This section covers general frequently asked questions on the following subjects:
If you can not find answers to your questions on this website, there is a list of useful contacts that may be able to offer further help.
GMC registration & English language
Where can I find out more information on how to become registered to practice medicine in the UK?
The General Medical Council (GMC) is the regulatory body for doctors in the UK. In order to practice here you must be registered with them. Please see the registration section of the GMC website or call their help line on +44 (0)161 9236602. The GMC have produced a leaflet for IMGs thinking of taking the PLAB route to registration. You can find this and all other registration information, including online applications on the GMC website.
What is GMC registration for International Medical Graduates?
From October 2007, all doctors will equally be able to apply direct for provisional or full registration, no matter where they qualify.
All doctors granted registration for the first time and taking up a new post – UK graduates as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs) – or returning to the register after a prolonged period out of UK practice, will be required to work initially within an approved practice setting (APS).
IMGs must demonstrate their medical knowledge and skills to be registered. The four routes to registration for IMGs are:
- A pass in the PLAB test
- Sponsorship by a medical Royal College or other sponsoring body for further postgraduate training
- An acceptable postgraduate qualification
- Eligibility for entry in the Specialist or GP Register
You can find more information on the GMC website.
What grade of post can I apply to in the NHS once I have GMC registration?
You should contact the GMC to find out what grade of post you will be able to take upon gaining GMC registration.
I come from an English speaking country/I hold a UK passport. Do I have to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)?
If you qualified from an English speaking university and have practiced for the previous two years in a country where the predominant language is English you may be exempt from the IELTS. You will need to contact the GMC directly to enquire about this.
- If this does not apply to you and you are an International Medical Graduate applying for provisional or full registration, you must satisfy the GMC that you have the necessary knowledge of English by passing the IELTS test. The only exceptions, under European law, are:Nationals of member states of the European Economic Area (EEA) other than the UK
- Swiss nationals who since 1 June 2002 benefit under European law
- UK nationals who are exercising their European Community (EC) rights of free movement within the EEA. Generally speaking this means you must have worked as a doctor in another EEA member state and be returning to the UK to work
- UK nationals and non-EEA nationals who are married to EEA nationals who are exercising their EC rights of free movement within the EEA. Generally speaking this means that your spouse must be coming to the UK to work
For more information on whether you will be required to take the IELTS to be able to apply for registration please contact the GMC directly.
If I am not exempt, what scores in the IELTS will I need to obtain?
For registration through all routes, you will be required to obtain a minimum score of 7.0 overall, 7.0 in speaking, and a minimum of 6.0 in reading, writing and listening in the academic IELTS at the same sitting.
For information on the IELTS, including your nearest test centre, please see the IELTS website. For information on the GMC English language requirements please see the GMC website.
Opportunities and immigration regulations
What opportunities are there for jobs in the UK for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)?
Opportunities vary according to your specialty, qualifications, and experience. Competition for training posts is fierce and RCP strongly recommends that you thoroughly research employment opportunities for your specialty/sub-specialty before coming to the UK.
If you are planning to come to the UK to take the PLAB test we advise you to read the GMC’s website pages for International Medical Graduates
Also, IMGs’ employment prospects have significantly worsened following the Department of Health announcement in March 2006 that International Medical Graduates (IMGs) - who are not UK or EEA nationals - wishing to work or train in the UK will need a work permit (please see work permit question later in this section).
How can I find a training post?
If you are looking for a training post you need to contact the UK hospitals/NHS Trusts directly about their advertised jobs, or the British Medical Journal where training posts are advertised. The Lancet also carries advertised posts, as does NHS Jobs. Please bear in mind that there is currently fierce competition for junior grade posts in the UK, with some advertised posts receiving in excess of 1000 applicants.
For information on Foundation Years 1 & 2, Core Medical Training (ST1 & ST2) and Specialty Training (ST3+) posts please see the MMC website. You should also check the Postgraduate Deanery website for the region you are thinking of working in. See the COPMED website for a list of the Deaneries.
Do I need a work permit to be able to work or train in the NHS?
From 3rd April 2006 all International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who are subject to immigration regulations will need a work permit to work or train in the NHS. This information should be verified directly with the UK Home Office or relevant British High Commission or Embassy in your country.
Please note that IMGs’ employment prospects have significantly worsened following the Department of Health announcement on work permits. It is essential that you thoroughly research both job opportunities and the implications any immigration regulations that you are subject to before you decide to come to the UK. If you fail to do this you may place yourself at a distinct disadvantage.
Can the RCP help me obtain a work permit if I am sponsored through the ISS?
Those who are sponsored for GMC registration through the ISS may be eligible for a Medical Training Initiative work permit. Further information is given to those applying for the ISS. Please note that MTI work permits are only available to those who are part of schemes like the ISS, and applicants must meet all ISS and MTI criteria. This includes, but is not restricted to, having an offer of an appropriate clinical training post in the NHS, being in receipt of a reasonable level of official funding, and having the required qualifications and experience.
Modernising Medical Careers
What is Modernising Medical Careers?
Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) aims to improve patient care by delivering modernised and focused career structure for doctors through a major reform of postgraduate medical education. The College strongly advises you to read the information at the MMC website in order to understand MMC and to keep up to date with changes in postgraduate medical education that may affect you.
What are Foundation Programmes?
One of the fundamental changes to postgraduate medical training through MMC is the introduction of Foundation Programmes. All medical graduates will enter a two-year Foundation Programme immediately following graduation. Overseas doctors will undergo assessment to determine whether they should enter a Foundation Programme or a higher level of training. Please see the MMC website for more information.
How does a doctor move from a Foundation Programme, through Specialty Training to a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT)?
Structured specialist / GP training programmes will begin directly after foundation training, with a competitive entry process followed by a period of continuous training. This will lead to the award of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), subject to satisfactory in-training assessment and progress. Please see the MMC website for more information.
Postgraduate and undergraduate courses and clinical attachments
Where can I find information on postgraduate courses?
For further information on postgraduate training please contact the British Council.
The National Advice Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education (NACPME) may also be able to offer advice: Tel +44 (0)117 915 7069
Where can I find information on undergraduate medical education?
You should contact individual universities directly. See UCAS for full details.
How do I find a clinical attachment?
The RCP does not keep any sort of register of clinical attachments, and attachments can be difficult to find. We advise that you:
- Read the BMA’s “Guidelines for Clinical Attachments for Overseas Qualified Doctors” in the International section of the BMA website
- Make specific approaches to individual consultants/hospitals
- Undertake an internet search to find hospitals that have an application process/waiting list for clinical attachments
Refugee doctors
What help is there for refugee doctors from the RCP?
The RCP offers resources and advice to refugee physicians. Please see the refugee page for more information.
How can I find out what help there is for refugee doctors in the area I live?
You should have a look at the “Local Resources” section of the ROSE website. It also contains useful advice and information on many issues facing refugee doctors. Qualified medical professionals resident in the UK as refugees should also visit the BMA’s website