TB Test Certificate Guide For UK Visa Applications

• Published date: 05 May 2022
• Subject Matter: Immigration, General Immigration, Work Visas
• Law Firm: Richmond Chambers Immigration Barristers
• Author: Ms Alexandra Pease

All applicants for long term UK visas from countries where TB is common must be screened for active TB in the lungs as part of their UK visa application. In this guide to TB screening for the UK we answer a number of frequently asked questions about TB and TB screening requirements for UK visa applications.

Do I need to be tested for TB before coming to the UK?

A tuberculosis (TB) test is required by an Applicant if they are coming to the UK for more than 6 months and they are resident in any of the countries listed by the UK government.

Appendix T: tuberculosis screening of the Immigration Rules reads:

Any person applying to enter the UK as described in paragraph A39, Part 1 General Provisions of the Immigration Rules, must present at the time of application a valid medical certificate issued by a medical practitioner approved by the Secretary of State for these purposes, as listed on the Gov.uk website, confirming that they have undergone screening for active pulmonary tuberculosis and that such tuberculosis is not present in the applicant.

Paragraph A39 of the Immigration Rules reads:

A39. Any person making an application for entry clearance to come to the UK for more than six months or as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner applying for leave to enter under Section EC-P:Entry clearance as a partner under Appendix FM, having been present in a country listed in Appendix T for more than six months immediately prior to their application, must present, at the time of application, a valid medical certificate issued by a medical practitioner approved by the Secretary of State for these purposes, as listed on the Gov.uk website, confirming that they have undergone screening for active pulmonary tuberculosis and that this tuberculosis is not present in the applicant.

It is important to note that this requirement applies 'at the time of application' and depending on the country of residence, may apply to applications for leave to enter as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner, even though a successful application will result in a grant of leave to enter only for a six month period.

When might a TB certificate not be required?

A TB test is not required in the following circumstances:

• The Applicant is a diplomat accredited to the UK
• The Applicant is a returning resident and they have not been away for more than 2 years
• The Applicant has lived for at least 6 months in a country where TB screening is not required by the UK and they have been away from a country...