UK marriage visa applicants in Russia subject to mandatory TB screening since 31 December 2013
05/01/2014
At the end of December 2013, UK Visas and Immigration – UKVI (formerly the UK Border Agency) added Russia to the list of countries where applicants must be tested for active tuberculosis (TB) before they can apply for a UK spouse, fiancee or unmarried partner visa. Effective 31 December 2013 anyone wishing to apply for a UK settlement visa under the family or partnership category must take a mandatory tuberculosis test before an application is made. Generally, any applicants for visas lasting longer than six months will need to be tested before submitting an application to the British Consulate in Moscow. Those applying for a six month fiancee visa will also need to take the test as by definition it is presumed that they are looking to stay in the UK for longer than six months upon marrying a British citizen or UK legal permanent resident. Russian residents applying for an EEA family permit to join their EU partner or spouse in the UK are exempt from the requirement as applications for EEA family permits are made in accordance with European law as opposed to UK fiancee, partner and marriage visa applications that are made under UK immigration Rules.
This change of UK immigration policy is due to the increasing number of cases of TB worldwide and the problems that are being encountered with strains of the bacteria now resistant to antibiotics.
What is the TB test and what happens if it is positive?
The test begins with a chest x-ray and for many people this is all that is required. If the x-ray shows any cause for concern, the next stage is a sputum (phlegm) test. Because the specimen provided is tested until the result is absolutely certain these tests can take several months before a decision is issued. If it is positive, the clinic doctor will notify the correct authorities in the UK (UK Visas and Immigration) as well as local authorities. People testing positive will be started on a course of treatment and close family members will also be included in this as TB often shows no symptoms.
Re-testing is available after a course of treatment has been completed; however, there must be at least a six month waiting period before reapplying – most treatment courses take at least this long in any event. When being re-tested, the applicant should take all paperwork relating to the first test with them to the UKVI-accredited clinic as well as an accepted form of personal identification, normally a national passport.
Medical advice does not advocate x-rays of pregnant women and so they can either choose extra lead protection and go ahead with the procedure, or can go straight to the next stage – the sputum test. Because the results of a sputum test can take up to two months and also the test costs more than the initial x-ray, most women opt to wait until after the birth. If the test at this stage shows no sign of TB, a certificate is given and the rest of the UK settlement visa application can go ahead. Positive results (or negative results following further testing) are not valid for refunds and there is no right of appeal; the doctor’s decision is final.
Children under eleven years old do not require testing but a doctor will need to be informed of the child’s medical history, followed by an examination and test if the doctor sees fit.
Are there fees for this test?
The process cannot begin until the fee has been paid and there are no refunds given, no matter what the test result or whether the applicant decides to withdraw from the process. There are four approved clinics in Russia which can conduct the TB testing and it is only from these that certificates will be accepted. UKVI-approved clinics are located in Moscow, St Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk. Another important thing for applicants to remember is that certificates must be specifically for entry into the UK – certificates issued for entry into other countries are not acceptable and so it must be made clear to staff on making the appointment what the certificate is for.
How long is the certificate valid for?
Each certificate is valid for six months. Anyone with reason to suspect that they may have TB – or has a near relative with a recent diagnosis – is advised that the diagnosis and subsequent treatment may take up to nine months. There is no way of circumventing the process of treatment no matter how pressing other circumstances may be. Because of the serious implications of allowing anyone with TB to travel to another country, no exceptions are made for any applicants who make a UK marriage visa application without valid TB certification.
