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!

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