I've triumphed over genocide, violence, and HIV...

HIV cannot stop me from progressing. And shouldn't stop you!

In 1994, the genocide in Rwanda changed everything for me.
Chantal Mukandoli

I lost so many loved ones, including my husband who was killed by soldiers. They not only took his life, but they also took away my dignity. They raped me, and during the attack, I contracted HIV."

Chantal Mukandoli, survivor, mentor, and community superhero, endured, and made it through the unimaginable ravages of the Rwandan genocide. She emigrated to Canada in 2006. "Today, I am a peer ambassador and leader in my community," she explains. "I started from nowhere and now, I am a strong, creative, and intelligent woman because of my past life." Read Chantal's powerful full account of overcoming genocide, violence, and HIV here.

I have a duty to open the way and help people move on, and to encourage them to get tested for HIV. HIV cannot stop me from progressing, and it shouldn't stop anyone else either!

It is normal to feel worried and confused about the immigration process and how being HIV-positive might impact your application to visit, study, work, or live in Canada.

The Canadian immigration and refugee system can be complicated and confusing for people living with HIV.

In Ontario, the HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario (HALCO) offers free legal advice and information about immigration to people with HIV. To get help or talk to a lawyer about

The Canadian immigration and refugee system can be complicated and confusing for people living with HIV.

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Applicants for Canadian citizenship are not medically screened, and having HIV does not impact eligibility. Seek medical attention for your health and well-being, and know that Canada respects and protects the human rights of all individuals living with HIV.

It is normal to feel worried and confused about the immigration process and how being HIV-positive might impact your application to visit, study, work, or live in Canada.
David Este
Professor Emeritus of Social Work