Japan To Implement Mandatory Tuberculosis Screening For Certain Visa Applicants

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Dec 21, 2023
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The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has announced a new requirement for mid- to long-term visa applicants to undergo mandatory tuberculosis (TB) screening. This initiative aims to prevent the spread of TB by ensuring that visa applicants from specific countries undergo medical checks before entering Japan.

Who Will Be Affected?​

The new TB screening requirement applies to mid- to long-term visa applicants, with some exceptions. The following visa categories are exempt from this requirement:

  • Specified Skilled Worker visas
  • Government-funded exchange program participants
  • Nurse, social worker, or helper visas under the Economic Partnership Agreement and similar government programs
Additionally, the requirement will extend to Digital Nomad visa applicants. Individuals required to undergo TB screening must obtain a chest X-ray from a medical institution approved by the Japanese government in designated countries. The TB test certificate must be submitted as part of the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application, and in some cases, may also be required at the visa application stage at the Japanese consulate.

Validity of the TB Test Certificate​

The issued TB test certificate will be valid for 180 days from the date of testing. Applicants should ensure that their certificate remains valid throughout the application process to avoid delays.

Implementation Timeline by Country​

The screening requirement will be gradually introduced for different nationalities, with specific deadlines:

  • Philippines and Nepal: TB screening starts March 24, 2025. The test certificate will be required for COE applications from June 23, 2025.
  • Vietnam: TB screening begins May 26, 2025. The test certificate will be required from September 1, 2025.
  • Indonesia, Myanmar, and China: The implementation schedule is still under discussion, and further updates are expected.

Impact on Visa Applicants​

This new requirement introduces an additional step in the visa application process for affected individuals. Applicants must ensure they complete the medical examination at an approved facility within the designated timeframe to prevent delays in their visa approval process.

Pros and Cons Summary​

Pros:

  • Enhances public health safety by reducing the risk of TB transmission.
  • Aligns Japan’s immigration policies with global health protocols.
  • Provides clarity on visa medical requirements for applicants from high-risk regions.
Cons:

  • Adds an extra step to the visa application process, potentially causing delays.
  • Requires applicants to travel to designated medical facilities for testing.
  • Limited initial information on implementation for certain countries (Indonesia, Myanmar, China), leading to uncertainty for affected applicants.
As Japan strengthens its health measures, prospective visa applicants should stay informed about updates regarding TB screening requirements to ensure a smooth application process.
 
Frankly, this is an inevitable trajectory for nations grappling with transnational mobility and public health preservation. Tuberculosis, being a pernicious yet preventable ailment, necessitates such preemptive bureaucratic filters. Japan is merely aligning with precedent—see Canada's immigration medical exams or Australia's subclass protocols.
 
Do they accept TB tests from any hospital or does it have to be a specific one? Also, what happens if someone tests positive? Can they reapply later?
 
nickdev said:
Do they accept TB tests from any hospital or does it have to be a specific one? Also, what happens if someone tests positive? Can they reapply later?
Click to expand...
Nick from what I gather, it HAS to be from a government-approved clinic in your country. And yeah, if you're positive, they likely won’t process your COE until you're cleared. But I think they’ll let you try again after treatment. Japan's strict but not heartless.
 
Just confirmed from the Japanese Immigration Services site: the approved medical institutions are listed per country, and yes, they require a chest X-ray. No blood test for TB yet. The certificate must also include the doctor’s signature and facility seal.
 
S0 wAiT if i alReady GoT My COE wiThOUT this XRay tHing?? Am i g0nA neEd 2 redo It?? 😩 thEy keep chAnginG thE rulEs maaaan
 
cmarchan said:
S0 wAiT if i alReady GoT My COE wiThOUT this XRay tHing?? Am i g0nA neEd 2 redo It?? 😩 thEy keep chAnginG thE rulEs maaaan
Click to expand...
The requirement applies only to COE applications submitted after the implementation date per country. If you received your COE before the deadline, you’re not required to submit a TB certificate unless your visa process was delayed and your COE expired.
 
This might be a good idea for Japan, but for people already juggling multiple documents and deadlines, it’s another layer of stress. Not everyone lives near a designated clinic, especially in Nepal or Vietnam. It’ll make it harder for people with fewer resources to qualify.
 
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