Thanks Patricia for the info on visas. If we do this, we would be applying under an independent skilled migration visa - my husband has a trade. I know there are costs involved in applying for visa and are non refundable if visa is refused. I do think however that he would be successful in getting his visa as his trade is on their wanted list as is my qualification (childcare mgr). He is only waiting for me to say Yes lets do it. and thats the hardest part. As for my debts, as i said before i have a good record of payments over the years and over the last few days i have begun to feel a bit more positive about paying them from abroad.