3 years... In search of a better life in Canada

[pozessed]

Hi,

It has been three years since that fateful day when I called my partner informing him of the call from the lab where I had taken the HIV test for the first time. The lab had asked for my blood sample again which had gotten me worried. I felt something was wrong and I told my partner about it. He just said let's wait and we will figure out according to whatever happens.

In the process of figuring things out, we have been through a roller coaster ride of worried to death about HIV, ensuring I take my medicationAnd reminding me continuously about it.

My family has no idea about my ailment and I don't intend to tell them. They haven't even come to terms with their son being gay, HIV would be a huge thing. I started another set of medication- antidepressants around 4-5 months back because of severe stress at personal and work front. I don't know why I'm telling you guys all this... But this is a place where I believe I can share things without hiding stuff, especially about HIV.

Now coming to the question, we have decided to move to Canada from India considering a better life there in terms of work life balance, acceptability in society, etc. I have applied for PR in Canada and wanted to connect with other people who have undergone a similar process with HIV. Does HIV create problems in the immigration process? My consultant says that's not the case. Also, after getting the PR, will I be eligible for public health facilities meant for regular citizens? How expensive is Canada as far as living with HIV is concerned or does it not create much of a difference? Any inputs on this would be appreciated.
TIA.

[lightalltheway]

Hello pozessed,

I am sorry for your diagnosis and i want you to know that you are not alone. I can understand how difficult your situation is. Being Gay is something big and positive is bigger for some families and/ or societies.

I want to tell you that you are blessed that you are under medication in India, many people they do not have access to. You are also blessed that you have a partner who is supportive. I Hope your numbers and health are both well and stable.

Regarding to Canada, are you applying for immigration under the express entry system? if the answer is yes, then unfortunately i am sorry to say that HIV and BT are mandatories tests at the final stage before giving you the PR and they tend to refuse applications not because they are positive, but they classify us as medically not-fit.

The tests are conducted at certain clinics which the Canadian immigration office appoint them to make for applicants. Check their CIC website.

If your partner is Canadian, it is a different story. Hope this information will give you some light within the current condition.

Prince

[pozessed]

Thanks for your response, Prince.
Yes, I am applying under Express Entry System and I know that HIV is a mandatory test.
I'm applying through a consultancy which is well aware about my situation. They have clarified that they have been able to get PR status for individuals with HIV for Canada before and have given me assurance that this should not be a problem at all.
I'm just giving myself a chance in a world where I'm trying to be as normal as possible while rest of the world discriminates.
However there still are people who understand that this is just a virus which is controllable. Online research also suggests that HIV cases for PR are taken on a case to case basis and some people get it despite being positive. Let's see. Thanks for the info, mate.

[lightalltheway]

I hope your news are coming from solid points because many solicitors and immigration attorney makes it easy just to rape your pocket.

I know what you're talking about because I was in the same situation like yours before my diagnosis. I think the economical impact on the health sector is strong enough not to be responsible for external medical expenses ( In our cases, HIV positive individuals ).

Wishing your sources of infos are reliable. Can you please share them with me? and please keep me posted regarding your plan. 

Prince

[Dethmetalturtle]

Would you be able to provide information on the service you are using to help you gain canadian citizenship? My wife, kids and I have discussed this as something we woudl like to pursue. However my hiv status has always held us back as we hadbeen under the impression that hiv is a hard no.

Thanks in advance.

[Dethmetalturtle]

Here is some information I just googled.

https://www.cocqsida.com/ressources/vih-info-droits/can-a-person-living-with-hiv-immigrate-to-canada.html

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.visaplace.com/blog-immigration-law/skilled-worker-applications-canada/immigrate-canada-hiv-positive/amp/

[elf]

http://www.hivrestrictions.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=39

[pozessed]

My apologies for a delayed response. I'm in touch with the representative of Morevisas in Gurgaon. Sometimes it's kind of a risk because there are multiple perspectives to getting a PR for Canada. I'll definitely keep you updated on the progress. May be I might have to get an immigration lawyer in case things don't turn favorable. Will see when it happens or didn't happen.

[Aegon]

Sorry for asking a personal question I think you are IT professional ? Or you work in MNC?

[pozessed]

I'm working in the Marketing space with a Media organisation. Does it create a difference?

[pozessed]

Also, I've been googling about the cost of ARV medication in Canada but not much detailed info. Any idea about that? Or if you can guide me to a link in this forum which talks about HIV treatment in Canada- coding, facilities, especially if one is not covered under The public health care program.

[pozessed]

Just wanted to provide update on my PR situation. Last Tuesday, I was accepted for Permanent residency despite being positive. I would just like to say that there is hope and I did not hire any additional immigration attorney of sorts fro this. It was the regular process with some additional tests asked for by the Immigration authorities. Hopefully I should head to Canada in the upcoming 2-3 months.

[harleymc]

Congratulations. Well done

[DK57]

Congratulations!

[pozessed]

Thanks a lot guys.