Hi Rick, Hi Pete,
After hours and hours of research, at last I have found a forum where I can find people in the same situation than I am, I feel relieved
I have been happy to read about your success in granting your visa.
I am French and I suffer from AS from less than 2 years. I am taking Ebrel (anti tnf) since last september. I didn't want that treatment because I knew it would complicate my application for a visa (457 in my case, sponsorship with my employer) as it was a project I had since years. But this summer, after having applied for a mobility within my company, I failed. Besides, I was suffering from a knee (my back was okay) since May, so in September I decided to take Enbrel, thinking I wouldn't go to Australia.
The problem is, 2 weeks ago I have been contacted by the australian partner with who I took my interviews this summer, and they finally offered me a job, and of course I accepted it! But which is supposed to be a good news makes me very anxious
I will just begin the process for my visa, and I don't know what to do: mentionning it, I guess I'll have to. Mentionning that I am taking Enbrel..? I don't know. Trying to stop Enbrel, maybe, but as I just began...
Until now, I didn't tell it to my employer neither in Australia, but I guess it won't be a problem because my French employer will be able to confirm that it has no impact on my job. We have a peroson that is in charge of the immigration just for my employer there, and I guess I have to tell her before beginning the process. But as I am afraid to mention it the process, I am waiting, and I have no time as I am supposed to begin to work in Australia in early Feb.
I have found a private insurance in France which will cover the cost of Enbrel in Australia, so that I won't cost antyhing to Australia. But I am not sure I can prove it during my process, neither how (will I have to obtain a certificate from the insurance, and to make it translated...). I've read about a waiver but I don't know how does it work? Is it systematic hen you declare a medical pre condition? Which would be okay as I know the cost of the treatment wouldn't be a problem for them, as I couldn't access the Medicare System. Sometimes I am thinking that if I don't mention Enbrel, it will be easier, and then once there, I will take it and be paid by my insurance. But I don't know to what extent they can know about it...
As far as I undertsood, Rick you stopped your anti-tnf for the process; does it mean you didn't mention it when applying for the visa? Pete, I am not sure you were taking anti-TNF too.
So to resume, my physical condition is today totally ok, a doctor couldn't say I have a AS by examinating me, and I found an insurance that will cover me. I have a sponsorship with my employer. I believe it would be very unfair not be granted for the visa, but like you I have read about the Health Requirement, and the threashold of 21 or 35 K$, and I am worried...
Could you tell me a little bit more about your experience with regards to your treatement and application for the visa?
Thank you so much for your comments.
Emilie
