The purpose of this site is to share information in respect of the Australian contributory parent migration visa (subclasses 143 and 173) - also known as the CPV.

These are visas that, once granted, require payment of a substantial visa fee. But for most parents who have one or more children settled in Australia, it is the only route to permanent residency after the age of 45. Even then, the application must pass the balance of family test. To get through the process you need an inexhaustible supply of patience, determination and dedication.

Most aspects of applying for this class of visa are dealt with on the main Australian immigration site, but where we come across information that is not always obvious, we'll add it to these pages.

Check out the Snippets and Links page for general information.

UPDATE: New, much reduced list of panel doctors in UK.

The Year 2009 was very challenging with the dice loaded heavily against CPV applicants. The Australian dollar, the good old Aussie, suddenly looked very attractive to investors when other countries slashed interest rates almost to nothing. Against sterling for example it rose by over 20% from its low-point in the first quarter. This represented an effective 20% increase in the visa fee, let alone the effect on asset values which were planned to be shifted to Australia. For younger people it is less important because they are more likely to enjoy an income in dollars once they get working - and dollars is what you want to be earning at the moment! For those relying on an overseas pension, the equivalent income in dollars is likely to have been hard hit.

On top of this the financial recession put a brake on admittedly over-inflated house values and sent them into reverse. Sales stalled. For many applicants this was intended to be a source of funds for both the visa and the move.

So all in all, a very frustrating year. It's difficult to call 2010, but for those of us "denominated" in sterling, it's likely to be another grind because of the huge debt burden hanging over the UK; a long run-up to a general election with an uncertain outcome is not going to help. If you are already in Oz, or manage to get there this year, you're probably in the right place!

Good luck everyone and thank you for the contributions so far.