Changes to the rules as regards providing tuberculosis test for UK immigration

In most cases for a first UK entry visa (there are exceptions, for example, a tourist visa for any period or Ukrainian visa schemes) you need to provide a test confirming the absence of tuberculosis. The test is taken in one of the approved medical clinics, located in various countries of the world.

A valid tuberculosis certificate is required if the applicant was in the country or countries listed below by the link:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-tuberculosis-tb

Previously under the old immigration rules, the applicant was not required to pass the tuberculosis test unless he/she has lived in one of these countries for 6 months or more prior to visa application submission.

At the moment under the given immigration changes, if the applicant has merely visited (without having necessarily lived for 6 months) one of such countries for any length of time within the 6 month-period before the visa application submission, the tuberculosis test will still have to be taken and a relevant certificate to be provided.

In simple words, it means that previously, for example, a national of China residing in India on a valid national permit, should have lived there for at least six months or more to be required to pass a tuberculosis test in one of the approved clinics in India for the purpose of making a UK visa application (to work, study or join a family member). And if such a national of China has lived in India for less than six months, he was exempt from passing the tuberculosis test at all when making a UK visa application.

Under the new rules, it no longer matters whether a national of China has lived in India for six months or less than that, he anyway has to pass a tuberculosis test in one of the approved clinics in India for the purpose of making a UK visa application, since otherwise his UK visa application would now be refused.

The new changes came into force on 22 February 2024.