The MTI scheme supports international medical graduates (IMGs) who are seeking short-term training opportunities in the UK with the intention to return to their home countries on completion of their training. The scheme facilitates General Medical Council (GMC) registration and Government Authorised Exchange visa for eligible candidates.
Below is a summary of the eligibility criteria for the medical training initiative. Please download our full guide for more details.
All candidates need to meet the following criteria:
- Hold a primary medical qualification recognised by the GMC and verified by Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
- Have a postgraduate medical qualification in medicine or a medical subspecialty (for example MRCP part 1, MD or higher degree)
- Have three years of post-qualification experience, including one year's internship and at least one year in the specialty in which you intend to train while in the UK
- Have been engaged in medical practice for three out of the last five years including the 12 months prior to GMC registration being granted. Please note that the GMC does not consider clinical attachment and observerships as clinical practice
- Remain in continuous medical practice during the most recent 12 months, including throughout the application process. The GMC allows maximum gap of up to five weeks in a 12-month period for annual leave, there should be no other gaps in employment.
- Possess the skills, competencies and understanding of medicine at least equivalent to a UK graduate at the end of their CMT training
- Demonstrate knowledge of English by completing either International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with overall score of minimum 7.5 and 7.0 in all categories or Occupational English Test (OET), academic version, with minimum grade B in all categories. The tests are valid for two years and the scores must have been obtained in the same sitting.
Additional information
Exemption from IELTS or OET
The GMC may consider exemption for candidates who are nationals of countries where English is the first and native language and were awarded primary medical degree from a country where English is the first and native language. The MTI team will advise at application, but please note the GMC will make the final decision regarding any exemption request. Further English language guidance is available on GMC website.
Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB)
Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) exam is not required for the MTI scheme. Therefore, you can apply for the MTI scheme and the GMC registration sponsorship if you have not attempted the PLAB in the past.
However, doctors who have failed (and not subsequently passed) either part 1 or part 2 of PLAB are generally not accepted for GMC registration via sponsorship route. You will have to retake the test and pass it before you can apply for GMC registration. Until that point, you will not be eligible for MTI sponsorship.
Starting the MTI application
You must secure a post with an NHS hospital before you can commence the MTI application process. Please check for suitable vacancies on the NHS Jobs website, Lancet website, and BMJ website, among others.
Once you have been offered a suitable post by a hospital, you can start your application through our online portal. Please make sure you have read the MTI guide which provides detailed information about the scheme and the eligibility criteria, as well as the MTI portal step by step guide containing instruction on how to complete the online form.
As part of your application, you will be required to complete a copy of MTI CV and a professional postgraduate experience (PPE) form. You can find the templates of those documents at the bottom of this page.
Currently, there are no upcoming MTI interviews scheduled to be held by the RCP. Any future opportunities will be listed on the MTI interviews website.
Visas
The MTI scheme falls under the Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa, previously known as tier 5 visa. This visa is designed for doctors coming to the UK for short term training, and can be issued for a maximum of 24 months. The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) is the official visa sponsor for the Government Authorised Exchange visa for MTI scheme.
Certificate of sponsorship (CoS) will be issued by the AoMRC. Once it has been issued it is your responsibility to apply for the Government Authorised Exchange visa via the UK Government website.
We will also support candidates on tier 2, tier 4 and British ancestry visas, as long as they can demonstrate that they have the intention to return home on completion of their MTI training.
Resources
Please see below for relevant resources