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!
Hello can l get a. Job in UK … Will l get the treatment lm a 24years old lady..
Hi Annonymous,
Please see this page on HIV Travel. There are no restrictions for people living with HIV. But please see the links for more info.
Annonymous- I am hiv positive can i Work in America?
Hi Sharon.
You’re status won’t be an issue if you want to apply for a visa to work/study in the UK.
Can I apply for a Uk working or study Visa I am 36 year old Zimbabwean currently working in South Africa but I HiV will I be restricted ?
Hi Taiwo,
There are no specific entry or residence regulations for people who are HIV positive in the UK. Please see this link for more info.
My name is Taiwo from Nigeria am positive can I work in uk
Hi Anonymous,
Your status won’t be an issue.
Hi I’m a South African citizen and I’m HIV positive so do I qualify to apply for a UK visa I wanna go and work in the UK I have got siblings staying there
Hi Joshua,
If you’re planning on applying for a work visa for the UK, your status won’t be an issue. With regards to how you apply to work in the UK you’ll need to contact your local British Embassy or UK immigration.