Medical Knowledge Of Visa Application
 

Hello, I understand how forums work and newbies and those who start threads can irritate regulars, when there may be a related thread deeper in the listings.

However, nothing gets responses like a fresh thread, so please let me briefly explain;

I am a 25yo British male, a qualified and practicing cabinet maker/woodworker. I'm also studying to diversify my skills to become a qualified electrician (within 2 years) to improve employability. I'd ideally be applying with my partner who is skilled and totally healthy.

But I have some medical history and current possible issues. I would class myself as healthy but technically;

Past:
I was born with a hole in the heart - which was corrected in 1998
As a child I had a fair bit of care in and out of hospitals

Present:
I have to catheterize (insert a catheter into my stomach once daily to fully empty my bladder) the cost is about £50pence daily - £160ish a year NHS cost

To prevent infection from the catheter, I take 1 x Tablet in the evening as a preventative of infection - roughly costing £250 a year

Finally, every 3 months I have an intramuscular injection (in the bum) of nebido - to maintain my testosterone levels. That's roughly £350 a year.

In total, roughly; £750-£1000 per year

I obviously earn enough to pay for it myself, but I'm unsure whether they'd refuse me on the presumption my condition is actually worse than it is. I work and can do pretty much most things a completely healthy person can. I have nearly £30k in savings with my partner.

Is my dream over before it's begun? Please help in answering my question to the best of your knowledge.

Re: Medical Knowledge Of Visa Application
 

I would strongly recommend you speak to a migration agent on this one. Medical issues can be a problem getting visas but there can be ways round. I believe George Lombard is an expert on this. He posts on here and if you put his name in the search field you should be able to find him.

Re: Medical Knowledge Of Visa Application
 

I wouldn't say it is over but I would recommend professional advice before you get too far down the track. Those costs don't seem too bad, but DIAC will make their own assessment and may come up with something very different. Don't be put off though, it is a lot easier to pass a medical than many people think.

Good luck.

Re: Medical Knowledge Of Visa Application
 

Definitely. Medical issues like this are ones that are really beyond a forum like this. Also putting too much detail into the public domain can backfire if a case officer reads the post. I would also recommend George, the other agent mentined for medical issues is Peter Bollard.

Re: Medical Knowledge Of Visa Application
 

Okay, I'll enquire. I respect the tough vetting process but it's difficult to have to potentially face something which is not caused by your own doing. It wouldn't be for a couple years, and I've heard that the rules may be relaxed slightly on disability discrimination - not that I see myself as having one - so perhaps that could help me if it's relaxed a little.

I'm hard working and if I could just pay for my medical bits and pieces myself I'd be more than happy to.

Re: Medical Knowledge Of Visa Application
 

Hi Pete. In accordance with Australia's Disability Discrimination Act, you don't have a disability. You would be 'classed' (sorry about the pigeon holing) as having a chronic medical condition. The advice you've been given about consulting a registered migration agent who's experienced in this field is sound.

You sound like a very sensible chap, so you'll hopefully understand that when someone's visa application is knocked back on medical grounds, it's done in the context of a health care budget that has to meet the needs of Oz citizens and permanent residents. Like the NHS, Australia's Medicare system is constantly in overload.

Having said that, your medical needs sound minimal to me and I'll keep my fingers crossed for a positive outcome for you. I wish you the best of luck with your plans and hope it goes well for you.