My wife and I are seriously considering emigrating to Australia. I am a HGV technician so have a skilled trade, but I also have a medical condition which is an abdominal stoma (ileostomy). Would this affect my chances of being accepted?
Emigrating to Australia can be fraught with potential difficulties whether you have a medical condition or not. With a large number of British citizens every year applying to emigrate there, very strict visa controls are in place and unless you are able to meet every requirement, you may find your application denied. Thankfully, Australia is a country in need of a number of skilled trades and therefore they are actively seeking workers from other countries. Due to this, it’s promising that you’ll be accepted due to a skill you may have, however medical conditions can adversely affect this. There are a number of issues to consider when applying for an Australian visa.
One of the most important points is that you should always use an emigration agency, particularly one that specialises in dealing with skilled visas or medical issues. They will be able to advise you on your particular set of circumstances and will help you plan your application for in a way that maximises your chances of success. Everyone who applies for an Australia visa , whether skilled or not, is required to pass a medical examination. The examination is carried out by an approved doctor who is familiar with examinations for emigrating. The doctor will carry out a number of tests to determine your general health and well being.

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Try our Moving Abroad Checklist Builder free, here on this site →It is impossible to say whether your condition will affect the outcome of the visa application, however in general, if you’re capable of working and are able to do that in Australia, there usually isn’t a problem. Issues arise when you will need to be cared for, use the Australian health system, or are unable to support yourself through a working income. The advising doctor will note all health complications and issues on your final report that will be sent to the Australian Immigration Department and it is up to them to assess the situation.
In general, the best thing to do is to speak to a specialist for advice. This shouldn’t cost much and only if you’re intending to proceed with your application should you start paying out fees. You have the fact that you’re a skilled in demand worker acting in your favour and if there’s no reason why your medical condition will stop you working, this shouldn’t be a problem on your application. It is certainly worth making an attempt at a visa, but be prepared for a lot of paperwork, plenty of organisation, health checks and criminal records checks.
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Thanks
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