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Visa rejection due to high drug expenses
Regan Sparks, a 23-year-old from Benfleet, Essex, has been denied an Australian working holiday visa because her life-saving cystic fibrosis medication exceeds the country's financial threshold for migrants.
A life transformed by medication
Born with cystic fibrosis (CF), Regan was not expected to live past her early 40s. However, her prognosis changed dramatically in 2020 when the NHS approved Trikafta (also known as Kaftrio), a groundbreaking drug that significantly improved her health.
Within months, Regan's condition stabilized. She secured a job, entered a relationship, and took up running-eventually training for marathons. Later this year, she plans to run the New York City Marathon, a stark contrast to her first visit as a child through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, when she was considered terminally ill.
"From the second I took that tablet, it just gave me a completely new lease of life."
Regan Sparks
Travel dreams derailed by bureaucracy
Regan's medication, Trikafta, costs £133,000 (A$250,000) annually. Australia's visa requirements cap potential healthcare costs for migrants at £45,700 (A$86,000) over the duration of their stay. Despite providing supporting letters from her medical team and CF Together, an Australian advocacy group, her visa application was rejected twice.
She had previously traveled solo across Southeast Asia without issue, as countries like Thailand and Vietnam did not impose similar restrictions. Regan described the rejection as "a kick in the teeth," emphasizing that her condition no longer limits her abilities.
"I'm not behind, I'm not slower, I'm not sicker-I'm on par with everybody. The fact that just on paper you're denying me for something completely out of my control feels unfair."
Regan Sparks
Calls for inclusive visa policies
Regan suggested Australia could adopt measures allowing applicants to waive public healthcare access or fully fund their own treatment, as some other countries do. She stressed that she sought only a temporary experience, not permanent residency or financial support.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs stated that all visa applications are assessed individually, with health requirements designed to protect public resources. However, it acknowledged that some applicants with medical conditions may still qualify.
Mark Walsh, a registered migration agent, noted that the government prioritizes citizens and residents but advised thorough documentation for applicants with health conditions.
Government review underway
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has conducted a review of its migration health requirements, including the "significant cost threshold," consulting disabled individuals, families, and advocacy groups. The findings are pending government consideration and will be released publicly at a later date.
