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 Faridah,
Yes, that’s fine. There are no HIV restrictions to visiting a friend in the UK. There’s more info here.
Is it possible to come and visit my friend for two weeks in England when I’m hiv positive. I’m on arvs and I would like to visit. What can i do?
Hi Pierre,
The UK does not ask people about their status when applying for a visa.
Though we can’t help you with regards to applying for a work visa for the UK, if you do move to the UK we can tell you how the healthcare system works.
Hi
I am a nurse and dream of working in uk. But i am an hiv positive since i got this accidentally from one patient. Is there any restrictions? And where can i can i apply directly? If ever i would be permitted, would you be able to send me a link to where i can have my papers processed? Thanks
Hi Hevan,
Thanks for this information.
i have seen your post but the confusing thing is this source for doing job at ethiopia.Can you give clarification about this.
Source :https://www.wikiprocedure.com/index.php/Ethiopia_-_Apply_for_Resident_permit
The following procedures are obligatory, and the sponsoring company is likely to assist with the arrangements and cover the cost:
A medical test (compulsory for all forms of residency permit). This must be done during the first week of being in Ethiopia. Before attending the medical test, a certificate showing blood type must be obtained. This can be done at any medical clinic. The medical test consists of blood screening for HIV and hepatitis B and C.
Permit applications are rejected if HIV test results are positive. There are also chest X-rays to test for tuberculosis. The main centre for taking the test is the government-run Medical Commission office.
The employer within Ethiopia needs to understand the full extent of their involvement within the process and therefore it is highly recommend that you go through a trusted service provider.
Hi Andrew,
Yes you can apply to work in the UK as a nurse, you having HIV won’t be an issue. If you do decide to move here, please get in touch with us. We’ll be able to tell you how to access medication in the UK.
Hello.
I am a qualified er-trauma nurse here in the Philippines. I have been living with HIV for four years now. My CD4 is as high as a normal person is and my viral load is currenly undetectable. I’m also on ART that is available here in my country. It has always been my dream to work as a nurse in the UK. If I apply for a job thru an agency here in my country, my medical exams will surely show my positive results. Will that be grounds for me not to get a nursing job in the UK?
Thank you.
Hi Heusan,
You being positive won’t be an issue when wishing to apply for a visa to work in Ethiopia. This is because there aren’t any restrictions for people who are positive.
dear sir,
i have visited your website. I am from India would like to work in Ethiopia UNIVERSITIES as a faculty. My problem is am suffering from HIV POSITIVE (CD4 COUNT IS 530) and is any there any residency restrictions. Can I get work permit visa from Ethiopian government?. Which will allow me to work in teachoing or research field?