Question
Can I get a work visa for Australia if I’m HIV positive?
27 February 2016. Related: Access to treatment, All topics, Disclosure, Travel.
I am a psychiatric nurse and have been hiv positive since 2004. I am taking truvada and efivarenz.
In 2007 I was refused entry to New Zealand because they said my medication was expensive and truvada new on the market also being HIV my chances of hospitalization where high.
I want to try Australia, do they have same policy on hiv migrant workers?
Answer
Currently, as in almost every country of the world, foreigners applying for most types of Australian visas, excluding temporary visitor visas, require a health check. The certified results are a required part of their immigration documents.
The Australian government Department of Immigration and Citizenship also wrote :-
“If the applicant is found to be HIV positive, a decision on whether the applicant meets the health requirement will be made on the same grounds as any other pre-existing medical condition. The main factor to be taken into account is the cost of the condition to the Australian community of health care and community services. Standard pre and post-test counselling must be provided by the doctor who examined the applicant.”
This link helps demonstrate the criteria for gaining a visa for entry into Australia. While Australia does carry some restrictions, these are often not enforced and gaining a visa tends to end in positive outcomes for those who are HIV positive.
However, nursing is one of the professions where HIV might still be an issue. The restrictions on HIV positive people working as doctors, dentist and nurses were lifted in the UK so long as the person is on ART with an undetectable viral load. In other countries this might not be the case yet.
Perhaps contact an HIV organistation in Australia, such as NAPWA (www.napwa.org) in case they can help.
This answer was updated in January 2022 from a question first posted in November 2011.
I’m HIV but undetectable can I get a caregiver job in Australia
Hi Mbulelo, please see here for information about being HIV positive and Australia: https://www.hivtravel.org/Default.aspx?PageId=143&CountryId=23
Good day
I’m HIV positive and I would like to find a job as Chef in Australia. I’m currently on ARV’s my CD 4 count is good and my HIV is undetectable..
So do I get a chance for work visa in Australia?
Hi Mbulelo – please see the info on each country at:
http://www.hivtravel.org
I am not sure if you meant Eu countries or Au for Australia.
Either way thhis website will help
Hi will i be able to get a work visa as Chef in Au countries if im HIV positive ?
Hi Jay, please use this link: https://www.hivtravel.org/ This website will allow you to search by country and will list any regulations that country has regarding HIV. In the UK there are no restrictions for people living with HIV and there is no barrier for entry or work.
Am a Ugandan and would wish to go abroad and work which countries allow HIV positive people please am so desperate to work
Hi Socialvinod, i-base is an HIV treatment charity. We do not have this information. Have you contacted your local Australian embassy for this information?
How long does it take to get Australian citizenship for Indians?
Hi Kumara, are you looking to move to Sri Lanka?