Losing my mind over this!!! Pls any advice will be good

[naziamuhd]

I'm sorry for the long post and I will go as short as possible.

I came to UK as a student in 2013 to study a master's. However, a little over a year before I came, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness where management of it is not practical in my country. To be diagnosed, my bloods had to be sent to another country to be tested. I was hospitalized back home for 2 months before I finally get to see the doctor who suggested that line of taking my bloods abroad to see if it is what he thinks it is. At that time, I have given up life, and I knew my family had already lost hope on me.

Anyways, results came back and my condition was confirmed. Even though the doctor know of the disease, I was the second person he had ever seen with it -- the first had already died from it. I was permanently put on medication. I then was taken abroad to get an expert checkup on it. I got better.

With the right money, I can get medications in my country, but not the healthcare and management -- because even the test needed to see the disease activity is not done (and there is no free health service) in my country. My family scoured half the country but all no news, as the only few consultants qualified to manage the illness have not had a history of patient with it (even with so, I still have to go abroad for checkups).

The main effect of this illness on me (among many others) is that I can not go out in the sun, as my skin literally burns. Now my country is right on the equator and mostly all-year very sunny and extremely hot. There are many other factors of my country that basically makes my condition unbearable living there if one will have a chance of life.

I chose to come and study in the UK partly of the weather, which basically is mostly wet, gloomy and overcast, which is perfect for me. A number of weeks after I came I had a flare-up and was hospitalized. Test results showed that my illness wasn't properly managed and it has crept up to my brain. I was very close to losing my brain to the illness when it was found out. I was revived, and I have to not go into any other flare because it could prove costly or deadly. I continued my studies and finished in good time (with a distinction).

My father sponsored me to come and study, but after I left he suffered job cuts and could barely keep up meeting ends for the whole family.

After my studies I decided I want to stay because I am at risk if I were to go back home. I looked for jobs so they could sponsor me for a visa. Although my skills were highly sought after, I could not secure one because they all need someone with the right to fully work. My visa was soon to expire.

Having no choice, I applied for a Leave to remain outside the Tier System for my condition and explained fully well all the situation. After 8 weeks (July 2014), application was refused. They said, even though they agreed that my condition is genuine and I will not get the healthcare back home, I will have to leave and if I want, I could come every month for checkups and reviews, but I will have to pay for everything. I cannot afford that.

I appealed through immigration lawyers and I had to wait for 13 months for a hearing (in August 2015). Through this time I have gone through hell. I can no longer pay for rent and I was squatting from friend to friend for about 5 months. I had no money except the little my family can send me from home. Only good thing is that I stayed healthy enough to not collapse. I was still looking for work, and I legally can still work, but no one wants to employ me because I do not have papers at hand.

I suffered through this and late Nov 2014 I got a part time job (they didn't press me much for papers). I rented a room immediately after. Even though I can barely make ends meet, I just have enough to pay rent, go to work, but survive on scraps for food. At the time of my appeal this August, my work was terminated until they see evidence that I have the right to work or extended my visa.

My appeal hearing did not go very well, I was so nervous and I forgot to tell about important stuff (although I have all the documents and have said every little thing in my witness statement).

Today, it has been 6 weeks since my appeal and I have heard nothing from anyone. I am almost 2 months behind on my rent and crippling with debts. I have no idea what to do now. It's only a miracle that stayed me from going mad and not having a flare of my illness -- as even emotional stress can cause it to flare.

Please I just need advice. Any advice to keep my mind at ease. I couldn't confide in anyone because I have barely met anyone worth confiding in. I am losing hope and feeling worthless. What if my appeal was denied? The time and money wasted (now getting to 2 years and almost £5k)... What if I have to go back? ... my illness ... I still cant get my head around this to feel at ease.

I'm very sorry for the long post because I just have to let it out, as it is eating me inside. Thank you for reading.

[secret.simon]

I am sorry to hear of the problems that you have faced so far. I can only empathise how it must feel to be hemmed in by so many circumstances outside your control.

Firstly, as regards housing, I think you should consult housing charities who may be able to provide assistance. Shelter is the only one that comes to my mind right now. Also, make sure that you remain registered with a GP who is up-to-date with your health condition. And also register with your local authority council. They have a statutory duty to help you if you are homeless. Given that you have a medical condition, I believe that they are legally obliged to help you whatever your legal status.

Secondly, seek help with your debts. Speak to the Citizens Advice Bureaux in your area about how to go about reducing your debt. I can guess that the debt that you owe is more cash/informal and not formal loans/overdrafts. They may advise on restructuring your informal loans.

Finally, given your medical condition, I believe that you should apply again for Discretionary Leave to Remain/Leave Outside The Rules. Others on these forums, hopefully moderators, can guide you on the modalities of such an application.

Be aware that if such an application were to succeed, there may be an expectation for you to bear the costs of your medical condition till you get ILR. I would suggest that you make a plan for how you would work with such a condition (for instance, working from home or night shifts) and factor in the costs of your medical care and rent. Present such a plan with your application to show that you will not be a burden on the UK and I believe that your application is more likely to succeed.

I wish you the best of British luck for your application and for your good health.