Permanent Resident Status Foreign students seeking permanent resident status in the United States should be aware that the United States requires HIV antibody testing of all applicants for permanent residency. Those applicants testing positive are denied status. A higher risk of transmission of HIV through contaminated blood or blood products used for transfusion therapy exists in some countries with inadequate or inconsistent screening of the blood supply. The responsible office should obtain information on a given nation's laws regulating the import and possession of hypodermic needles. The institution should provide information on adequate insurance coverage for students going abroad.
Some Islamic countries regulate the import or possession of condoms and other contraceptive devices.
Students traveling overseas should be aware that the reliability and quality of condoms vary according to different national standards. Some condoms manufactured in countries outside the United States have a demonstrated lower rate of effectiveness. All institutional staff who have regular contact with international students should be prepared to address AIDS-related issues. In addition to training on the medical, legal, and psychological aspects of AIDS, staff in student health, counseling, and residential life should receive training in cross-cultural sensitivity. The responsible office and all other staff who have contact with international students should know how to refer students to health educators, clinicians, or counselors, either on or off campus, who are especially sensitive to and experienced with the needs of people of other countries and cultures.