There is a small number of International Medical Graduates who have obtained/are eligible for GMC registration, but who require a Medical Training Initiative (MTI) work permit to undertake specific training that is not available in their home country. For example, Sri Lankan doctors who require undertaking 12 months of overseas training to become board certified. Please visit the GMC website to find out more on who is eligible for GMC registration through holding an acceptable postgraduate qualification.
These training posts (usually called International Training Fellow) must have deanery approval and be a minimum of 6 months and not exceeding 24 months duration. Trainees must return to their home country with their newly acquired skills.
The International Office of the Royal College of Physicians is able to offer a letter of support to accommodate the MTI work permit application, applied for by the employing hospital. In order to issue the letter of support the RCP need to sight the following documentation:
- Copy of trainees Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ)
- Job description for the post
- Copy of trainees passport
- Copy of GMC registration certificate or GMC identity check invitation email
- Confirmation of official funding, of no less than £12,000.00 per annum
- Confirmation that trainee agrees to the level of funding they will receive
- MTI form signed by the relevant Deanery, medical staffing and the UK consultant
There is also a fee for issuing the RCP letter of support of £350. Cheques are to be made payable to Royal College of Physicians.
Overseas doctors that would like to request RCP support for an MTI work permit must complete the initial MTI support form and return to the International Office.
International@rcplondon.ac.uk
The Royal College of Physicians cannot give advice on visa, work permit, or immigration issues. All queries regarding these should be addressed to the Border and Immigration Agency at the Home Office. Alternatively, the medical staffing/personnel department at your employing/host hospital may be able to offer advice, and you should consult them before you apply for your visa/work permit.
The Royal College of Physicians does not take responsibility for any immigration issues, and we expect the candidate to take full responsibility to ensure they have the correct immigration status at the point of entering the UK. Please note that due to immigration regulations it is likely that the doctor should be outside of the UK when applying for support, as individuals are not allowed to switch from a visitors category into a work permit whilst in the UK.
Please contact the Home Office directly to confirm information given in this section. Please contact the International Office for further information on MTI support.