persianharry

Does anyone know if the proposed changes to citizenship timeline etc. came into effect from 1st July as proposed? I haven't seen anything about it being voted on in either house? We are on a 489 visa so it affects our ability to get citizenship by about 3 years!

I think you'll be fine regarding the UC. It is a bit on the doctor's discretion, but I don't think there is any more you can do. We all worry about the medicals so you're not alone. Good luck, and hope it goes well for you.

That's great news. Yes very settled here, we are loving it. When do you expect to get here? If there's anything we can help you with please feel free to PM me

Hi Kidsammyc, You sound like you are in a very similar situation to when I applied. I'm not familiar with mazlivant, I assume it is a brand of mesalazine? If so, I take the same drugs but a higher dosage of Imuran (azathioprine). It didn't cause a problem for me on the medical, but I can't stress strongly enough how important it is to be prepared. Discuss your plans with your gastro consultant and ask him to prepare a letter describing your condition, medication and current situation. Get the letter addressed to "whom it may concern" but sent to yourself so you can take it with you. The drugs you take aren't particularly expensive so the Australian authorities won't be worried about that and if the letter from your consultant says that you are stable then that's a pass. If you turn up at your medical without the letter they will write to your consultant and ask for the details and that could delay things by months and put doubt in their mind. It's much better to get passed on the day with no queries. If there's anything else I can help with just let me know.

Hi deedee, I have Ulcerative Colitis and it didn't stop me getting the visa. It does depend on what medication you are on as some of the stuff prescribed for advanced UC and Crohns can be quite expensive (and that's what it comes down to: how much are you going to cost to to the Oz health system!). If you are stable at the moment then I would say that's a good time to apply for visas and plan ahead and ask your consultant for a letter to take to your medicals, I would do this two or three months before you expect the call to medical as NHS consultants can be a bit slow to issue these letters. The letter just needs to say what treatment/medication you are receiving and the longer term prognosis. From what you say about being well since 2000 I don't think you will have any problems at all.