Emigration and CF: Ambitions for Australia

My name is Jodie and travelling the world has always been my ultimate goal. I want to experience new cultures, meet new people and of course spend more than one week a year basking under the sun.

Australia is a place I have had in mind when asked “where would you see yourself living in a few years” since I was a teenager. Having CF it was always a slight concern when it came to travelling as I had learned it could be a difficult process.

In September 2022 my boyfriend and I applied for a 12-month Australian working holiday visa (subclass 417). He was granted his visa within five minutes. I received an email requesting a medical exam, which involved a chest x-ray and consultation with an Australian board approved doctor. The earliest appointment I could get was in Cork for November.

The doctor I met with was very pleased with me and all my medical records, which I needed to gather from my CF clinic team prior to the examination.

Although he couldn’t give me an answer, he was quite hopeful as I am luckily extremely fit and healthy, with a lung function consistently above 105% over the last 6 years and in the 120% range in the last two years. I also haven't needed hospital admission in 12+ years for IVs or any other reason.

It wasn’t until January that I heard back from Australia, after some unhelpful phone calls about the amount of time that had passed, that they would be requesting some additional information to support my case.

I was initially disappointed as I was told in this email that my visa was looking unlikely due to the potential cost risk associated with travelling with a chronic condition. This turned to optimism as I contacted my CF team, my GP, my chemist, CFI, the clinic from my visa medical exam, my local TD and VHI to organise a purchase of an extensive health and travel insurance policy.

All of the medical professionals I contacted provided me with very positive letters proving that I am in excellent health and should cause no concern in relation to my health for extended travel. My pharmacy assured me I would be able to bring medication with me from Ireland, as many people have done before whether they are working, studying or travelling. CFI provided a letter which referenced the reciprocal health agreement between Ireland and Australia to help my case.

My local TD made contact with a representative in Australia who advised me to set up a health travel insurance policy to cover all costs and that should be enough if I was admitted into hospital the cost would be covered by my insurance. I sent my letters in February.

After patiently waiting I made a few more phone calls, one of which told me my application would be prioritised. Three days later my visa was denied for not meeting the health requirements.

I was extremely disappointed and frustrated with this decision. CF is a very individualistic condition which affects people in many different ways. At this stage in my life I feel as capable, fit and healthy as ever.

It is a big concern of mine that now that I have been refused once it will have a negative impact on my ability to travel as it is something that will have to be highlighted on all future visa applications for other countries too.

At this stage I am unsure if an Australian tourist visa is possible as I was informed by an Australian immigration agent, it would require a second application and potentially a second medical exam which is another huge cost to undertake again and potentially be refused.

Seven months of waiting for an answer been stressful. When I first applied I thought “at least by the new year we’ll have a plan in motion”. It was difficult trying to make big life decisions while waiting for a reply. Putting off holidays and events with friends and family because I felt like I couldn’t commit to plans, moving back home “for a short period of time” I thought.

It was difficult telling family and friends who were so excited for me that I was denied my visa, each time I was met with shock and sadness. I believe that each individual is unique and deserves to be seen independent of assumptions and prejudices. I am aware that on paper all I seem to be is a “person with CF”, but there is so much more.

My next step involves looking at something closer to home. I will hopefully be able to experience the joys of travelling and living abroad in Europe in this next chapter of my life. Although Australia hasn’t worked out this time, I will not let this refusal hold me back. Hopefully there will be other opportunities for me to see what Australia has to offer and to be viewed as the individual I am. For now though, there is plenty of the world to see.