Question
Can I invite my HIV-positive partner to live with me in the UK?
9 June 2008. Related: Access to treatment, All topics.
Can I call over from abroad my HIV-positive partner to join me in the UK for permanent residence?
Answer
The UK does not put a ban on positive people, as long as they reside here legally. Also, although HIV testing is rare, I think that the UK reserves the right to include a health test, including HIV, if they think someone is travelling here who is not well.
There may also be differences depending on where your partner lives and whether you have a legally binding partnership. If you are married or are civil partners, then health issues like HIV-status may be fine, but if this is not a formally recognised relationship, then your partner’s HIV status could limit how easily they can enter the country, if this is something you disclose on the application form.
If your partner is a citizen of an EU country, he/she can come to the UK without a visa and this is much more straight-forward as EU citizens can travel freely between other EU countries.
If he/she is a citizen of a non-EU country, the process is more complicated. You will have to send him/her an invitation letter and go through the partnership visa procedure. It varies slightly by country, that is why you will have to check the exact documents necessary in the local British embassy.
If you are successful in your partners application to stay, according to the legislation, your partner will not legally be able to access HIV treatment for one year after arriving in the UK. Sometimes it is possible to be treated anyway, but this varies by hospital, region and other factors. If they are on treatment, then making sure that he/she has enough medications for that period may be important.
This is a specialist area and it might be useful to contact the National AIDS Trust (www.nat.org.uk) for their advice.
Best of luck!
I’m HIV Posetive on treatment 3years on treatment. I just found job from u UK will I b able to work there. I was decline from Saudi Arabia due to my status. So I want to make sure before I can proceed wth applications. An would I b able to take my medication to travel or been sent how will I survive wth my medication .
Hi Thando, your status will not be a problem. There are no regulations or restrictions for people coming to live in the UK while living with HIV.
Hello, I would like to emigrate to the UK for work purposes and would like to know if my HIV status could potential hinder my plans.
Hi Esther, the USA does not have restrictions for people living with HIV. Your status will not prevent you moving to America. For more information about HIV regulations in the states please see here: https://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?CountryId=12&PageId=143
Hi please I want some help, i have a man from Senegal but his being working from USA for ten years now ad he wants to marry me ad take me 2 America with him, can they accept some one who is HIV positive 2 stay there?
Hi Bella, there are no restrictions in the UK for people living with HIV. At no point will you be required to disclose your status or test before entry.
Hello please I am HIV positive and I’m getting married to my fiancé in Nigeria who is negative. We plan on relocating to the UK. Is there any point I will be asked to do HIV test before I move into the UK
Hi Mbulelo, yes. In Scotland there are no restrictions for people living with HIV. You can bring your treatment with you. You will also be able to access HIV treatment/services for free from local sexual health clinics. It is advised to carry a doctors prescription/note with you if you are carrying a years worth of medication with you. This will prove that it is for personal use.
Hi I would like to know if an HIV person can be allowed to work for a year in Scotland? And are they allowed to bring their ARV”s treatment?
Hi Mimi, you can travel with your ARVs in your suitcase. Travelling with ARVs is not a problem for entering the UK. If you are able to get a written note from your doctor explaining that the ARVs are for personal use, if you are held up with immigration this will help prevent any problems.