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If you want to pursue higher education in the UK, meeting the medical requirements in your student visa is crucial. It is one of the major phases of your student visa application process. The UK is one of the most highly developed countries which has managed to keep several diseases and epidemics at bay. Though they have not eradicated TB, the number of cases has been reduced. On the other hand, TB cases are still high in India. WHO reports that, in 2020, eight countries, including India, accounted for two-thirds of the new TB cases. This is one of the reasons why the UK conducts medical tests for applicants who wish to study in the UK. In this blog, you will read all about the medical requirements for a UK student Visa.
Who does not Need Medical Requirements?
You do not need medical requirements to study in the UK if:
- If you’re a diplomat accredited to the UK
- If you’re a returning UK resident and have not been away for more than 2 years
- If you lived for at least 6 months in a country where TB screening is not required by the UK, and you’ve been away from that country for no more than 6 months
When should you Test for TB and Enroll your Biometrics?
A tuberculosis test is a mandatory medical test for any Indian student going to the UK for more than 6 months. The tuberculosis test results should be included along with your visa application.
Once you complete your visa application online and make the payment, you should book an appointment with the Visa Application Centre to provide your biometric data. Make sure you read and understand the guidelines for visiting the visa application center.
Also Read: What are the Requirements to Study in UK?
Tuberculosis Testing
X-ray is the medical test used to test for TB during a UK student visa application. A chest X-ray is taken to test for TB. If the X-ray is not clear enough, you might also be asked to provide sputum samples. If you fail to take the test, you will not be granted a visa. The Embassy accepts medical certificates from one of their approved clinics/hospitals only. You can contact one of the clinics/hospitals near to you to book an appointment. Embassy-approved clinics are available in all major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Lucknow, etc. You should also mention that you are taking the X-ray for UK visa application purposes.
1. If the Result is Negative
If you test negative for TB, the clinic/hospital will provide you with a medical certificate which you must submit with your visa application form. The certificate will be valid for 6 months. The medical certificate is essential for you when you are in the UK and failing to bring it will delay your entry to the UK.
2. If the Result is Positive
You will have to take a sputum test when the chest x-ray is inconclusive. If you have TB, you won’t receive a certificate but will be advised for treatment and you will be provided with a TB treatment referral letter. Post your treatment you can test again for TB at any of the embassy-approved clinics/hospitals before applying for a UK visa.
Also Read: Health And Care Visa Requirements Guide for the UK In 2024
Biometric Information
Biometrics submission is mandatory for UK student visa approval. Apart from testing for TB, you should enrol your biometric information as part of the visa application process. This includes your photograph and fingerprints. The Embassy will not process your visa application unless you have provided your biometric information. You should book an appointment at one of the visa application centres near you to get your biometric information. The procedure requires no extra fee, and the procedure is quick and simple.
Fingerprints
Your fingerprints will be scanned by a digital fingerprint scanner – It does not use ink, liquids or chemicals and complies with all relevant UK and international safety standards. All 10 digits will have to be scanned. You won’t be allowed to enrol your fingerprints if you have cuts or damages or if you are wearing a decoration like henna. After the injury has healed or the decoration has faded, you can enroll for biometric information.
Facial Photograph
While your face is being photographed, you will not be allowed to wear tinted spectacles, sunglasses, hair across the face, and/or eyes or anything that covers your face. But a head covering is allowed for religious or medical reasons.
The biometric information is kept for 10 years from the date when you last scanned your fingerprints and photographed your face. The information will be stored in a database in the UK and held strictly following the UK legislation, including the Data Protection Act 1998. The biometric information provided by the visa applicants may be disclosed to foreign governments, to help them and the UK Border Agency to perform their functions.
Also Read: UK Student Visa Appointment: Step-wise Guide
Fees for Medical Requirements
The exact amount of the fees for medical requirements for a UK student visa depends on the length of your visa. For instance, there can be instances where your visa may last longer than your course of study.
1. Cost for an Entire Year
- Students under the age of 18 at the time of their application have to pay £776 per year for visa and immigration.
- Students, their dependents, and people on the Youth Mobility Scheme visa have to pay £776 per year.
2. 6 Months or Less
- Students applying from outside the UK for 6 months or less do not have to pay the surcharge.
3. More than 6 Months But Less Than 1 Year
- Applicants, irrespective of where they are applying from, are required to pay the cost of an entire year.
4. More Than 1 Year
- If the duration is 18 months or less, students are required to pay the cost of an entire year along with the cost of half a year.
- If the duration is more than 18 months but less than 2 years, applicants are required to pay the cost of 2 full years.
Also Read: Student Visa: Cost, Requirements, Application Process
Results and Validation
It generally takes 3 weeks to get a decision for your visa application. Medical requirements to study in a UK student visa are important for the visa application and to get the results faster. There is an option to pay and get a faster decision.
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FAQs
If you are an international student applying for a UK student visa, you will be required to pass the TB test. If your test results show that you do not have the disease, you will be given a certificate which will be valid for 6 months.
Generally, the medical requirements of a UK visa include that international students must undergo a TB test if they are coming to the UK for more than six months. It also makes this mandatory for students who are coming from a country where TB is common.
The common documents required for a UK medical test may include passport-size photographs, copies of passport, and original passport.
Hopefully, you are now familiar with the different aspects of the medical requirements for a UK student visa. Are you looking for a solution to clear the visa and loan processing requirements? Then, reach out to our experts at Leverage Edu, to get any assistance or guidance for your pre and post-admission process.
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