Tuberculosis Test Requirements: TB Screening for Student Visas

If you are from a country with high tuberculosis (TB) prevalence, you must undergo TB screening as part of your Student Route visa application. You cannot apply for your visa without proof of a TB test. UKVI uses TB prevalence lists that are updated annually; check gov.uk to see if your country is on the list.

Which Countries Require TB Screening?

UKVI requires TB screening for applicants from approximately 80 countries with TB prevalence rates exceeding 40 per 100,000 population. These include:

• Most of South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan)
• Most of sub-Saharan Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia)
• Most of Southeast Asia (Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia)
• Parts of Eastern Europe (Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus)
• Parts of Central Asia (Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan)

See the full list on gov.uk.

Applicants from low-TB-prevalence countries (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, most of Western Europe, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand) do not require TB screening.

If you are unsure whether your country is listed, check gov.uk or ask your institution’s international student office.

When to Book Your TB Test

You should book your TB test as soon as you know you will apply for a Student Route visa—ideally 4–6 weeks before your planned application date. Clinic appointments can be difficult to find, particularly in larger cities, so do not leave this to the last moment.

Timing for your visa application: Your TB test certificate must be dated no more than three months before your visa application submission. If your application is delayed beyond three months after your test, you will need a new test.

How to Book Your TB Test

Step 1: Locate an UKVI-approved TB clinic in your country. Check the gov.uk list of approved clinics.

Step 2: Call or visit the clinic to book an appointment. Many clinics are overbooked during peak visa season (June–August), so book early.

Step 3: Attend your appointment. Bring your passport and any required documentation the clinic requests.

Step 4: Undergo testing (details below).

Step 5: Collect or request your TB report certificate by post or email.

The TB Test Procedure

The standard TB test is the chest X-ray, which takes 10–15 minutes. A radiographer will ask you to:

1. Remove metal objects (necklaces, bras with metal)
2. Stand in front of an X-ray machine
3. Hold still while your chest is imaged

The X-ray is checked for signs of TB disease. The report will state one of three results:

• No signs of TB (negative): You can proceed with your visa application
• Possible signs of TB: The clinic will request further tests (sputum test, blood test)
• Active TB: The clinic will refer you to a TB specialist and alert local health authorities

For most applicants, results are available within 1–2 weeks.

If Your TB Test Shows Possible Tuberculosis

If your initial X-ray suggests possible TB, the clinic will request:

• Sputum samples: You will cough into a sample cup (repeated over 3–5 days)
• Blood tests (QuantiFERON Gold, IGRA): A simple blood draw to detect TB infection
• Repeat imaging: Further X-rays to confirm findings

Timeline: Additional testing can add 2–8 weeks to your overall TB assessment. Do not apply for your visa during this period.

If TB is confirmed, you will be referred to a TB specialist. Depending on whether you have latent (inactive) or active TB:

• Latent TB: You carry the bacteria but are not infectious. Treatment is typically 3–6 months of preventive medication. You can still apply for your Student Route visa while undergoing treatment, but you must disclose it on your application.
• Active TB: You are infectious. You cannot travel or apply for a Student Route visa until your doctor confirms you are no longer infectious (typically after 2–4 weeks of treatment). Your visa application must be deferred.

Cost of TB Testing

TB screening costs vary by country:

Check with your approved clinic for exact pricing. Some universities reimburse TB testing costs—ask your institution.

What If You Cannot Access an Approved Clinic?

If no UKVI-approved clinic exists in your country (rare), you can:

1. Travel to a neighbouring country where an approved clinic is available
2. Request a referral from your local health authority to an approved clinic
3. Contact UKVI for alternative arrangements (email the visa centre for your country)

Many students from remote areas travel to regional capitals to access clinics. Budget time and travel costs accordingly.

TB Certificate and Your Visa Application

Once you have your TB certificate:

1. Scan a colour copy
2. Upload it to your Student Route visa application under the relevant section
3. Keep the original for your records

UKVI will not contact the clinic to verify results—they rely on your certificate. Do not submit a photocopy; ensure your scanned copy is clear and legible.

After Your Student Route Visa Is Granted

Once you arrive in the UK and enrol on your course, you are eligible to access NHS TB services free of charge if you later develop symptoms. TB testing and treatment are provided by the NHS at no cost. However, you should not delay seeking medical attention if you develop a persistent cough or other symptoms.

Privacy and Data Handling

Your TB test results are confidential. UKVI does not share your TB status with employers, universities, or other government agencies (except local public health teams if active TB is diagnosed, as required by UK law).

This article is for general information only and is not immigration advice. Consult a regulated OISC/IAA adviser for your case.

Sources

• gov.uk: Tuberculosis Test and Report for a UK Visa Application
• UKVI Immigration Rules, Appendix T (Tuberculosis)
• NHS: Tuberculosis Information for Visitors to the UK

Last updated: 2025-04.