Before You Apply

Health (TB) screening

Applicants for UK visas valid for longer than six months in certain countries now require a certificate to show that they are free from infectious pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). The Government has implemented a programme to screen people applying to enter the UK for more than six months for tuberculosis. The initiative is part of the Government's Five Year Strategy for Asylum and Immigration. Testing has begun in the following countries:

-Bangladesh,

-Ghana (which also takes applications from Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo and Niger ),

-Kenya (which also take applications from residents of Eritrea, Somalia, Democratic Republic of the -Congo, Rwanda, Uganda (visitor applications) and Tanzania),

-Pakistan,

-Sudan, and

-Thailand (which also takes applications from Cambodia and Laos)

This programme is part of our ‘firm but fair’ policy on immigration and will benefit the UK’s public health by preventing the entry into the UK of infectious tuberculosis sufferers until they have been successfully treated. It will also support the Department of Health’s Tuberculosis Action Plan. The programme also has advantages for applicants who may benefit from and early diagnosis of TB. Host countries will also benefit from earlier detection of individuals with the disease.

Screening generates information about infectious tuberculosis among travellers to the UK and helps us to better understand the effect of migration on tuberculosis in the UK. We will also be looking at ways to share data about tuberculosis rates with host countries to inform their own public health programmes.

A further benefit of the programme is that successful applicants will no longer need to undergo medical inspection on arrival in the UK before being allowed to enter the country. This can be a time consuming process but can be avoided if those coming to the UK carry their screening certificate in their hand luggage to present to an immigration officer on arrival in the UK.

Guide to visa processing times

You can apply for your visa within three months of your intended date of travel. UK Visas are only able to post-date visas by a maximum of three months from the date of the decision on your visa application. You can enter the UK anytime after your visa issue date but not before. UK Visas strongly advise applicants not to confirm their travel arrangements to come to the UK until they have received their visa.

For further details on visa processing time in your country, please contact your nearest UK Visa Application Centre.

Accommodation

You can book several types of accommodation through Malvern House or arrange your own accommodation. Many of our students will first book their accommodation through Malvern House and then move into a shared apartment with friends.

Airport Transfer:

For personalised service, book an airport transfer that will take you and your luggage, from the airport to your accommodation.

• Return transfer packages are also available
• Drivers will wait for 2 hours after the arrival of your flight. If you cannot locate your driver, please go to the airport Information Desk.

Drivers will carry a sign with your name on it. If you cannot see them, go to the airport Information Desk. Do Not go with a driver from another company. Some unlicensed companies charge large amounts of money to newly arrived foreigners at airports.