If you are from certain high risk countries, you will need to get a certificate from an accredited clinic showing that you are free from infectious tuberculosis (TB). If you do not have such a certificate, your entry clearance application will normally be refused.
If you are from one of the countries* below you need to obtain a certificate:
- Bangladesh
- Ghana
- Kenya (also accepts applications from residents of Eritrea and Somalia)
- Pakistan
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- Thailand (also accepts applications from Cambodia and Laos; testing is also offered in Phnom Penh, although applicants will need to travel to Thailand to get a visa).
You need to contact the International Organisation for Migration to arrange to have a chest x-ray taken at an accredited clinic or hospital in your home country. If the x-ray shows signs of infections, the clinic will do other tests to find out whether you have infectious TB. This can take several days.
The British Embassy or High Commission in your home country can provide further information about TB testing in your country.
Further information on immigration rules for non EU/EEA nationals is available from the UKCOSA guidance note: 'Before Leaving Home'. Alternatively, consult a student adviser in Student Advice and Welfare Services.
*Note: this list will be ammended in 2007 to include China, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Philippines, South Africa and Zimbabwe. See www.ukvisas.gov.uk to confirm if there is a requirement for you to obtain a certificate.