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!
Hi Samson.
You being positive won’t be an issue when applying for a visa to come to the UK. You won’t be asked about your status.
My names are Samson Uzakhutini Ngoma a citizen of a Commonwealth country “Zambia” in particular, I am planning on relocating to the UK and start a new life in that country but the problem holding me back is the fact that I am HIV positive I don’t know if at all I will be granted entry on a permanent basis into the UK, my viral load(VL) is undetectable and am currently on medication. I need your help.
Good Day Sinazo,
Good luck with your studies. Here’s a link to information about immigrants to the UK and HIV.
Good day
Im currently looking for occupation, Im a qualified social worker from South Africa, currently doing my Masters Degree in Social work. Im HIV Positive, taking treatment however my viral load has been confirmed as undetectable. I really want to achieve one of my goals of having to work abroad particularly in the UK. Im worried if am I going to be able to be allowed to work and live there with my HIV Status,as I know other countries do not allow a person with my status.
Hi Linda,
You being positive won’t be an issue with regards to coming to live and work in the UK as a nurse.
Is there any reason why you aren’t on medication?
Hi
I am HIV positive and want to migrate to the Uk please I want to know whether I will be granted entry into the UK. I am currently not on ARVs my CD4 count is perfect and I don’t have any problem. I only want to migrate for a nursing job.
Good day Palesa, There shouldn’t be travel restrictions when visiting EU countries such as Poland. But you can contact their Embassy and ask about it.
Good day
I would like to visit Poland for a month and I’m am worried I may be denied access as I’m HIV +, I was wondering if I’ll be allowed to visit Poland with my arvs?
Hi Marius,
Its perfectly fine for you to travel to the UK with your ARVs and for you to enter into the country. As a country we don’t ask people about their status. Its also illegal to discriminate against someone who’s positive.
Good day,
My partner got a job offer in the UK. We are gay married couple (legally Married) in South Africa. I am HIV + and my husband isn’t. Will The UK allow me to immigrate to the UK and also bring all my medication with me for about 10 months?
Please let me know. I am really worried that they would let my husband in but not me when we get to heathrow airport in the UK.