong. I give this kind of advice because in student visa applications, bringing a spouse or partner isn't as simple as declaring love and commitment. Immigration regulations require evidence of a strong, established relationship of at least 12 months before applying. Without that proof, a relationship cannot legally be recognized as de facto or common law. It’s a hurdle that many couples face - a test of patience, perseverance, and trust. I was glad most of my clients understood that then.

When Ma’am Janice and Sir Leigh came to our office to learn about studying abroad, particularly Australia, I was greeted with their radiant smiles that shone through the corners of our office. They were a lovely couple who recently exchanged their vows after 13 years of a long-distance relationship. You read that right! They survived 13 years of long-distance relationship.

Ma’am Janice was a former ER Nurse in Saudi Arabia while Sir Leigh used to work in the hospitality industry particularly at Alphonse Island Lodge, Seychelles. Imagine the longing for all those years?

But I could only understand so much. They were both at the peak of their careers, earning for their future while sacrificing some time together. If I were to look at it now, it was a long long journey of waiting and surviving the distance. But was it worth it? Definitely YES! 

I remember Ma’am Janice's application as if it was just yesterday. She had a pretty good background in the health care industry while Sir Leigh, given his 13 years of work experience abroad, was a capable sponsor. The challenge though was that they were only recently married with minimal evidence to show that they’ve been together for longer than 12 months. Not to add that most of the time during their relationship, they were miles away from each other. As much as I wanted them to apply together, the best option they got then was for Ma’am Janice to apply first then Sir Leigh will subsequently apply at a later stage. 

They were very cooperative and understanding with the process. To be honest, they are the kind of clients who will make you appreciate your work because they are very grateful. It was very easy to work with them. I never doubted Ma’am Janice’s approval since she has a good visa and immigration record plus well-complied requirements. True enough, she was granted a Student visa on September 21, 2018.

I was happy for her, yet a part of me felt a little sad knowing she had to leave Sir Leigh behind once again. They were still very much in their honeymoon stage, and I didn’t like being the bearer of circumstances that would temporarily separate them. So, when Ma’am Janice left for Australia ahead of him, I made it my priority to process Sir Leigh’s application right away. The wait was not easy, but in time, the good news came. Sir Leigh was granted a subsequent student visa, allowing him to finally join her abroad.

When they finally reunited in Australia, we kept the communication going. I was truly happy knowing they could now be together again and this time, for the long haul. Sir Leigh has been actively engaging with us, keeping in touch through our socials, and even expressing his excitement to welcome other Filipino international students who will soon follow the same path. He once shared his dream of one day owning a house where he could accommodate newcomers, offering them guidance and support during their first few months in the country. He had this thoughtful and generous vision which reflects his kind heart and willingness to give back.

After years of dreaming and waiting, the joy of finally being together in Australia felt like a beautiful victory for them. But as the first glow of reunion settled, reality painted a different picture for them. Life in a new country was far from easy. Each day brought challenges that tested their strength, but never their love or determination. 

Ma’am Janice, while studying her Ageing Support program at Queensford College, poured her heart into caring for others at Bela Vista Gardens Care Community, while Sir Leigh worked long hours in the kitchen, pushing beyond his limits to build a steady path for their future. The balance between studies and work was demanding, the sacrifices were heavy, yet they embraced it all with quiet courage.

Australia, often seen by many as a land of effortless opportunity, revealed its tougher side to them. Still, they kept going, driven by the strong foundation they had built through years of working abroad and enduring the distance from family. Their journey is one of delayed gratification - choosing to struggle today for the promise of a brighter tomorrow. 

In 2019, when we had the chance to travel to Australia to visit some of our affiliate institutions and international students, I was so happy to reunite with Ma’am Janice during one of our dinner gatherings. That evening, she came alone as Sir Leigh was tied up with work, but her warmth and presence filled the room. The dinner became more than just a casual meet-up. It turned into a memorable evening of shared stories and heartfelt reflections. Surrounded by other international students who spoke with such joy and pride about their journeys, I witnessed how far they had come since setting foot in Australia. They recounted the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, the sacrifices they had to make, and the little triumphs that gave them strength along the way. 

That night left me with so much joy, hearing about their small victories and seeing the determination in their eyes. It was clear that, despite the struggles of living abroad, Ma’am Janice and the others were steadily building a life of purpose in Australia. 

Amidst all these challenges, Ma’am Janice eventually completed her programs. But their journey didn’t end there. As I later learned from Sir Leigh, one of the most difficult chapters of their life together came during the pandemic. When Covid struck, Ma’am Janice was infected and forced into isolation, even spending her birthday away from everyone. Yet, even in her solitude, Sir Leigh found ways to make her feel celebrated, loved, and appreciated.

Their love was tested in countless ways during that time. Whenever either of them came in close contact with someone infected, they would separate themselves, staying in different rooms just to ensure they could keep working. At one point, when a housemate was exposed to the virus, they chose to leave their home entirely and stay elsewhere for two weeks - an adjustment they willingly made, because every hour of work mattered in those trying times. 

When the pandemic was slowly ending in 2022 and people were on the brick of recovery, they had the opportunity to come home for a quick vacation. I was overjoyed they made time to visit me despite their busy schedules and even brought me some treats.

It was a quick visit that brought me happiness because after all the years that have passed, they never forgot me. We had a quick chit chat at our Laoag office that day and they also happily shared with me some plans that they are looking into such as continuing Ma’am Janice’s studies into higher education. Of course, I supported that. I wished them more success and said I will continue to cheer for their achievements to come. 

When they went back to Australia, Ma’am Janice finally pursued her degree in Bachelor of Nursing at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Western Australia. It was a well-thought plan that came with another sacrifice as they had to deal with another year of long-distance relationship. Sir Leigh was working in Sydney that time while the opportunity presented was in Perth. 

She describes her journey as bumpy - a road filled with deadlines, hospital placements, lectures, and grueling final exams. The toughest battles were not only the tasks themselves but also the moments of self-doubt, especially when her efforts didn’t meet her own expectations. Yet, in those moments of uncertainty, she kept her faith, believing that every challenge was part of God’s greater plan for her.

Through it all, Sir Leigh remained her strong support financially, uplifting her emotionally, and absorbing her frustrations whenever the weight of it all felt too heavy. His presence gave her the strength to carry on.

And at last, their patience and perseverance bore more fruit. Ma’am Janice proudly completed her degree in Nursing in 2024 - another milestone made out of their sacrifices, hard work and determination. A victory not just for her, but for both of them, as every step of the journey was shared and endured together. 

Ma’am Janice eventually went back to Sydney after her studies in Perth then later processed their Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190). However, time was of the essence because their then existing visa was nearing expiration, and the outcome of their subclass 190 application remained uncertain. Hence, they’ve decided to look for an employer that will sponsor them for their next visa. Fortunately, that path led them back to Perth. And though they expected only a temporary work visa, what they received was far greater than what they had hoped for - their Permanent Resident status. 

I could only imagine the joy that filled their hearts when their grant notice arrived. As Sir Leigh recalled, they were literally jumping in celebration, overwhelmed with gratitude and disbelief that their dream had come true sooner than expected. For me, as their former consultant who had seen them dream of this very moment and who has quietly followed their journey through my socials, hearing about their permanent residency brought me pride and joy.

It had been six long years. Six years of striving, enduring, and holding on. The road was never smooth; it was filled with obstacles, uncertainty, and sacrifice. But in the end, they won all of it. 

I am genuinely happy for them, knowing how much they gave up to reach this point in their lives. Finally, the miles they once endured have turned into moments they will cherish forever. Moments that reflect the promises they made to one another, and the love that carried them through. And as they continue writing their story, I will always be here, clapping for every win they achieve. 

EDELYN GARCIA 

ENZ Consultant, 2018