Mission Fulfilled – Time to Say Goodbye

[MysticRiver]

Dear Community,

More than 12 years ago, I created MigrationDesk with the sole purpose of building a community that helps each other. After all these years, it's time to say a heartfelt goodbye to our community.

MigrationDesk began with a simple mission: to support one another through the complex and often overwhelming journey of immigration — not for profit, not for recognition, but purely based on our shared experiences and personal knowledge. It was always 100% non-profit, powered entirely by volunteers and a community spirit that I’m incredibly proud of.

Over the years, this space became a trusted source of guidance for thousands of people. We helped each other navigate forms, policies, and uncertainties — but more than that, we offered reassurance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging during times when it was most needed. That was, and always will be, the heart of this forum. What began as a small idea grew into a place filled with discussions, insights, debates, friendships, and countless moments of shared passion.

However, as life has moved forward, so have my personal responsibilities and priorities. Managing the forum — both technically and in terms of personal investment — has become harder to balance alongside everything else. And in recent years, with the rise of AI-driven tools, social media groups, and other resources, forums like ours are no longer the first stop for many.

Still, I believe we fulfilled our purpose. We made a difference. We were here for the people who needed us - a.k.a. ourselves — at a time when few others were. And that’s something to be proud of.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you — the members, moderators, contributors, silent readers, and long-time participants who’ve helped shape this space. Your support, your knowledge, and your spirit have made this forum what it is.

One final and important note: user privacy has always been our highest priority. In keeping with that, this forum — and all data within it — will not be sold, transferred, or handed over to any person or entity — profit or non-profit. When the forum shuts down, all data will be securely and permanently purged from the online space.

While the site may be going offline, I hope the connections and knowledge we’ve shared will live on — and that the spirit of helping one another continues in all aspects of your lives. I’ll be keeping the site online for a short while longer, so if there’s any content you’d like to save or any final goodbyes you'd like to post, please do so. I’ll leave this thread open for anyone who wants to share memories or reflections.

To every member — whether you posted thousands of messages or quietly found help in a single thread — thank you. This place was built by all of you, and it meant more than you know.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Goodbye!

Tentative Timeline:

• July 1: MigrationDesk will become read-only (except this thread)
• August 1: MigrationDesk will become fully read-only
• September 1: Login will be disabled in MigrationDesk - at this point it will not be possible to access any content anymore
• Sometime between September and November: MigrationDesk will be deleted

 

[Aad]

Thank you for the amazing value you have created. Really grateful. Kudos!

 

[watchsachin]

Well sad news , the community and yourself in Particular helped me a lot during my PR journey many years back . Life moves on , but you and this community will be missed for sure . AI can do a lot of things , but can bring a touch of emotion , feel and care for others like this community members had for each other at various times . Cheers and have a good one ,not sure if we can be touch with you in some other way ( like FB/ Instagram etc ) but either way , till we meet again , good bye !

 

[MubaSk]

Thanks a ton for all the guidance!

 

[elone]

Hi MysticRiver,

Thank you very much for hosting this community forum for such a long time. This community truly helped me when I had so many doubts in my mind. And you and the community being around, gave me very heartfelt responses, guidance and reassurance, to know that there are people around like me, going through what I was experiencing in my migration journey. This place certainly brought back fond memories of myself spending so much time at night, reading the threads and responses.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Keep safe wherever you are!


Regards,
Adele

 

[Yasmine]

Forever grateful for your support, the time spent reading, understanding my case and providing guidance. I am now a proud aussie and I am always thankful for this forum.

 

[purpletag]

Really thankful to you for your efforts over the years. This has been the single most useful tool to navigate through migration journey. I really appreciate your efforts in making this work throughout the years.