Visa costs & refunds

[Deezo]

Hi

 

I don't know if this has been answered before but i cant seem to find any information on this forum or anything specific online but if your Visa application is refused/declined due to a health issue (that you didn't know about or know would be grounds for refusal) then are you entitled to a refund?

 

I am aware if your provided false information then its unlikely that they would but in the situation around a health issue that you didn't know would have grounds for a refusal...

 

Really confused as we don't want to submit the paperwork, pay and do medicals to find out they wont allow us in for some reason and then we lose all our money!!

 

Any help or experiences from anyone would be great as we are NOT using an agent

 

Thanks!

[monsta]

The only refunds I have seen are due to the Aussie government cancelling applications without rejecting you. For example, a few years ago they had a whole bunch of applications on their system that had dragged on for 2+ years. They just refunded everyone and told them to apply under the new rules.

[Deezo]

6 minutes ago, monsta said:

The only refunds I have seen are due to the Aussie government cancelling applications without rejecting you. For example, a few years ago they had a whole bunch of applications on their system that had dragged on for 2+ years. They just refunded everyone and told them to apply under the new rules.

I hear you @monsta

 

The sad thing is if this was the case then how could they justify taking someones money when they made a choice to refuse a visa?

 

For example on any of the DIBP or State websites they don't provide specifics on health issues so therefore where would you get more information before submitting your visa application anyway? 

 

I now there are agents but they state that using an agent is not compulsory so then why say you can do it on your own but they will not refund you your money if something beyond your control is identified and causes your visa to be refused?

[ChrisH]

I'I'd love to know as well, would suck to fork out the AUD6300 only to be told no.

[Deezo]

10 minutes ago, ChrisH said:

I'I'd love to know as well, would suck to fork out the AUD6300 only to be told no.

Absolutely @ChrisH!!

 

I mean there must be some sort of appeals process of process to follow if you feel this way once your visa was refused??

All my research seems to lead me to a few conditions where they would and that you would only have some recourse if you were onshore vs. offshore applicant...

 

But perhaps someone with a more detailed or personal experience could advise further  

[vitchie]

I had this exact worry, that's why I chose to do the medicals before submitting and paying for the visa application. It is really the safest option in my opinion.

[Deezo]

5 hours ago, vitchie said:

I had this exact worry, that's why I chose to do the medicals before submitting and paying for the visa application. It is really the safest option in my opinion.

Thanks @vitchie but i read on the DIBP website that the results from the medicals will only be issued once the Visa has been lodged.

Yes you will get an idea from the doctor doing the medicals but the final answer would still be unknown...

[vitchie]

23 minutes ago, Deezo said:

Thanks @vitchie but i read on the DIBP website that the results from the medicals will only be issued once the Visa has been lodged.

Yes you will get an idea from the doctor doing the medicals but the final answer would still be unknown...

 

Hi @Deezo, we got the result of our medical before lodging, please see the My Health Declarations result, dated 11 March 2016. We only lodged our 189 on 11 April 2016.

 

 

Edited August 10, 2016 by vitchie
Removed identifying info from screenshot

[Deezo]

Thanks @vitchie but that's strange!

 

The website states specifically that this isn't a pre-visa health assessment so not sure how yours was processed?

Did you have a basic medical to perform or were you require to produce any additional supporting document or undergo any additional tests?

 

http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa/Heal/meeting-the-health-requirement/health-examinations/my-health-declarations# 

DIBP - My Health Declaration.docx

Edited August 10, 2016 by Deezo

[vitchie]

The second paragraph mentions that a final opinion will only be provided after lodging in the case where the medical officer finds a significant health condition. So the way I understand it, if the medical officer doesn't identify any significant conditions you are in the clear.

 

I have no idea what the full list of conditions that are considered to be significant, but I know depression and ADD and autism doesn't seem to be on the list. The big ones  that are dealbreakers that I know of is HIV & TB.

[Deezo]

Ok thanks @vitchie i will have to take a look but from what i gather the application is similar to the one i have attached and here it says on page 5 of 9:

 

Part B - questions 18 and 19.

 

So we are going to still contact the doctor and discuss further with him around this but yes i think if you dont have any other health concerns and just want to check the TB, HIV etc that they are more worried about before lodging then this is a good way to pre-check that if you dont already know  

Medical examination - form 26.pdf

Edited August 10, 2016 by Deezo

[vitchie]

They ask the following questions on the application for HAP id:

 

History or informed of

• Tuberculosis (TB), treatment for tuberculosis?
• Close household contact with Tuberculosis (TB)?
• Prolonged medical treatment and/or repeated hospital admissions for any reason, including amajor operation or psychiatric illness
• Psychological/Psychiatric Disorder (including major depression, bipolar disorder orschizophrenia)
• An abnormal or reactive HIV blood test
• An abnormal or reactive Hepatitis B or hepatitis C blood test?
• Cancer or Malignancy in the last 5 years
• Diabetes
• Heart condition including coronary disease, hypertension, valve or congenital disease
• Blood condition (including thalassemia)
• Kidney or Bladder Disease
• An ongoing physical or intellectual disability affecting your current or future ability to function independently or be able to work full-time (including autism or developmental delay)
• An addiction to drugs or alcohol
• Are you taking any prescribed pills or medication (excluding oral contraceptives, over-thecounter medication and natural supplements)? Here we listed anti depressant for 1 adult and ritalin for 1 child. All received a clear.

 

PS just read that and it seems like the same as the form 26 questions.

Edited August 10, 2016 by vitchie

[Deezo]

Thanks @vitchie

 

It seems to me like these are the same questions which again doesn't help us much because i am not sure about the following:

 

• Prolonged medical treatment and/or repeated hospital admissions for any reason, including a major operation or psychiatric illness - How long is prolonged or extended period of time?
• Psychological/Psychiatric Disorder (including major depression, bipolar disorder orschizophrenia) - Would mood disorder/bipolar or depression not fall under this category? If so then you would need to select "yes"

Again this is what i read and understand...

[vitchie]

Yeah those are all very subjective questions. My interpretation would be anything more than a week for the the first questions. Regarding the second question, again my interpretation would be if you had to booked into a institution its worth mentioning, but just being prescribed anti depressants by a GP is too trivial to mention.

[Deezo]

Agreed @vitchie and its that fine line in the end but i think my wife and i will discuss with the psychiatrist further  

 

Thanks for all your time and info on this matter!

Really do appreciate it  

[Eyebrow]

As far as I know you do not get the money back. It is for processing the application and not just if you are actually granted the visa.

 

There is a doctor in Sydney, who used to work in immigration I think. She will take a look at your condition and all the associated reports and then give you an assessment of your chance to pass the medical or not.

i think when we applied 4y ago, it was quite a bit of money to do this, so we never used her. But some agents advised her to us...

[Deezo]

Thanks @Eyebrow  

 

We were advised today by another agent i contacted for assistance that they would not refund which is rather strange if something is beyond your control...

 

Nevertheless we will get help from a panel doctor and then proceed from there.

[ChrisH]

I asked my agent today, seems like TB, cancer, serious mental illness and HIV is pretty much the only factors that could get your medicals declined.  

[Deezo]

Thanks @ChrisH  

 

I know more or less which conditions are the ones they are concerned about but there is a fine line between what we or them (Australian Government) may consider serious health condition or even a serious cost.

 

For example: 

 

My wife has a mood disorder that has been diagnosed as bipolar which is easy to understand but then there are two versions of bipolar ( I & II ) and we have absolutely no idea which is which so a psychiatrist would need to advise on this.

 

We then would need to understand if this would place financial burden on the Australian Healthcare system and/or its tax payers and the current limit would be AUD$40,000 over a 5 year period.

 

Now if i do the math then we should be in the clear as the medication (if required in the future) is around AUD$ 37.00 per month which over 5 years would only equate to under AUD$ 5,000 but then with a "mental illness" (put everyone in a box) there could be other factors to consider like ability to work in the future and the potential cost to the government for unemployment/disability costs etc. which is an extreme and definitely not something that would most likely happen in our case but then who knows right?

 

According to another agent yesterday if you haven't been off work due to your condition and/or is wont cost the government money then its not a concern so in the end we just need to discuss with the psychiatrist around the possibilities going forward but i think we are all clear and will lodge our Visa application soon  

 

Its just this unknown or this fear that creates a concern for us as we really dont want to waste money!

[FingersCrossed]

Hi Deezo

 

I am in the same boat as you. My wife was diagnosed with Bi Polar a few years ago however she has taken control of her condition and is managing it very well. In fact, she has been working for the past 6 months in a new job which she is loving and before that she was running a small home business. I am going to include all that information in my application so that Australia so that they can see she can be a contributing member to society.

 

However, that said, I am taking over a family of 4 and the visa costs are going to be very expensive. I am going to try and get my medicals done before we submit our visa application and I am hoping that I will be able to judge by the doctors questions and comments on whether we will be able to get in. In fact, I will try and ask him if he see's any problems with us applying.

 

I really dont want to waste alof of money only to be turned down due to my wife having bi-polar. 

 

Please let me know how your process goes and I will keep you guys informed on how everything goes on my side.

 

good Luck

[ChrisH]

Good luck @Deezo and @FingersCrossed

[Deezo]

8 hours ago, FingersCrossed said:

I am in the same boat as you. My wife was diagnosed with Bi Polar a few years ago however she has taken control of her condition and is managing it very well. In fact, she has been working for the past 6 months in a new job which she is loving and before that she was running a small home business. I am going to include all that information in my application so that Australia so that they can see she can be a contributing member to society.

 

Hi @FingersCrossed

 

Thank you for your message and i am sorry to hear that you are in a similar boat as us  

 

Its really frustrating to have gotten this far and have spent all this time and money to find out there may be a problem!

 

We are going to also remain positive and meet with the psychiatrist next week to discuss things further and then once have a better understanding then we will make an appointment with the panel doctor for the medicals but we are going to use the "My Health Declaration" and do our medicals first and hopefully get some indication on whether there are any additional requirements from a specialist etc.

 

I wish you all the best and i will let you know if i get any positive or updated feedback  

 

PS. Where are you in the process now?

 

Thank you kindly and also thanks @ChrisH

[FingersCrossed]

Hi

 

To be honest, I will be surprised if Australia denies a visa due to a mental condition. There are millions of people around the world who suffer with depression, and as long as there is treatments and they can lead productive lives, I personally do not see there being a problem. To me, showing that they are being responsible and getting treatment goes along way than someone who tries to hide it.

That said, I will also check with the doctors and make sure that we have any required documentation ready. 

 

I have just applied for state sponsorship and I am awaiting some feedback on that. I have completed my Skills Assessment and my English exams and have collected all my home affairs paper work and documents. I am hoping / praying that I will be able to place my visa application in this year.

 

Cheers
FingersCrossed

[RYLC]

Medical decisions are based on what you're condition will cost Medicare to treat you. Whether you are working and productive or not is irrelevant unfortunately. There was a recent case of a family on 457 in ACT where both parents were working, teens had settled at school and then the wife was diagnosed with kidney disease requiring dialysis. Even though they are working and say they will cover all expenses, they can't get PR because according to PR rules this particular condition will cost Medicare more than a specific amount of money over a specific time. Last I saw it was $40,000 over 5 years 

[RYLC]

I do remember seeing a schedule of each medical condition and the associated costs. Will have to try find it. It was a bit like an insurance schedule for disability and disease where they stipulate exactly what you get for each condition.

 

The Australian government have worked out the costs to them (based on statistics of past patients) for particular medical conditions as well so it's not possible to say to them oh my medication only costs xyz a month and so won't be a drain on the country. They have a schedule they use which says abc condition has an average cost of xyz dollars. Yes that's fine or no that's not.  

[RYLC]

This is all I could find for info on medicals. It's a bit long but perhaps worth a read for people looking for specific info. I haven't read the whole thing so if your particular situation isn't mentioned then you might have to ask Google more specific questions. 

 

http://www.gdciq.gov.cn/CJSFW/Documents/panel-doctors-instructions.pdf