It’s been two years since I came to Australia on a Working Holiday visa.

I started working as an AIN (Assistant in Nursing), and finally, in 2025, I...

Even though I had experience as a nurse, being a migrant meant facing language barriers, cultural differences, and moments when I couldn't see where my future was heading.
In this article, I share my journey — just as it happened.

In this article, I’ve honestly shared — step by step

— what I did and what I thought about in order to get sponsored as an AIN.

I myself progressed from a working holiday visa to an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) role, and eventually obtained a sponsorship visa.
I wrote this article with the hope that it can help others who are facing similar challenges and seeking guidance on the path to sponsorship and permanent residency

✈️My Visa Journey: Working Holiday → AIN → Sponsorship

Why I Chose Australia

For someone like me who is not fond of the cold, Australia's warm and comfortable climate was a major attraction.

Additionally, the environment where English is the second language for many people was one of the reasons why I felt comfortable living here despite my concerns about the language.

Furthermore, Australia is a society where there is a deep understanding of diversity and a strong sense of tolerance towards other cultures. Even in cities like Sydney, it's not just about high-rise buildings; there are also beaches, bushwalks, and nature is easily accessible. The spacious and open land was also a major attraction.

The Reason I Started Working as an AIN

Even before coming to Australia,

"Since I’m going abroad, I want to make the most of my experience and work in a field where I can apply it."

I thought.

As I looked into it

I learned this and set it as my goal to obtain this qualification.

When I first arrived in Sydney,
I immediately started attending school. Although I faced challenges with the differences in language and culture,....

With that mindset, I was able to approach it positively.

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After obtaining the qualification, I started working as a casual staff member at an aged care facility. Around that time, there were gradual developments regarding visas and the sponsorship system.

I remember hearing positive voices from those around me as well.

At first, there were so many things I didn’t understand, but
little by little, I got used to it.

And I became hopeful about the future.

Looking back, I believe that the step I took at that time has led to the way I work now and to obtaining my visa.
I truly feel that I’m glad I had the courage to take action.

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💬How I Overcame My Concerns with English and the Work Environment

I was terrible at listening, and every day felt like a constant wave of anxiety.

When it comes to English, listening was especially difficult,
and in the beginning, every day felt like "I couldn’t understand a single word of what they were saying..."

I couldn’t even understand everyday conversations, and at the facility, I often found myself confused by the fast-paced interactions.

But I was still able to tell 'my story.'

Before coming to Australia, I had been taking online English lessons twice a week for about 3 months,
so I was able to talk about things like my self-introduction, my past work experience, life in Japan,
"why I came to Sydney," and "why I am vegan," etc.

"I had become able to naturally tell 'my story'."

"Even if I'm not good at English, if I have the 'desire to communicate,' it will come across.
It was the first moment I felt a small sense of progress."

There are things I can't do. But I came to accept that, and that's okay.

"That being said, there are still many challenges in everyday life.
I sometimes can’t catch sudden instructions or feel down when I can’t join in on conversations."

But now, I’ve come to realize that "not knowing something is completely normal."
It's okay to just get used to it little by little.

What remained in the end were the "desire to understand" and the "desire to communicate".
With those, I’ve come to believe that everything will be okay.

💡How did the topic of sponsorship come up?

The topic of sponsorship came up through a combination of introductions and coincidence.

I took the initiative and seized the opportunity.

In the midst of that, two staff members at work quit, and suddenly there were open shifts.
At that time, I immediately...

and confidently took on the available shifts.

As a result,

That action led to me being able to apply for a full-time position,
and from there, the conversation about sponsorship slowly started to become more realistic.

When to bring it up is up to you

The timing of when to bring up the topic of sponsorship really varies from person to person.

In my case, after there were open shifts when staff members left, I asked if I could apply for sponsorship once I transitioned to full-time.
実際に行動したのは自分でした。

To avoid panicking when the time came, I made sure to research things like my visa and the necessary documents in advance. The action to take the initiative was my own decision.

If you want to continue working at this company, it's important not just to "wait" for opportunities, but also to be prepared to take action yourself.

🧘‍♀️What I have done to maintain the balance between my body and mind.

In a physically demanding job and an unstable work environment

The job of an AIN is challenging both physically and mentally.
Especially in the beginning, when I was working as a casual staff member, there was the anxiety of not knowing if there would be shifts the following week, which made it even more difficult. The uncertainty of whether there would be shifts the next week was a major concern.

In addition, working in a culture I wasn't used to and communicating in English—
considering my visa situation and future life, there were many days when I felt anxious and pressured.

The importance of finding your own pace to get things in order.

During such times, what supported me was...

They were small habits that helped me to live comfortably.

Even if they are not something special, for example—

Such "gentle moments of connecting with nature" became the opportunity to restore balance to both my mind and body.

This experience has led to the creation of 'Health Kur'

"People who are working hard abroad are probably facing the same anxieties and stresses."
When I thought that,

"This is how Health Kur was born."

I want to gently listen to the voice of the mind and body, and provide support so that people can live 'authentically and comfortably' even while abroad.

🌸 That is the foundation of who I am.

🎉From Working Holiday Visa to a 4-Year Sponsorship Visa

At your own pace, step by step, the path will open up.

Working and living abroad requires more energy than I had imagined.

The language barrier, cultural differences, and uncertainties about the future—
I, too, have stopped many times, but I’ve made it this far.

💭 But looking back,

”I’ve done what I could, little by little.”

I believe that accumulation has, without me realizing it, paved the way for me.

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If there is anyone who is unsure right now,

Start with what you can do right now.

• 🌿 It could be as simple as creating one document,
  
• 🌿 researching schools, or
  
• 🌿 even taking a deep breath in the morning.

Even if it's one step at a time, I hope this experience can be a hint or a source of hope, so that you can move forward at your own pace. 🌸

🌸 At Health Kur, we provide support that meets you where you are right now.

✈️When living abroad, there are moments when you want to talk to someone about your health, your future, or the anxieties you're feeling.

In those moments, a place where you can speak gently without feeling the language barrier.

If there had been one— that is what I’ve created with 'Health Kur' .

At Health Kur, we provide the following support:

🌸 In both Japanese and English.
🌸 Whether in person or online.
As your "Holistic health nurse," I will gently support you every step of the way.

📩 Free consultations are also available!
Feel free to contact me via DM or email.

📸 I also share my daily activities on Instagram.
🌸 Feel free to check it out if you'd like.

• 👉 Instagram: @vegan_miku
• 📩Email: health.totalcare@gmail.com

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📘 To You, Who Are Aiming for Sponsorship as an AIN

If you are currently thinking, "I want to work as an AIN," or "I am seriously considering a sponsorship visa," even if it's just a small thought—

Please read my eBook, where I’ve compiled my personal experience.

✔ Strategies for transitioning to full-time
✔ The actual emails I sent
✔ Bonus with document templates included

👉 For more information about the eBook 'From Working Holiday to AIN Sponsorship,' click here.