Hello Ma’am, and Hello Everyone. Thank God I found this forum about Hepatitis B and its relation to immigration visas. If I may, I’d like to ask about the results of the tests I underwent and if they will be sufficient for INZ (Immigration New Zealand). My husband is currently working in New Zealand, and we had the opportunity to apply for a sponsorship visa. However, I have chronic Hepatitis B. I have undergone several tests such as Liver Function Test, Liver FibroScan, HBeAg, AFP, and HBV DNA test. All my test results have already been submitted to the Immigration Panel Physician
Hi Anna,
I am a Hepatitis Nurse in NZ and work for the Hepatitis Foundation, I am happy to answer any questions about Hep B related to immigration medicals for entry to NZ.
You can contact me by email; lynnaire.matthews@hfnz.nz
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Lynnaire Matthews NZRCN
HFNZ
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Good day, ma’am. Thank you for answering my inquiry. I would like to send you the results of my medical lab tests because I don’t fully understand them. I’m also not sure if I will pass INZ and be approved for a Partnership Visa. So I really need help.
Hi everyone, thank you for all that you do for the community. I have some inquiries to make regarding immigration to the US as a grad student.
What do I need to know pertaining to traveling with some of my medications for HBV? Or requirements at the port of entry?.
Also, how do I go about adjusting and spilling to the student health center or grad school about it and what am I to expect in these scenarios. I want to gather information so as to brace up for the changes thats likely to Come with this immigration. I’ll really appreciate all information and suggestions I can get from this community @Bansah1 @ThomasTu @Caraline and others please.
Hi @ TheVet,
With the medication, I will declare them at customs and immigrations at your starting airport and get a note from your doctor stating why you have them and the reasons. This letter should be official on a letterhead with contact information.
I am a graduate student, and I only remember them asking on a form if I was vaccinated against a number of diseases including HBV if I remember correctly. I checked No and explained why. Nobody asked me anything after that. I don’t know about international students. But if asked about your health, sure you can share that. If you are not asked then do not say anything about it. Try and see if you can have your diagnosis results and other treatment documents with you. You don’t have to bring your entire medical record, just 2 or 3 pages including your diagnosis, treatment plan, and progress notes from your doctor.
I have never been in this situation so I am unable to provide anything concrete, but I hope recommendations might be helpful. Thanks, Bansah1
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Hello @TheVet
I agree with @Bansah1 about not telling others unless asked. And the crossing borders recommendations.
I find I usually get lots of questions that even I cannot answer. Which makes things awkward and a kind of insecurity whether the virus is safe to them.
All the best and thanks for sharing.
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Hi @TheVet,
Thank you for the kind words. I think the US immigration situation is fluid and changing. Our colleagues at the Hepatitis B Foundation would probably have the best overview of the situation on the ground, so please reach out to them @chari.cohen @beatrice.zovich @CFreeland @rgish
Thomas