Who needs a TB test for their visa application in the UK

What are the requirements for TB testing for UK immigration purposes. Those who apply for a UK visa for a duration of more than six months need to do TB testing if they come from certain countries or have lived in those countries in the six months prior to applying for the UK Visa. The list of the countries for which TB testing is required is shown on the following page.

If you are from any of the listed countries or were living in one of them during the six months prior to applying for UK visa it is advisable to visit the Home Office page as a list of Home Office approved test centers can be found there.

How TB test for UK visa is conducted

After selecting an aproved clinic from the Home Office list the applicant has to book an appointment. During the appointment he will be given an x-ray. If the x-ray results are not conclusive he may be asked to give a sputum sample (phlegm coughed up from your lungs). If the results prove that the applicant is free from TB he will get a certificate confirming that.

TB certificate is valid for six months after the date of x-ray. It must be submitted with the visa application as one of your supporting documents.

Exemptions, who does not need to get certificate

There are some exemptions when you do not need to provide TB test certificate for UK immigration purposes:

  • you’re a diplomat accredited to the UK
  • you’re a returning UK resident and have not been away for more than 2 years
  • you lived for at least 6 months in a country where TB screening is not required by the UK, and you’ve been away from that country for no more than 6 months

TB testing for children

All children must see a clinician who’ll decide if they need a chest x-ray. Children under 11 will not normally have a chest x-ray.

You must take your child to an approved clinic and complete a health questionnaire. If the clinician decides your child does not have TB they’ll give you a certificate. Include this certificate with your child’s UK visa application as a supporting document.

TB testing for pregnant women

When you are pregnant and require a TB certificate for UK visa application you can choose:

  • an x-ray with an extra shield to protect you and your unborn child in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters
  • a sputum test (phlegm coughed up from your lungs) – there may be an extra fee and you could wait up to 8 weeks for results
  • to wait until after delivery

If you do not want to be tested you can use an x-ray taken within the last 3 months at a UK-approved screening clinic. Ask a clinician at an approved clinic to review your x-ray. If it’s accepted the clinician will give you a certificate to provide with your UK visa application.