TB Test for UK — What Pakistani Applicants Must Know Before Applying

If you’re planning to study, work or join family in the UK for more than six months, you may need a tuberculosis (TB) test as part of your visa application. The TB test for UK visa applications is a specific health screening that must be done at a Home Office–approved clinic and you must submit the approved TB certificate with your visa application. This article explains who needs the test, how the process works in Pakistan, what to bring, how long results last, and what happens if the test is positive — plus practical tips to avoid delays.

Lets find out the top reasons why student visas get rejected, how to improve your chances of approval, country-specific rejection insights, what to do after a visa refusal, and how SMi Consultant helps students prepare successfully.

Who needs a TB test for a UK visa?

You will usually need a TB test if all the following apply:

• You are applying to come to the UK for more than six months, and
• You have been living in a country listed by UKVI as requiring TB screening (Pakistan is on that list), and
• You were living in that country (or another listed country) within the last six months before your application.

For confirmation, you can always review the UK Home Office’s official TB test guidance.

TB test for UK visa from Pakistan — step by step process

If you need a TB test, here’s what happens:

1. The TB test for UK student visa applicants in Pakistan involves a straightforward process:
2. Book an appointment at a clinic approved by the UK government. You can find the official list of approved TB clinics in Pakistan.
3. Attend the appointment with your passport and ID. The test usually involves a chest X-ray, though for younger children the process may differ.
4. Receive your TB certificate. If your chest X-ray is normal, you’ll get the TB certificate for UK visa Pakistan applicants must submit with their application. If abnormal, further tests such as sputum samples may be required.
5. Submit the TB clearance certificate with your study visa application to avoid refusal.

Documents, costs and validity of the TB certificate

• Documents to bring: passport, 2 passport-style photos, national ID (CNIC), appointment confirmation and any prior medical history. Each approved clinic lists its own document requirements.
• Cost: fees vary by clinic and city. Expect to pay the clinic directly at the time of your appointment — confirm the price when booking.
• Validity: a typical TB clearance certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. If your application or travel is delayed beyond the certificate’s validity, you usually need to repeat the test. The British Council’s study-UK resources also confirm this.

What happens if the TB test for UK is positive?

If your X-ray shows possible signs of TB:

Without a valid TB test for UK visa, your study visa application cannot proceed.

The clinic will ask you to provide sputum samples for lab testing.

If results confirm TB, you must complete treatment before receiving a clearance certificate.

Timing, common mistakes and practical tips

• When to do the TB test: Don’t leave it to the last minute. Many applicants schedule their TB test 6–10 weeks before submitting their visa application to allow time for follow-ups if needed.
• Only use approved clinics. Certificates from non-approved clinics will be rejected. Always book from the UK Home Office’s official list.
• Children: clinicians decide whether an X-ray is necessary for young children.
• Keep originals safe: you may need to upload the certificate when completing online visa forms (or present it at your visa appointment).

How SMi Consultant helps

SMi Consultant helps Pakistani students complete the TB test for UK visa smoothly as part of the study visa application. We:

• Advise which approved clinic to book for your UK student visa TB test.
• Guide you on documents required and preparation.
• Align your TB test with other visa steps such as your CAS, bank statements and interview prep. See our guides on UK Study Visa Bank Statement Requirements and Student Visa Interview Questions & Answers.
• Provide a full review of your study visa application to avoid mistakes.

Register now with SMi Consultant for a free UK visa assessment and step-by-step guidance on your TB test and application process.

Register now with SMi Consultant for a free UK visa assessment and get step-by-step guidance on your TB test and application process.

Conclusion

The TB test for UK visa from Pakistan is a simple but essential requirement for all students applying for a UK study visa of more than six months. Book your test early, use an approved clinic, and keep your TB certificate ready to avoid delays.

For the latest official details, visit the UK government’s TB test for visa page. You can also explore guidance from the British Council Study UK portal if you’re preparing to study in the UK.

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