taggart

Hi, wonder if anyone can help.
Sadly last year we were refused our 136 PR visa due to hubbies chronic kidney condition.
On a happier note, we have now booked a holiday with my Mum to visit my sister in Perth in Jan 2009.
We booked flights through Emirates online and today I rang them to arrange the ETA visas needed.
We were all approved except for my husband who was told to refer to the Australian Embassy. After a quick phone call (£1/min remember!) to Australia House we were told to contact ETA Referrals. They are now going to investigate.
I am assuming he wes flagged for the refused visa which I can understand.
But does anyone know if this is likely to a be a big issue??? I can't believe they would refuse him entry for a holiday!
Please if anyone can reassure me it would be very much appreciated
Paula

SillyOldBag

I really don't think that you will have any problem. You're probably right that it was the visa refusal that caused the ETA to be referred, but the online system is quite basic so its almost certainly going to be a simple matter to sort out, although worrying for you of course!! Immigration generally just want to ensure that visitors (a) have enough funds to support themselves and (b) intend to leave - sure that you as a family have all that covered in terms of jobs, home etc.... so should be fine!!

Try not to worry, it should be sorted quickly and you'll have a lovely holiday to look forward to next year!!

taggart

Just an update
Australian Commission rang last night and they have granted hubbies ETA - Phew!!!! I was so worried we were going to have to do a paper application & repeat meds or something.
Roll on Jan 09.....just wish we had one way tickets.
Best of luck to all those making the big move
Paula

tedc1964

hi taggart, just on the 175 visa planning stage and would like to know more about your hubby's chronic kidney disease as my wife's been diagnosed having too. what stage or how severe was the condition to be refused? thanks in advance...

taggart

Hi
Sorry to hear of your wife condition, I hope it isn't too serious. My husband has an aggressive form of IgA Nephropathy - an excess of an immune system protein attacks the filaments of the kidneys (or something like that!). When we started the visa process he was just on blood pressure and cholesterol medication to control his condition after previously been successfully treated years before with steroid/immune suppressant drugs.
However, just as we sent off the visa application it flared up again and he went back on treatment. He was still ongoing with this when we had the medicals and had to send numerous specialist reports to the Aussie medical officer. In the end, although they agreed it was under control, they felt he would eventually progress to end stage renal failure "in the future" and declined the visa.
However, I have been in contact with another couple where the husband (primary applicant) had the same condition who have been accepted - this was on a sponsored visa (may have been temporary one) and his test results weren't quite as bad though.
It really is a case of you don't know till you try! It might not be so much of an issue if your wife is not the primary applicant?
We are so glad we tried despite the heartache and cost. At least we tried and aren't sitting thinking what if.
Please do not hesitate to send us an e-mail if you want any more info, happy to help in any way.
Good luck
Paula

tedc1964

Thanks Paula for the quick reply. My wife had earlier ultrasound test and high creatinine level indicated CKD but she'll undergo further lab test next week so from that point I might decide if I'll push through with my application (me as main applicant). I was lucky to find your post but really sorry for your visa refusal. Anyway, I might be asking you again sometime for more info. Thanks.