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Book a consultationThe UK immigration system continues to evolve and become more complex. One of the latest additions to the application process is the requirement for citizens of specific listed countries to undertake a tuberculosis (TB) test prior to applying for a long term UK visa. These specific countries have been identified based on TB being active within the country. Not only do applicants need to be tested for TB, but the test need to be undertaken by an approved medical clinic. The test typically involves a chest x-ray, but in addition or in limited circumstances, a sputum sample (phlegm coughed up from your lungs) can be provided. On successfully obtaining a negative test result, you’ll be issued with a TB clearance certificate that you’ll need to include as part of your visa application.
The criteria for who needs to undertake a TB test is relatively simple:
If you fall into the above criteria, you’ll need to schedule a test with an approved clinic.
There’s very limited criteria for when a TB test would not be required if you’ve resided in a listed country. The only exceptions to the TB testing requirements are:
These are the only permissible exceptions to the TB test requirements. It’s worth noting there are slightly different criteria for pregnant women and children, which vary slightly from the standard testing requirements.
All children must provide a test certificate, however it’s not mandatory for them to undergo a chest x-ray. A child must see a clinician who will assess whether they need a chest x-ray or not. Typically, children under 11 will not have a chest x-ray. Instead they will need to complete a health questionnaire. Once completed, if the clinician decides the child does not have TB, then they’ll issue a TB certificate.
In the case of pregnant women, there’s a few different options they can decided between. These options are as follows:
Citizens and residents of the following countries are required to obtain a TB certificate. Countries included on this list are deemed to have active TB within the country:
The test certificate will be valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray.