Emirgrating

[chemistry001]

Hi folks
This may seem like a stupid question, however i will ask it. Im thinking about moving out to Aus and the medical they do tests for HIV, if your VL is <40 would they be able to detect the virus or is there other things they look at like a low CD4?

Also is there anyone here that has been through (successfully) the emigration process into Australia.

Many thanks
Paul

[Ann]

Paul,

Even when your viral load is undetectable, you will still test hiv positive on the antibody tests. Antibodies are something your body produces in response to an "invader", in this case hiv. I don't know what tests Australia does with immigrants, but if they test for hiv, it will be using an antibody test as they are far less expensive than viral load testing - and more reliable too.

Ann

[Miss Philicia]

That long-term non-progressor forum member, OZ Paul, had to jump hoops to immigrate there -- basically IIRC they only allowed him in with HIV because he could prove that he was officially considered a LTNP and thus not on HIV medication. 

This current poster, chemistry001, actually would officially be viewed as having AIDS, not just HIV, going by the lab numbers and a diagnosed cd4 count of 9 just 3 years ago.  Obviously in a country with free medical care it's difficult to make the case to tax payers that foreigners should be allowed in for such benefits, etc.

Anyway, that's how I vaguely recall the topic as regards this country from previous commentary.  I could be incorrect, of course.

[aztecan]

Hey Chemistry,

To add to what Ann and Philly said, even those countries with liberal tourist policies (allowing people with HIV/AIDS in for a visit) draw the line at immigration.

I believe Australia, along with most other nations, prohibit immigration of HIV positives, and certainly of those with an AIDS diagnosis.

Sorry to be a wet blanket. You may want to PM OzPaul and ask him what he went through. I know it was extensive, difficult and took quite a long time.

HUGS,

Mark

[keyite]

even those countries with liberal tourist policies (allowing people with HIV/AIDS in for a visit) draw the line at immigration.

I believe Australia, along with most other nations, prohibit immigration of HIV positives, and certainly of those with an AIDS diagnosis.

Certainly, Australia is not alone in having this type of policy regarding immigration of pozzies, but there's plenty of countries that do not discriminate in this manner - see http://www.hivtravel.org - including, as far as I can tell, all of the EU countries and plenty of countries across Africa, Asia and South America.

[OzPaul]

Hi Paul

You've had some good advice here. I would say that while I was successful in my application to immigrate here to Australia. It took 3 years, was very nervous making and cost a lot of $.

As Philly indicated, in the end we believe I prevailed because I could prove I am an ltnp, though in the ruling by the tribunal they did not say why they reversed the decision by the Dept. of Immigration. Also, my partner, who is Australian, sponsored me and took financial responsibility for me.

It is very rare to be successful in applying for immigration but it does happen. It would be a very long shot however. You might want to contact an HIV organization here in Australia who might be able to advise you further.

Feel free to PM me if you like.

Good luck !

Paul

[Torey]

I am due to move to Australia too.    I can't believe this.  My fiancee and I were counting on a spousal Visa since she is a citizen of Australia.  Surely they can't deny me if I am married to an Australian citizen???  Is there anyone I can contact?  I am only HIV+ and I don't (to my knowledge) have AIDS (although I have not had blood work since early 2008).