Information for overseas doctors
Doctors must be registered with the GMC to practice medicine in the UK or to undertake further training in an approved training post. To register with the GMC they must have a recognised medical qualification.
Doctors who are considering a move to the UK (whether permanently or for a short term period of training) are advised to thoroughly research the information available about living and working in the UK before making plans to travel.
In order to obtain further information on how to obtain registration please see the GMC website or contact them by telephoning 08453 573 456 (e-mail registrationhelp@gmc-uk.org).
To undertake the full UK higher specialist training programme
If you wish to enter the full UK Higher Specialist Training Programme, you must first obtain registration with the General Medical Council and then apply for posts along with all other applicants in open competition.
For further information on the changes to visa requirements that will affect overseas doctors and their application to specialist training, please see the information for overseas doctors on the Modernising Medical Careers website.
To work as a consultant in the NHS
If you believe that you have completed all required training outside the UK and wish to work as a consultant in the National Health Service, you must obtain Specialist Registration with the General Medical Council. More information on direct entry to the specialist register.
Faculty Sponsorship for Limited Registration by Exemption from the PLAB Test
We regret to inform you that we have suspended the processing of any applications for the Faculty Sponsorship Scheme following the changes in visa regulations.
The new visa regulations affect all overseas doctors who are training or are applying to train in the UK . Permit-free training (PFT) has ceased, and all overseas doctors now require a work permit for each post. This will only be granted when the trainee has been offered a post. Potential UK employers are now obliged to show that no UK or EEA doctor is available to fill vacant posts before they can offer posts to doctors from overseas.
We will continue to monitor the situation and hope to review the scheme in due course, until which time the Sponsorship application packs will not be available.