HIV testing for NIV discontinued?

[manguniputih 0]

I'm preparing paperwork and information for my fiance's upcoming visa interview at the Jakarta Embassy.

Recently came across information on the State Dep website that as of January 4, 2010, the US government no longer considers HIV a communicable disease and HIV positive status can no longer be used to deny persons a visa to the United States (I can't believe this is just being codified now in 2010 .... wow).Visa News State Dep

This also means that HIV tests should no longer be required during medical exams for visa interviews at US embassies abroad.

I am wary about whether the embassies are actually applying this rule as of yet - but would really like to know if this has been applied across the board. My fiance lives quite far from the capital where interviews are conducted, and would have to leave almost two weeks early for his interview in order to be sure to have enough time for the HIV test component of the medical interview to be processed before the interview date.

I've emailed the Jak Consulate but no word from them yet. I am sure that more clarity on this issue would be helpful for lots of folks, so if anyone has reliable information or links please pass them along!

Aloha,

Kelli

[NVC FAN :( 18]

you talk like this is a good thing. at any rate yes the info is true

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Yes it's true.

http://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/...anel-civil.html

I also agree with the PP. While I think that the removal of being inadmissible on these grounds is good, I still think a test should be done so the partner knows "just in case". I did my medical while the test was still valid and i was actually quite happy to get the clean bill of health. It's not something I'd see a doctor about normally but I was pretty pleased to get the "all clear". I assumed i would but now I have proof

Edited March 10, 2010 by Vanessa&Tony

[manguniputih 0]

My question was not if the information was true (it's clearly stated on the State Dep website) but to what degree embassies abroad are complying.

Jak Embassy page with instructions for medical exam still has the incorrect information posted about the HIV test requirement. However, on emailing them they confirmed that the HIV test is not required and emailed me a whole new set of forms for the medical exam reflecting the change in requirements.

Think it may take a while for all embassies to catch up on compliance to this, so probably best to email them directly if you or your partner have an upcoming interview.

Salam

K

DS_2053_1_new.pdf

DS_3025_new.pdf

[katie & sifa 25]

As someone who works in the HIV field, everyone (EVERYONE! Whether you believe you are at risk or not. Ever had sex? You're at risk.) needs to be tested for HIV before entering a sexual relationship with anyone else. Not just HIV - but all STDs. It's a huge step forward in rights for those with HIV that this is no longer grounds for being barred from getting a visa. I do not believe it's up to the DOS to tell people that your partner tested positive for HIV - they don't test the petitioner and then give the beneficiary a "heads up" so why should they the other way around? Simple way to solve this is to get tested together for all STDs and not assume anything about your partner (or yourself!) It's pretty painless, and then you both know.

Ok, stepping off my soapbox now...

OP: I would keep trying to get in touch with the Consulate - I would run on the assumption that they WILL run the test unless you specifically hear otherwise from the Embassy

Edited March 12, 2010 by katie & sifa

[TracyTN 237]

Moving thread from K1 process forum to consular forum.