How to Work and Immigrate as a Doctor to the UK?

Step 1. Having English Language Proficiency

One of the requirements for foreign doctors in the UK is proficiency in English. The GMC (General Medical Council) accepts two main English language tests: IELTS and OET. For the GMC, the English test results must be valid at the point of application for registration.

• Required Level for IELTS: An overall band score of 7.5 out of 9. Additionally, a minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four components is required.
• Required Level for OET: At least a grade ‘B’ in each of the four testing areas.

Step 2. Recognizing Your Medical Qualification

First, your medical degree should be recognized by the UK. The General Medical Council (GMC) lists medical schools whose qualifications are accepted. If your qualification is not from a country in the European Economic Area (EEA), you will likely need to pass the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test or have an accepted postgraduate qualification.

Steps for Qualification Recognition

1. Visit the GMC website to see if your medical school and degree are recognized. You must hold a primary medical qualification (e.g., MBBS, MD, or equivalent).
2. Provide evidence of your internship or house job, if required.
3. If your qualification is not listed, you may need to undertake additional steps, like the PLAB test.
4. Before taking the PLAB test, you must prove your proficiency in English.
5. Pass the PLAB test.
   1. The PLAB test assesses your ability to work as a doctor in the UK. It ensures that doctors who qualify overseas demonstrate the necessary skills and knowledge. The GMC administers the PLAB test.
   2. PLAB 1. It is a written multiple-choice exam covering common conditions seen by doctors in the UK, emphasizing diagnosis and management. It is held several times a year in the UK and overseas centers.
   3. PLAB 2. This Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) assesses your clinical skills. It is conducted regularly at the GMC’s test center in Manchester, UK.
   4. You must pass PLAB 1 before taking PLAB 2. After passing PLAB 2, you can apply for registration with the GMC.
   5. Some internationally recognized postgraduate qualifications may exempt you from taking the PLAB test. Check the GMC’s list of accepted qualifications.

Step 3. Registering with the General Medical Council (GMC)

To immigrate to the UK as a doctor, you must register with the GMC. This registration is mandatory for doctors wishing to practice medicine in the UK. Here is the registration process:

1. Visit the GMC website to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for registration.
2. Gather the necessary documents:
   1. Proof of your medical qualification
   2. Evidence of your English proficiency
   3. Your passport or other national proof of identity
   4. Any additional documents depending (e.g., PLAB test results, evidence of internship)
3. Create an online account to register on the GMC’s website.
4. Complete the online application form with personal details and information about your qualifications.
5. Upload the required documents.
6. Pay the scrutiny fee. It ranges from approximately £399 to £1,000.
7. You will need to attend an identity check in person. You can do it in the UK or at selected overseas locations.
8. Your medical qualification will undergo primary source verification by the ECFMG through their EPIC service. You must set up an EPIC account and provide consent for the GMC to access your verification report.
9. You must declare any past issues related to your fitness to practice. This includes criminal records, health concerns, or professional disciplinary actions.
10. Once your application is complete and all verifications are done, the GMC will review it.
11. The processing time is around 3-5 months, but it can be longer. If everything is OK, you’ll receive a decision on your registration.

Step 4. Searching for Jobs

How to work in the UK as a doctor? You need to find a job first. The National Health Service (NHS) is a major employer, but there are also opportunities in private healthcare. Use these sources:

UK Recruitment Agencies for Medical Jobs

• BMJ Careers
• NHS Professionals
• Medacs Healthcare
• HCL Workforce Solutions
• ID Medical
• Global Medics
• Pulse Jobs
• Locum People
• MediLink Consulting
• Athona Ltd

Job Searching Websites

• NHS Jobs
• HealthJobsUK
• BMJ Careers
• Jobs.ac.uk
• Indeed
• Reed
• Totaljobs
• CV-Library
• Guardian Jobs
• LinkedIn

Step 5. Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your UK employer must provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship. This virtual document has a unique reference number, which is essential for your visa application. A CoS confirms that the employer offers a genuine job that pays an appropriate salary and that the candidate is suitably qualified. We have two types of CoS: restricted and unrestricted. The type depends on the nature of the job and the salary.

How to Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

1. Firstly, get a job offer from a UK employer licensed to sponsor workers from outside the UK.
2. Once you have the job offer, your employer will start the CoS process. They will use the UK government’s Sponsor Management System (SMS) to create and assign a CoS to you.
3. Your employer will complete the necessary details about the job, including your details, the role, salary, and the length of employment. They will also confirm that you meet the requirements for the job, including any registration and qualifications needed.
4. The employer usually pays a fee to the UK government for issuing a CoS.
5. Once the CoS is approved and issued, your employer will give you the unique CoS reference number. A CoS is typically valid for 3 months from the assigned date.
6. You need to apply for your work visa (Tier 2 visa) within 3 months of receiving the CoS. The CoS reference number must be included in your visa application.

Step 6. Getting a UK Work Visa

To immigrate to the UK as a doctor, you must apply for a UK visa for doctors. It is typically a Tier 2 (General) visa, suitable for skilled workers who have a job offer in the UK.

Steps to Apply for a Tier 2 (General) Visa

1. Verify that you meet all the other eligibility requirements for a Tier 2 visa. This includes having a job offer, having appropriate skill levels, and being paid at least the minimum salary required for your job type.
2. Gather your documents, including:
   1. Your passport or travel document
   2. Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
   3. Bank statements at least £945 in your bank account to prove you have enough money to support yourself (maintenance funds). If your UK employer is a fully approved (‘A-rated’) sponsor, they can certify your maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). In this case, you wouldn’t need to show your own savings. If you also bring dependents, you need £630 for each dependent.
   4. Tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country.
   5. Criminal record certificate, if applicable.
   6. Documents related to your qualifications and work experience, if required.
3. Fill in the visa application form online through the UK Visas and Immigration website. Provide details about yourself, your background, and your CoS.
4. Pay the visa fee, which ranges from approximately £610 to £1,408.
5. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which grants you access to the UK’s National Health Service. This is typically around £624 per year.
6. Submit your application and documents to the visa application center or upload them online, depending on the service used.
7. After submitting your application, you must schedule and attend an appointment at a visa center to provide your fingerprints and photograph (biometrics).
8. Wait for the decision. It usually takes about 3 weeks if you are outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside the UK.
9. If successful, you will receive a visa that allows you to work in the UK for your sponsor. The Tier 2 (General) visa is usually granted for your job contract length plus 14 days, up to a maximum of 5 years.
10. You can extend your visa and, eventually, for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK.

Step 7. Settling in the UK as a Foreign Doctor

After you Immigrate to the UK as a doctor, you must do the following to settle in the country:

Mandatory Registrations

1. Registering with the General Medical Council (GMC). It is essential for practicing medicine in the UK. You must provide proof of your qualifications, pass language tests, and attend an identity check.
2. National Insurance Number (NIN). You need it to work and pay taxes in the UK. Also, it is necessary for accessing healthcare and other benefits. Apply through the Jobcentre Plus or online.
3. Registering with a General Practitioner (GP). It is essential for personal healthcare. Find a local GP and register for ongoing health needs.

Other Necessary Steps for Settling

• Housing. Consider location, accessibility to work, and local amenities. You can use websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom.
• Banking. You must open a bank account for salary, rent payments, and daily transactions. You need to provide identification and proof of address. Famous banks include HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, and Santander.
• Health Insurance. NHS provides healthcare, but private insurance can be beneficial for additional services. Popular providers include Bupa, AXA PPP Healthcare, and Aviva.
• Understanding the Healthcare System. NHS structure, patient rights, and professional responsibilities are key areas to focus on. The GMC offers resources to help you understand the UK healthcare system, medical laws, and ethics.
• Professional Development. Continuous learning is a GMC requirement. Engage in courses, workshops, and other learning opportunities to stay updated.