How to Get Police Clearance, Medicals & Biometrics for Health Worker Visas (2026 Complete Guide)

For healthcare professionals applying for international work visas, police clearance certificates, medical examinations, and biometrics collection are three critical requirements that often cause confusion and delays. This comprehensive guide covers exactly how to complete these steps efficiently in 2025 for major destination countries.

📋 Part 1: Police Clearance Certificates (PCC)

Why Police Clearance is Required

Countries require police certificates to ensure you don’t have a criminal history that would make you inadmissible. Requirements vary by country but generally include:

• No serious criminal convictions
• No involvement in organized crime
• No human rights violations
• No security threats

Which Countries Require PCC?

For ALL countries you’ve lived in for 6+ consecutive months since age 18

Step-by-Step Process for 2025

A. For Your Home Country

1. Identify the Issuing Authority:

• India: Regional Passport Office or Police Commissioner’s Office
• Philippines: National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
• Nigeria: Nigerian Police Force Criminal Records Office
• UK: ACRO Criminal Records Office
• USA: FBI Identity History Summary
• Canada: RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check
• Australia: National Police Check via AFP

2. Document Requirements (Common to All):

• Completed application form
• Passport copy (all pages)
• Passport-sized photos
• Proof of address
• Previous PCC copy (if renewing)
• Applicable fees

3. Processing Times & Costs 2025:

Country	Standard Processing	Expedited	Cost (Approx.)
India	15-30 days	3-7 days	₹500-₹2,000
Philippines	10-15 days	2-3 days	₱200-₱500
Nigeria	21-28 days	7-10 days	₦10,000-₦20,000
USA	12-14 weeks	2-3 days*	$18-$50
UK	10 working days	2 days	£55-£75
Canada	2-4 weeks	2-3 days	$50-$100

*FBI expedited via channelers

B. For Countries Where You’ve Previously Lived

Important: You must obtain PCCs from EVERY country where you lived 6+ months since age 18.

Common Challenges & Solutions:

• Country no longer exists: Get certificate from successor state
• Cannot return: Many countries allow application from abroad
• Name changes: Include all names used with supporting documents
• Language: May require certified translation

PCC Application Tips for 2025

1. Apply Early: Start 3-4 months before visa application
2. Get Multiple Copies: Request 2-3 original copies
3. Verify Validity: Most are valid 6-12 months
4. Track Applications: Use tracking numbers for mail applications
5. Digital Options: Many countries now offer online applications

Special Considerations for Healthcare Workers

• Enhanced Checks: Some countries require enhanced disclosure for healthcare roles
• Working with Vulnerable Populations: Additional checks may be needed
• Pediatric Roles: May require specific child protection clearance

🏥 Part 2: Medical Examinations

Why Medical Exams Are Required

Countries screen for:

• Public health risks (communicable diseases)
• Conditions requiring expensive treatment
• Conditions affecting the ability to work
• Drug/alcohol dependency

Country-Specific Medical Requirements 2025

A. Canada Immigration Medical Exam (IME)

Who Conducts It: Panel Physicians approved by IRCC
Find a Physician: IRCC Panel Physician Finder

Exam Includes:

• Physical examination
• Chest X-ray (ages 11+)
• Blood tests (ages 15+)
• Urine tests (ages 5+)
• Syphilis test (ages 15+)

Cost: $200-$400 CAD
Processing: 5-10 business days to upload to IRCC
Validity: 12 months

B. UK Immigration Medical

TB Testing Required for: Applicants from the listed countries
Where: Approved clinics only
Cost: £70-£150 for TB test
Additional Tests: May include HIV, hepatitis, etc., for healthcare workers

C. USA Immigration Medical (Form I-693)

Who Conducts It: Civil Surgeons designated by USCIS
Includes:

• Physical examination
• Vaccination review
• TB test (all ages)
• Syphilis test (ages 15+)
• Gonorrhea test (ages 18+)
  Cost: $200-$500 USD
  Validity: 2 years from the civil surgeon’s signature

D. Australia Immigration Medical

Who: Bupa Medical Visa Services or approved physicians
Includes:

• Medical examination
• Chest X-ray (ages 11+)
• HIV test (ages 15+)
• Hepatitis B & C tests (ages 15+)
• Creatinine test (ages 15+)
  Cost: AUD $300-$600

Medical Exam Preparation Checklist

Before Appointment:

• Passport (original)
• Eyeglasses/contacts if worn
• Medical history records
• Vaccination records
• List of current medications
• Previous X-rays/medical reports
• Payment method

During Exam:

• Be honest about medical history
• Disclose all medications
• Mention past surgeries/hospitalisations
• Ask questions if unsure

Common Reasons for Medical Inadmissibility

• Active tuberculosis
• Untreated syphilis
• Drug-resistant infections
• Conditions requiring expensive treatment
• Conditions affecting public safety

What If You Have a Medical Condition?

1. Controlled Conditions: Usually acceptable with medical documentation
2. Treatment Plans: Show evidence of management
3. Cost Thresholds: Some countries have treatment cost limits
4. Waivers: May be available in certain cases

Click Here To Learn More: Complete Document Checklist for Healthcare Immigration (2025 Edition)

📸 Part 3: Biometrics Collection

What Are Biometrics?

Digital photographs and fingerprints are used for identity verification.

Country-Specific Biometrics Requirements 2025

A. Canada Biometrics

Who Needs It: Most temporary and permanent residence applicants
Cost: $85 CAD per person, $170 per family
Where: Visa Application Centres (VACs) worldwide
What’s Collected:

• Digital fingerprints (all 10 fingers)
• Digital photo
  Validity: 10 years
  Booking: VFS Global for most countries

B. UK Biometrics

Who Needs It: All visa applicants
Cost: Included in visa fee
Where: Visa Application Centres
What’s Collected:

• Digital fingerprints
• Digital photo
  Additional: May include signature scan

C. USA Biometrics

Who Needs It: Most visa applicants
Cost: Included in visa fee
Where: USCIS Application Support Centres or Embassy
What’s Collected:

• Digital fingerprints
• Digital photo
• Digital signature

D. Australia Biometrics

Who Needs It: Applicants from certain countries
Cost: Included in visa fee
Where: Australian Visa Application Centres
What’s Collected:

• Digital fingerprints
• Digital photo

Biometrics Appointment Preparation

What to Bring:

• Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL)
• Passport (original)
• Appointment confirmation
• Payment receipt (if not prepaid)
• Any previous biometrics documents

What NOT to Bring:

• Electronic devices (often prohibited)
• Large bags
• Accompaniment (unless required for minors/disabled)

Biometrics Collection Process

1. Security Check: Similar to airport security
2. Document Verification: Check of all documents
3. Fingerprint Scanning: All 10 fingers, multiple attempts if needed
4. Photo Capture: Neutral expression, no glasses/headwear (unless religious)
5. Quality Check: Verification of biometrics quality
6. Receipt: Confirmation of completion

Special Circumstances

Injured Fingers:

• Inform the officer before scanning
• May use alternative fingers
• May require a medical certificate

Physical Conditions Affecting Biometrics:

• Amputations: Note on form
• Skin conditions: May need to reschedule
• Temporary injuries: Wait until healed if possible

Age Considerations:

• Children under 14: May not need fingerprints (varies by country)
• Elderly applicants: May have difficulty with fingerprint quality

⏰ Timing & Sequencing for 2025 Application

Optimal Order of Operations

Phase 1: Initial Preparation (Month 1-2)

1. Research all PCC requirements
2. Start PCC applications for the hardest-to-get countries
3. Book a medical exam (but don’t take it until instructed)

Phase 2: Main Application (Month 3)

1. Submit a visa application
2. Receive the biometrics instruction letter
3. Book a biometrics appointment

Phase 3: Post-Application (Month 4)

1. Complete biometrics
2. Complete medical when requested
3. Submit all PCCs

Critical Timing Considerations

1. PCC Validity: Most valid 6-12 months
   • Apply 3-4 months before visa submission
   • Consider expiration dates for the entire process
2. Medical Exam Validity:
   • Canada: 12 months
   • USA: 2 years from the civil surgeon’s signature
   • UK: 6 months for TB test
   • Australia: 12 months
3. Biometrics Validity:
   • Canada: 10 years
   • Others: Usually tied to the application

2025 Processing Timeline Estimates

Step	Processing Time	When to Start
PCC Home Country	2-4 weeks	4 months before visa app
PCC Other Countries	4-12 weeks	5 months before
Medical Exam	1-2 weeks	After visa application
Biometrics	Appointment + processing	After BIL received
Total	3-5 months	Start early!

💰 Cost Breakdown for 2025

Requirement	Canada	USA	UK	Australia
Police Clearance	$50-100/country	$18-50/country	£55-75/country	AUD $42/country
Medical Exam	$200-400	$200-500	£70-150*	AUD $300-600
Biometrics	$85	Included	Included	Included
Total Per Person	$335-585+	$218-550+	£125-225+	$342-642+

*UK cost mainly for TB test if required

Additional Costs:

• Translation of documents: $20-50/page
• Courier services: $30-100
• Travel to appointments: Variable

🚨 Common Problems & Solutions

Police Clearance Issues

Problem: The Country won’t issue a PCC without residence.
Solution:

• Check if they offer “non-resident” service
• Use embassy/consulate assistance
• Provide an explanation letter with the visa application

Problem: PCC shows minor offence.
Solution:

• Obtain court documents showing the disposition
• Get character references
• Consult an immigration lawyer

Medical Exam Issues

Problem: Abnormal test results.
Solution:

• Get specialist evaluation
• Provide treatment plans
• Show the stability of the condition

Problem: Missing vaccinations.
Solution:

• Get missing vaccines
• Provide a medical exemption if valid
• Some countries allow the undertaking to vaccinate

Biometrics Issues

Problem: Poor fingerprint quality.
Solution:

• Moisturise your hands before the appointment
• Inform the officer of any conditions
• May require multiple visits

Problem: Cannot attend the appointment.
Solution:

• Reschedule immediately
• Provide a medical certificate if ill
• Contact the embassy for alternatives

📁 Document Organisation System

Digital Folder Structure

text

Visa_Requirements_2025/
├── 01_Police_Clearance/
│   ├── Home_Country/
│   ├── Country_2/
│   └── Translations/
├── 02_Medical/
│   ├── Appointment_Letter/
│   ├── Test_Results/
│   └── Vaccination_Records/
├── 03_Biometrics/
│   ├── Instruction_Letter/
│   ├── Appointment_Confirmation/
│   └── Receipt/
└── 04_Tracking/
    ├── Application_Timeline.xlsx
    └── Contact_Log.docx

Physical File Organisation

• Use colour-coded folders
• Include checklists in each section
• Keep originals in protective sleeves
• Make multiple copies of everything

✅ Final Checklist Before Submission

Police Clearance

• All countries since the age of 18 are covered
• Certificates within the validity period
• Original copies obtained
• Translations certified if needed
• Names are consistent across all documents

Medical Examination

• Completed by an approved physician
• All required tests done
• Vaccinations up to date or plan provided
• Results uploaded/submitted correctly
• Copy of results for your records

Biometrics

• Instruction letter received
• Appointment booked
• All documents prepared
• Know location and requirements
• Confirmation of completion obtained

📞 Important Contacts & Resources 2025

Official Government Websites

• Canada: IRCC Panel Physicians
• USA: USCIS Civil Surgeons
• UK: UKVI Tuberculosis Testing
• Australia: Bupa Medical Services

Police Clearance Portals

• India: Passport Seva
• Philippines: NBI Clearance
• USA: FBI Identity History
• Global: Check embassy websites for procedures

Biometrics Service Providers

• VFS Global: Most common for UK/Canada
• USCIS: For USA applications
• TT Services: For some countries
• Local embassies: For specific instructions

Pro Tips for Healthcare Workers 2025

1. Start Early: These steps take much longer than anticipated
2. Be Thorough: Missing one PCC can delay everything
3. Keep Records: Document every step, payment, and communication
4. Verify Requirements: Check official websites monthly for updates
5. Consider Professional Help: For complex cases or multiple countries
6. Digital Copies: Scan everything before submission
7. Follow Instructions Exactly: Deviations cause delays
8. Plan for Validity: Time your applications carefully

Remember: As a healthcare professional, your application may receive additional scrutiny. Ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and submitted professionally. These requirements aren’t just bureaucracy—they’re part of ensuring healthcare systems remain safe and trustworthy.

Next Steps: Begin by identifying all countries where you need police certificates, as this is typically the most time-consuming requirement. Contact their embassies or check their websites for current procedures, as processes change frequently.