Bipolar and Visa Subclass 180 / 190

[genepint0]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone here would know anyone who has bipolar (or any mental illness) and got their visa approved? I'm hoping to be approved for visa subclass 190 but I saw the in the medical questions, they are asking if you suffer from any mental illness. Would it be grounds for refusal of my visa?

 I'm very stable and I'm able to manage my moods with medication and psychotherapy. My fear is that this would prevent me from migrating to Australia in spite of it not affecting my ability to work and live a normal life.

Appreciate any feedback on this matter... Thanks!

[Marisawright]

It's not about whether your mental illness affects your life, it's about whether your illness will cost the taxpayer.  You say you are on medication and psychotherapy -- these are the things they will want to look at.   They will look at your prognosis and how much you're likely to cost in Medicare over the long term.  There is a threshold, which I always forget.  

[ali]

They will treat mental illness the same as any other illness and as Marisa says will look at the potential cost which is now $51,000 (I do know of people with MI who have secured visa's).  They may ask for a specialist opinion (Psychiatrist) when it gets to the medical stage , again this is no different than any other condition - an acquaintance had to see a cardiologist for her visa as her BP wouldn't record within normal parameters during the medical.

There are some agents who specialise in assisting people with medical conditions - it may be worth paying for a consult and give your history, any admissions etc., so they can advise you more professionally than we can on the forum.

[wrussell]

It might pay you to obtain a specialist's report that correctly addresses the schedule 4 criteria.