When it comes to health matters, the English are quite concerned, truly believing in a disease-free lifestyle. Because many countries develop and house many of the infectious epidemics, every person applying to stay in the UK will be scanned for diseases (specifically TB –tuberculosis). The UK visitor must provide the biometric data and only those differently able without fingers are exempted. So after applying for the visa and arranging the requested supporting documents, everyone will get tested for TB and enroll their biometric information. Our immigration solicitors in London can provide in-depth support and legal guidance in such matters. You can ask about UK residence card and about British citizenship.
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Testing for TB
When a foreign citizen plans on staying within the United Kingdom for six months or more, he or she must get tested for TB before applying for the visa. Failing to do so or if the person is positive for TB, he/she will not be allowed to enter the country unless the test has been retaken or if the person is TB free. The medical exam can be taken at one of the Embassy’s approved clinics/hospitals. So everyone can make an appointment and take the test at a clinic near him/her.
Test results
There are only two steps that can be taken, according to the test results, which can be negative or positive. If a person tests negative for TB, a medical certificate will be provided to him/her by the clinic or hospital where the tests have been taken. The certificate then must be submitted along with the visa application (which is available for only six months). Failing to bring it when arriving in the United Kingdom will only delay the person’s entry into the country. If the result is positive, when the chest x-ray is conclusive, there will be a need for a sputum test. Also, the person will not receive the certificate, but he/she will be advised for treatment and receive a TB treatment referral letter. After the treatment is completed, the test can be taken again at one of the Embassy approved clinics, before applying for the United Kingdom visa. Details in this matter can be offered by our London immigration lawyer.
Fingerprints and biometric information
As part of the visa application, the biometric information must be enrolled as well, otherwise, the Embassy will not process the files. This can be done by anyone, simply by making an appointment at the visa application center, the procedure is quite simple and it doesn’t require any extra fees, according to our London immigration lawyer. The fingerprints will be scanned by a machine (without any ink, liquids, or chemicals) which complies with relevant international and UK safety standards. They can’t be scanned if the person has any cuts, damages, or wearing henna decorations. Besides the fingerprints, the face will be photographed (without spectacles/sunglasses or anything else that covers the face) and head covering is only allowed for medical or religious reasons.
Who needs to take the tuberculosis test?
Citizens from countries like Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Cambodia, Central African Republic, China, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Guyana, India, Iraq, Kenya, Laos, Lesotho, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, Moldova, Namibia, North Korea, Nepal, Nigeria, Panama, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Zambia must pay attention to the requirements involving the tuberculosis test. The TB test is a mandatory condition before the entrance in UK and it is imposed on citizens wanting to stay for more than 6 months. Here is additional information about the tuberculosis test imposed by the authorities in UK:
- An X-ray test is made in the first place, and if it’s not clear, additional tests are made.
- A certificate attesting that you do not have tuberculosis will be given to you.
- The visa application will have to include the certificate mentioned above.
- Diplomats accredited to UK do not need to consider the tuberculosis test.
- Such a test is not imposed for children under 11 years of age.
- Pregnant women are not obliged to take the test.
Additional details about the TB test for citizens from the above-mentioned countries can be offered by our UK immigration lawyer. The same team can help you obtain a residence permit in UK or British citizenship.
Medical examinations at the Embassy
Foreigners wanting to enter UK will have to complete a medical examination at the UK embassy or consulate in the home country. These tests are normally performed before the visa interview takes place. The doctors will verify if the vaccination scheme was respected. A medical examination is an important and mandatory step part of the visa application. There are also several documents to prepare, like vaccination records which are normally issued by your doctor, a valid passport, 4 photos, and a medical questionnaire provided by the authorities. Even though it might seem complex, the entire visa process can be supervised by our team of immigration solicitors in London who is at your service if you want a visa for UK or British citizenship.
Who else requires medical examinations for UK visas?
Citizens from the countries mentioned above plus the family members will need to pay attention to the requirements involving the medical examinations. It is known that the UK authorities are deeply concerned about the health of the population, and therefore, specific verifications are made. This means that foreigners will have to meet the health requirements before entering UK. Moreover, it is important to know that even citizens applying for temporary visas will have to consider the medical examinations imposed by the government and the immigration legislation in UK. Legal advice and support are offered on request by our UK immigration lawyer. Assistance for UK residence card is offered.
What happens if I fail the medical test?
Citizens who do not meet the medical requirements imposed by the immigration authorities in UK will not receive a visa. It is possible for the authorities to solicit another set of medical tests as part of your visa application. All the legal aspects in this matter and other immigration aspects should be discussed with an immigration lawyer in London.
Health care for immigrants in UK
Foreigners wanting to relocate to UK will have to align with the conditions imposed by the National Health System in UK. More specifically, this means that citizens from abroad will have to apply for the NHS number in order to receive medical treatments in UK. All the appointments to the doctors in UK will be made with the help of a health card that contains the NHS number showing you have medical insurance. As an international law, it is important to know that citizens in UK can receive complete emergency treatments regardless of their country of origin. Family planning, emergency treatments in case of accidents, HIV tests, tuberculosis or malaria treatments are offered to foreigners in UK, in any conditions. Free NHS treatments are offered to self-employed persons, students, legal residents in UK, stateless persons and refugees in UK. Moreover, citizens living in UK can choose the services of private hospitals and clinics in UK, paying attention to the fees involved. The healthcare system in UK is known as one of the most prolific in the world, sustained by experienced and appreciated doctors, alongside innovative and traditional treatments and medical services.
We remind that all the conditions regarding the medical examinations for foreigners can be explained by our team of immigration lawyers in London. They can provide support for any requirements involved, in agreement with the type of visa you need for UK entrance and residence permit in UK.
If there are any other questions regarding the subjects discussed, do not hesitate to contact our immigration solicitors in London.
