You’re applying from Sri Lanka. You need a TB test or a full immigration medical. The rule across these destinations is simple: use an approved clinic (panel physician). In Sri Lanka, most applicants book with the IOM Migration Health Assessment Centre (MHAC) in Colombo. Start here for services and appointments: IOM Sri Lanka – Health Assessment.
Visa Medicals — Sri Lanka
Quick Summary (Read This First)
Where to go
IOM MHAC, Colombo
Handles outbound visa medicals & TB screening for UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
- ✓Other country-approved panel clinics may exist.
- ✓Most Sri Lankan applicants use IOM for convenience.
Tip: Check the embassy/site for appointment slots before you plan biometrics.
Validity windows
How long are results valid?
- ✓UK TB certificate: valid for 6 months.
- ✓Canada medicals: usually valid for 12 months.
- ✓Australia medicals: usually valid for 12 months.
- ✓New Zealand: similar eMedical/panel system; keep your medical current at decision time.
Workflow
What to expect — step by step
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1
Book your appointment.
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Bring your passport and any HAP ID / referral (where relevant).
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Chest X-ray for most adults/older children.
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Sputum test if the X-ray is unclear.
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5
Results issued/uploaded: paper TB certificate for the UK; eMedical for Canada/Australia/NZ.
Heads-up: Keep your medical valid through the visa decision window to avoid re-medicals.
Why the TB Test Matters for Visa Processing
These countries use TB screening to prove you don’t have active pulmonary TB at the time of application/entry. If you submit the wrong document or use a non-approved clinic, your application can be delayed or refused. That’s the blunt truth. Use an approved provider and plan around validity so nothing expires mid-process.
Approved Clinic in Sri Lanka: IOM MHAC Colombo
IOM MHAC (IBSL Building, Level 11, 80A Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 08) is the common hub for Sri Lanka applicants. They run visa medicals, chest x-rays, sputum testing where needed, and they submit results through the right channel (paper certificate or eMedical). For current contact details, hours, or to book, use the official page: IOM Sri Lanka – Health Assessment.
Eligibility & Documents: What to Bring
Bring your passport (mandatory), any referral letters generated by your application, and your HAP ID if you’re doing Australia medicals. If you’ve had previous lung issues or TB treatment, carry older chest x-rays/reports. Wear clothing that’s easy for x-ray positioning. Arrive a little early; Colombo traffic is not your friend.
Country-Specific Procedures
United Kingdom (UK)
- Who needs it: applicants coming to the UK for longer than 6 months from countries on the TB list (Sri Lanka is on it). You must use a Home Office–approved clinic in Sri Lanka—this is the IOM MHAC in Colombo.
- What happens: identity check, medical history, chest x-ray for those aged 11+. Under-11s get a clinician assessment first. If the x-ray suggests anything suspicious, sputum testing and culture can be required, which adds time. Once cleared, you receive a TB clearance certificate.
- Validity: the UK TB certificate is valid for 6 months. Upload it with your visa application and keep the original. Don’t test too early if your travel or decision may slide past six months.
- Booking tip: use the official Gov.uk “TB testing in Sri Lanka” page for the latest IOM contact details. Cross-check hours and any process updates before you go.
Canada
- Who needs it: students, workers, visitors staying long-term, and permanent residence applicants as directed by IRCC. You must use an IRCC panel physician; general doctors can’t do this exam.
- What happens: the panel clinic collects your history, conducts the chest x-ray and exam, and submits everything to IRCC via eMedical. You typically don’t upload the medical yourself.
- Validity: generally 12 months. If your exam expires before a decision or before you land, IRCC may ask for a re-medical. Book with that window in mind.
Australia
- Who needs it: applicants requested by the Department of Home Affairs. You’ll be told exactly which examinations to complete.
- Booking requirement: you need a HAP ID. That ID and your referral letter list the exams you must complete. Book with a panel physician (IOM MHAC is common in Sri Lanka) when you have the HAP ID.
- What happens: ID check, history, chest x-ray for most adults/older children, plus any extra tests flagged in the referral. The clinic submits results to Home Affairs through eMedical. You can check status in eMedical Client.
- Validity: usually 12 months for immigration medicals. Keep an eye on your case timeline so you don’t need to repeat the exam.
New Zealand
- Who needs it: applicants who are asked for a chest x-ray or a full medical by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), based on visa type, duration, and risk factors. You must use an INZ panel physician.
- What happens: the panel clinic performs the required checks and submits results electronically via eMedical to INZ. Your application may show an eMedical number or an INZ health case reference; keep those details handy.
- Validity: align your medical timing with your expected decision window. If your medical expires before a decision, INZ can request new tests. Treat it like Canada/Australia—assume roughly a 12-month relevance window unless your instructions say otherwise.
Step-by-Step: Booking & Completing Your TB Test in Sri Lanka
- Confirm your destination requirements. UK applicants must use the approved UK TB clinic (IOM MHAC). Canada, Australia, and New Zealand require panel physicians. Don’t book anywhere that isn’t listed by the official authority for your country.
- Book correctly. UK: use the Gov.uk Sri Lanka page for contact details and appointment instructions. Australia: wait for your HAP ID before scheduling. Canada & NZ: choose a panel clinic (IOM MHAC is a common choice) and follow the booking steps they provide.
- Prepare documents. Passport, appointment confirmation, HAP ID/referral (Australia), any IRCC/INZ reference details if generated, prior chest x-rays if you’ve had lung issues.
- Attend the clinic. Expect identity checks, a brief health questionnaire, and a chest x-ray for adults/older children. Under-11s for UK are usually assessed by a clinician first. If the x-ray is unclear, sputum testing may be required—this can add several weeks (culture time).
- Results & submission. UK gives you a TB certificate to upload (and carry a copy). Canada/Australia/NZ results are submitted via eMedical by the clinic. Keep your info sheet for your records.
Validity & Timing (Don’t Get This Wrong)
UK: certificate valid 6 months. If your travel or decision slips past that date, retesting is required. Time your appointment so the certificate covers application + expected travel.
Canada/Australia/New Zealand: assume 12 months of medical validity in practice. If it will expire before a decision or before you land, expect a request for updated medicals. Don’t schedule too early; but leave space for sputum if you’re flagged for further testing.
Special Cases: Children & Pregnancy
Children: UK applicants under 11 are usually assessed without a routine chest x-ray. The clinician decides next steps. For Canada/Australia/NZ, age-based protocols apply; the panel physician will follow official guidance.
Pregnancy: tell the clinic early. X-rays may be deferred or done with shielding (depending on stage and policy). If x-ray is deferred, sputum or additional steps may be requested. Expect extra time.
Common Mistakes That Delay Visas
- Booking a non-approved clinic for the UK (the certificate won’t be accepted).
- Testing too early and letting the certificate/medical expire mid-process.
- Turning up without passport, referral letter, or HAP ID (Australia).
- Ignoring sputum timelines—cultures can take weeks and there’s no shortcut.
- Assuming kids don’t need to attend—clinician assessment is still required.
Costs & What’s Included
Visa fees are separate from clinic fees. TB screening, chest x-rays, and any extra tests (e.g., sputum) are paid to the clinic. Fees can change without notice. Always confirm the current price and what’s included when you book. If budget is tight, ask about potential extra costs if sputum or repeat images are needed.
Day-of Appointment Tips (IOM MHAC Colombo)
Arrive a bit early to handle forms. Bring glasses, medication lists, and previous imaging if relevant. Wear clothing that’s easy for x-ray positioning. Be transparent on the health questionnaire—concealing symptoms backfires and slows your case later.
How to Book Quickly
For the UK, use the Gov.uk Sri Lanka TB testing page to get the current IOM contact details and schedule fast. For Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, book with a panel clinic; IOM MHAC is the straightforward option for most applicants in Colombo. If you’re unsure, start here: IOM Sri Lanka – Health Assessment.
Bottom Line
Use an approved clinic, bring the right documents, and plan around validity windows. UK requires a Home Office–approved TB certificate (6 months). Canada and Australia rely on panel physicians and eMedical (about 12 months). New Zealand uses panel physicians with eMedical too—keep your health case valid through decision. If an x-ray is unclear, sputum testing adds weeks, so build buffer into your schedule. When in doubt, check the source pages and book through the official Sri Lanka hub: IOM Sri Lanka – Health Assessment.
