HIV and Australian visas
People living with HIV can get most visas to enter or stay in Australia. But there are some restrictions and extra requirements to get visas for long-term or permanent residency.
The health criteria for visas
All Australian visas contain health criteria that must be satisfied. Most visas contain health criteria that are relevant to people living with HIV. Satisfying these health criteria involves an assessment of the potential cost of medical care and treatment during the visa period.
The potential cost of your HIV care and treatment in Australia during long term or permanent residency is higher than the “significant cost threshold” of these health criteria. This means that your options for long-term visas are limited to visa types which do not have this health criteria or visa types that offer a waiver (known as a health waiver).
Requirements vary by visa type. For official details, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Temporary visas
Australia offers temporary visas for short-term stays, such as those for tourism, work or study.
HIV should not stop you from getting a temporary visa. In most cases, people living with HIV will not meet the significant cost threshold for the health criteria during short-term stays.
Generally, you do not need to disclose your HIV status when you apply for a temporary visa. However, there are some circumstances where a health assessment will include questions about HIV.
For help about disclosing your HIV status, visit our Sharing Your Status page or the migration guides we share below.
Visas for long-term and permanent residence
Types of visas for long-term and permanent residence include skills or employment visas, visas based on family relationship and protection visas. Many of these visas do not offer a health waiver.
The options available for long-term and permanent visas based on family or employment for people living with HIV are limited to those which offer a health waiver. Protection visas do not have a health requirement relevant to HIV.
The information in these sources will help you to understand which options are available to you and the process for applying for a health waiver.
Help with preparing your visa application
Living Positive Victoria can provide information, but we cannot provide advice on specific visa applications or legal matters. You should only seek advice from a registered migration agent or lawyer who has experience with HIV and migration.
If you’re renewing or applying for a visa, get advice early. Visa processes are complicated and can take a long time.
For more information on migration and HIV, consult the Positive Migration Guide developed by HALC or attend one of our Know Your Rights: HIV, Law and Migration workshops.
Our peer navigators can also connect you with migration lawyers or agents. Contact us for recommendations.