TB Testing required from February 28th

[BoholoX]

As we all were aware this was coming but this is now the date that you need to get a TB test done as part of the application process for 6 months+ visas. Get the application in before if you can.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/february/30-tb-philippines

[marga]

Thanks for posting BoholoX.

That's another thing to pay for and its bloody expensive for a TB text (chest x-ray):grosyeux:

[sars_notd_virus]

As we all were aware this was coming but this is now the date that you need to get a TB test done as part of the application process for 6 months+ visas. Get the application in before if you can.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/february/30-tb-philippines

I think this is good news for the health and benefit of everyone since TB is highly contagious bacterial infection.

[melovesengland]

I think this is good news for the health and benefit of everyone since TB is highly contagious bacterial infection.

I do agree, its good for britain health safe as TB is very contagious. This rule is one of the rules that Im not against off. :xxgrinning--00xx3::smile:

[Doc Alan]

Please see

http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/31919-TB-curable-but-a-long-way-to-go?p=419488#post419488

[Terpe]

As we all were aware this was coming but this is now the date that you need to get a TB test done as part of the application process for 6 months+ visas. Get the application in before if you can.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/february/30-tb-philippines

Good post BoholoX
Important too.

I've made it a 'sticky' so it's easy to see.

[andy222]

Another one to add to the list.:doh

[hawk]

but will that be for eu people too i dont think so why are just the ones paying to get here the ones shafted :furious3::cwm23:

[andy222]

I agree hawk. How does my wife obtain one of these? (I am assuming it would be at the local hopital?) And does my stepdaughter need to have one? What is the cost?. Thanks in advance.

[stevie c]

Andy the chest xray is to be taken at a reputable clinic endorsed from ukba the price i wouldnt know
When my wife came here in 2010 she had her xray taken at a local clinic costing only 500 peso but im sure with ukba involved this will be a lot more expensive

[marksroomspain]

Hi Andy just been looking on UKBA website there is only one approved clinic which is in Manila at a cost of 3,200 pesos and children under 11 will be asked questions to determine in they need one also, if it is decided they do the cost is the same as an adult hope that helps.....

[andy222]

Ok guys thanks.

[Doc Alan]

Please at least look at my updates (

http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/31919-TB-curable-but-a-long-way-to-go?p=421362#post421362 ).


The intention is not to " shaft " genuine immigrants, but to tackle the serious problem of tuberculosis - unfortunately much commoner in the Philippines than any EU country.

Pre-entry screening in reliable centres is more effective than on-entry screening ( chest X-rays at airports ), and is the way forward to reduce illness and deaths caused by a disease which should by now have been consigned to history.


Ideally of course everyone entering the UK from whatever country would have first been screened - and if necessary treated - for TB. A start has been made with the 67 countries having the highest incidence of TB - none of which happen to be in the European region.

[andy222]

I agree with you doc but for someone trying to plan to bring his wife here this is becoming a nightmare. They are just making rules of the cuff so to speak. Its frustrating enough without going through this. Thats another expense and another certificate to get. How many more? For :censored: sake.

[Doc Alan]

I agree with you doc but for someone trying to plan to bring his wife here this is becoming a nightmare. They are just making rules of the cuff so to speak. Its frustrating enough without going through this. Thats another expense and another certificate to get. How many more? For :censored: sake.

I do fully understand the situation you're in Andy, having followed your posts - and those of others - on this forum. Indeed - if I've learned nothing else here - finance is a MAJOR problem to anyone who meets and falls in love with a filipina. My private life is .... just that ... but believe me I genuinely sympathise with you.

TB is a difficult enough subject even for health workers to understand. For my own benefit - and hopefully also forum members - I've spent much time keeping up to date. My late Dad ( a GP ) acquired TB ( " consumption " ) from a patient 50 years ago - it should not STILL be a major worldwide health issue.

The facts as I understand them are in the " sticky " Health Issues thread on TB.

My personal opinion - which may be reassuring, at the same time as frustrating ( because of the effort and cost of pre-screening ) - is that a healthy previously BCG-vaccinated person, even a filipino, is at LOW risk of developing the active form of this illness.

[jake]

Good post doc.
Can see why Andy is frustrated but i understand why they are making it compulsory. TB is very contagious and easily spread.
Having lived in the Philippines for a number of years i have seen the affects of untreated TB and its not something you would want to see.
One of my wife's nephews had TB but with proper medications he has made a full recovery.

[andy222]

I agree totally people should be screened but like I said its just another hoop to get through and Im just thinking how many more is there to come. Obviously I cant go to manila with my wife and stepdaughter because it will break the six payslip criteria and to think they will be in manila on their own is very worrying.

[J&G]

Does anyone know if this TB test also applies to EEA family permit applications? - Is that legally considered a "6+ month visa", or some different sort of legal entity? I haven't found any clarity on this on the UKBA websites.

I'd love to be able to get out of this test through some EU loophole, as I find the whole thing infuriating!

It's irritating because I'd be willing to bet that my fiancee probably has at least a little bit of latent TB, having lived in rural village poverty for most of her life and because one of her brothers apparently has it. She's not symptomatic, but there might still be enough hanging around to show up on an X-Ray...

What's annoying about that is it basically means that I will have to send her twice for this test, because of the fact that the certificate is only valid for 6 months, and TB apparently takes at least 6 months to treat if present. So, to be safe, I will want to send her to the clinic more than 6 months in advance of my return there, so that, if she is TB-positive, then at least she can be cured (hopefully) by the time I get my vacation to return. But, if she's healthy, then the certificate she gets will have expired before I get there, so I'd have to send her again! Arrgh, so stupid!

I also want to know why UKBA insists on an X-ray? I've been tested for TB before, here in the UK no less, and all they did to me was a skin test! (which I'm sure is way cheaper) If that was good enough for the UK health system (it was mandatory for me to get screened here as an international student having previously lived in the Phils), then it should be good enough for potential new immigrants as well! :Brick:

On a more political level, heck, I pay my taxes and am in perfect health, so why can't my future wife get her potential TB treated on the NHS's dime? Why pay taxes if I can't use the 'services'? Grrr :furious3:

[Doc Alan]

I’m not sure why you find “ the whole thing infuriating “ or if you have had time to view the TB thread elsewhere on the forum ( http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/31919-TB-curable-but-a-long-way-to-go ).


The Philippines is one of the countries with a high incidence of TB. Pre-entry screening, with treatment if needed, not only saves taxpayers’ money but also prevents spread of TB in the UK. None of us are guaranteed perfect health and we are lucky to have a health service with standards only affordable in the Philippines for a tiny minority of the population. But our own NHS is short of money !


Whether or not there is a “ EU loophole “ to “ get out of this test “ I’m sorry to say that if there’s a chance your fiancée has “ at least a little bit of latent TB “ she needs investigation.


In many otherwise healthy individuals exposed to TB infection their immune system kills the bugs. A few develop active TB ; or latent ( hidden ) TB, which may become active. If your fiancee’s brother ( and any other contacts ) have active TB, it needs treatment. The drugs should be appropriate ( no resistance ), reliable ( not fake ), and taken for at least 6 months.


The ( Mantoux ) skin test can be hard to interpret. It may be positive ( natural or BCG-induced immunity ), negative, or inconclusive. It may not rule out active TB. That’s why a chest X Ray, other tests ( sputum, blood ) may be needed in addition – and interpreted by a specialist TB doctor.


TB MUST be regarded – and treated – seriously. It’s true the certificate is only valid 6 months, which may cause inconvenience. However, it is surely worthwhile either to know a loved one does NOT have TB; or does, and is having the correct treatment.

[Terpe]

I’m not sure why you find “ the whole thing infuriating “ or if you have had time to view the TB thread elsewhere on the forum ( http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/31919-TB-curable-but-a-long-way-to-go ).


The Philippines is one of the countries with a high incidence of TB. Pre-entry screening, with treatment if needed, not only saves taxpayers’ money but also prevents spread of TB in the UK. None of us are guaranteed perfect health and we are lucky to have a health service with standards only affordable in the Philippines for a tiny minority of the population. But our own NHS is short of money !


Whether or not there is a “ EU loophole “ to “ get out of this test “ I’m sorry to say that if there’s a chance your fiancée has “ at least a little bit of latent TB “ she needs investigation.


In many otherwise healthy individuals exposed to TB infection their immune system kills the bugs. A few develop active TB ; or latent ( hidden ) TB, which may become active. If your fiancee’s brother ( and any other contacts ) have active TB, it needs treatment. The drugs should be appropriate ( no resistance ), reliable ( not fake ), and taken for at least 6 months.


The ( Mantoux ) skin test can be hard to interpret. It may be positive ( natural or BCG-induced immunity ), negative, or inconclusive. It may not rule out active TB. That’s why a chest X Ray, other tests ( sputum, blood ) may be needed in addition – and interpreted by a specialist TB doctor.


TB MUST be regarded – and treated – seriously. It’s true the certificate is only valid 6 months, which may cause inconvenience. However, it is surely worthwhile either to know a loved one does NOT have TB; or does, and is having the correct treatment.

Hear hear! well said.

Hopefully just a poor selection of words from J&G.
But your posted reply re-inforces the importance of actually having it done and getting treatment where needed.

[andy222]

My wife went to the local hospital it was only p1000. She had the xray taken and it was negative. I thought it was better to do that than pay all that money to fly to manila and find out she had got it. Obviously the ball is rolling now and I can go ahead and book the flights.

[J&G]

Ooh, good idea Andy, thanks for that - Takes some of the cost out of it at least!

Doc Alan - Can't argue with your logic on TB itself - I certainly don't want my fiancee to suffer from it - but we'll have to agree to disagree on the political issue of whose financial responsibility it is for testing and treatment! :signs136:

J & G

[jamesy]

hi my wife was tested for tb in the phils three and a half years ago before she came to the uk,it was stated away back then on the ukba website that if you couldnt prove at immigration controll in london heathrow ,if asked ,that you were recently screened for tb then they had the right to refuse you ,my step daughter got tested last year as well before she came over ,and was given the results ,to give to the immigration control if asked ,personally i dont see the big problem here ,all they are doing is looking after our health here in the uk ,people may say that non eu immigrants moving here to the uk are paying through the nose for visas etc ,i personally know all about what you mean ,but rules are rules and we must abide by them,money spent on bringing a loved one here to the uk to be with you ,shouldnt even be mentioned here in these posts ,the way i look at things is my wife and stepdaughter are worth more than anything in the world to me ,so what if it does cost us money to bring them here ,they are worth every penny and more ,the importaint thing here everybody seems to be missing out in here is love and happiness .

[jamesy]

whats more important here ,money or your loved ones health ,how would we feel if we managed to avoid the screening process ,and lets say a year or two down the line your wife and a few of your family members were diagnosed with having tb ,in what ever form, i bet the first thing that comes in to your mind is ,i should have had my wife screened before she came here to the uk ,whats going to happen to her now and whats going to happen to the family members who now have it ,would you stop your children from being immnunised here in the uk or would that be ok as its free? personally if i was your philipino partner waiting to come here to the uk to be with you ,i would definetley now have second thoughts as its not her health and well being your conserned about its rather selfishly the amount of money your having to part with.

[jamesy]

and they say us scottish are mean:NoNo:

[cheekee]

I'm all for the TB testing and agree our families health is the most important over cost.

But I just wish that testing could be done in other areas like cebu. Its not the money but the worry about my girl having to go to manila possibly without me :(.

[jamesy]

we all have to make some sacrafices,my step daughter who was only 14 at the time had to go to manila last year with a relative for the same purpose as your girlfriend ,as her mum my wife was here in the uk ,manila isnt that bad, i thought the same a few years ago when i went there with my wife to the vfs global or as we know it the uk embassyregarding her visa application ,i was a bit shocked when i was told that i couldnt accompany her during her interview etc ,i had to go and sit in a cafe on my own fow ages ,but i was worrying about nothing as everybody i sopke to were nice ,admittably there are some dodgy places there ,just like any where else in the world ,but they can be avoided,just get your girl to take a relative with her that knows manilla ,i also agree cebu is much safer as my wife is also from there

[jake]

and they say us scottish are mean:NoNo:

Scotsman aren't tight.

Its just a story we made up to stop people asking for money :wink:

[andy222]

we all have to make some sacrafices,my step daughter who was only 14 at the time had to go to manila last year with a relative for the same purpose as your girlfriend ,as her mum my wife was here in the uk ,manila isnt that bad, i thought the same a few years ago when i went there with my wife to the vfs global or as we know it the uk embassyregarding her visa application ,i was a bit shocked when i was told that i couldnt accompany her during her interview etc ,i had to go and sit in a cafe on my own fow ages ,but i was worrying about nothing as everybody i sopke to were nice ,admittably there are some dodgy places there ,just like any where else in the world ,but they can be avoided,just get your girl to take a relative with her that knows manilla ,i also agree cebu is much safer as my wife is also from there
:Erm:Let me just remind you. It was much easier when you got them over here. Like cheeky says why cant they have the test done closer to home?. It would be safer and easier.

[jamesy]

lol

[jamesy]

no i dont agree with that ,same circumstances just different visa cost ,and my wifes and daughters home is the philippines there for that is why she and her daughter done the sensible thing and got tested for t b before they came here to the uk ,you just have to ask yourself here whats more important to you your wallet or your wifes health. why dont you do what i did then fly over there and go to manilla with your wife, then you will know she is safe,and when was life ever easy:yawn:

[jamesy]

weve just got to go with the flo

[elve_page]

Is anyone knows if my british citizen son need to have TB test certificate also?
Many thanks in advance.

[Doc Alan]

As the Philippines has a relatively high frequency of TB, anyone resident there and wishing to come to the UK for more than 6 months must be tested, with certain exceptions (
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/philippines/applying/tb-test/?langname=null ).


It states that all children over 11 years old must be tested. A parent or guardian of children under 11 needs to bring them to an approved clinic and complete a health questionnaire for them. The clinician decides whether they need to be tested for TB. This is for a certificate with child’s visa application. Any TB test certificate is valid for 6 months.


I can only give medical advice to the best of my knowledge – there are experts on the forum who can advise on immigration status. Even if a child already having British citizenship might not need compulsory TB testing, it would seem sensible to at least have their general health, history of contacts with TB, and BCG status checked. A BCG scar should be visible ( upper arm or leg ), but remember BCG doesn’t give complete protection against TB.