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Coming to UK
This section contains useful information for doctors planning to come to UK for training and employments, and for those doctors who are not UK nationals or a national of one of the countries in European Union.
Background
In March 2006, British Government introduced new rules and regulations for training and employment of foreign qualified doctors. Before March 2006, overseas doctors had many ways to come and work in UK. Most common method was to pass the PLAB test and then apply for training posts in NHS hospitals. After passing PLAB most doctors used to apply for SHO posts. Once they were offered a post, they were given supporting letters to take to Home Office and apply for “Permit Free Training Visa”.
Permit Free Training Visa simply meant that Home Office would put a stamp in the passport for the duration of that job. So if your post was for six months then you were given a visa for six months. A total of four to five years were allowed on “Permit Free Training”. Many doctors used to get higher training posts like SPR (Specialist Registrar) and they were allowed further time to complete their postgraduate training etc. Some doctors also got jobs which were non training posts (for example a consultant post or a non consultant post like Staff Grade doctor). Such non training posts were only given after a “work permit” was issued by Home Office. Many such non training posts were permanent. So such doctors used to get work permit for four (previously) and five years (recently). Immigration law in UK is that once you have lived in UK for four to five years (on a work permit) continuously then you were (still are) allowed to apply for British Nationality.
But important point to remember is that doctors working in training posts like SHO and working on “Permit Free Training” visa had to leave UK after four or five years. This stay in UK on permit free training visa was only limited to the duration of that particular job.
So What are the new rules now
In very simple words, new rules are that Home Office no longer gives “Permit Free Training Visas” to overseas doctors. This system has been stopped since March 2006.
Also, before March 2006, overseas doctors used to apply for SHO posts which were advertised (weekly) in BMJ and if they were shorlisted, they were called for interview (just like British doctors). But now almost all SHO posts have been abolished, and there is a new central system of employing doctors in training posts. These posts are called “Foundation Year 1 & 2 ” posts. It is a complex system and still there is lot of confusion even amongst local doctors.
So what are the chances for overseas doctors to get a job
Quite frankly, and honestly ! chances of getting a training post (similar to SHO or a registrar) are very low. There are plenty of local British Graduates and many also come from other European Union countries. Still there are few jobs in “not very popular fields” and in “not very popular areas of UK” where local graduates don’t want to go.
Even if such posts are available, overseas doctors (who have passed PLAB or exempt from it) will only be considered if there is no candidate from UK or a European country. If they are offered job, then they will apply to Home Office to get a Work Permit. As most training posts are temporary only (six months to a year) so Home Office will give work permit for that duration only. At the end of that job the doctor will have to go through the whole process again ! So if at the end of that post, you are unable to find another, then you are in trouble !
Many doctors used to come to UK (and still come) on HSMP visa (Highly Skilled Migrant Program). When there was a shortage of doctors in UK,then people used to get HSMP visa without too much hassle, especially in fields like general practice and Psychiatry. Now this system has tightened up significantly also, and becoming more difficult with time.
So what should you do ?
This descrition (above) is certainly not meant to discourage you (if you are an overseas doctor). But it is simply to give some facts in simple language.
If you are serious about coming to UK for training and employment, then you need to plan very carefully and give yourself plenty of time to prepare. And be ready to face some tough challanges. You should even remember that even if you are a very competent and experienced doctor (in your field) you will still be considered ONLY if there is no local doctor for that post (even is he/she has less that 10 % of your skills).
PLAB : Still you need PLAB to get registered with GMC. PLAB is an expensive exam. Before you take PLAB, work on other aspects also. For example, your overall financial situation. This means that apart from PLAB fees and travel costs, you should also have a proper backup plan for your stay in UK (before you start earning and get a job). Make sure that you have help available through your family, friends, colleagues etc. Be prepared to be without a job for more than a year (if you can stay in UK without a work permit or have a longer initial visa !).
Once you have done PLAB, start looking for jobs. Best way is BMJ Classifieds or easiest is to go on BMJ website http://www.bmjcareers.com/ and search for jobs. Be prepared to be flexible, and if you can’t find a suitable training post, look for non training posts like “Trust Grade doctor” or “Staff Grade Doctor” etc. You may be considered for such posts if you have already got experience in your home country. Before coming to UK, start this process in your home country. Prepare a good looking CV (Curriculum Vitae) …… you will find guidance on CV preparation here soon. Many jobs that are advertised in http://www.bmjcareers.com/ give details on how you can send you application electronically. Otherwise post it. Use good quality paper ! Do not hesitate to phone the person whose contact was given in the advertisement, and discuss personally over the phone. You never know when you might be lucky !
Work Permit
If and when you get a job, then next step will be getting a work permit. If you have a proper job offer, then it should not be a problem. Still it requires careful preparation. At the end of this page, you will find useful links to different official websites to help you with this process.
Lastly
Like always, rules change ! and current rules are there to give local doctors better opportunities for better jobs. Think about your own home town and your local hospitals. What if you had to compete with a huge influx of doctors from another country ! That’s how the situation is in UK at present. Lots of newly qualified doctors are coming out in the job market from UK universities, and this number has gradually increased over last few years. Hence, its now difficult for overseas doctors. But it is expected that current system will not be viable on longterm basis and sooner or later circumstances will change again. In the meantime, you should think very carefully before making a career move to UK. If you do then prepare yourself with every aspect. DO NOT expect an easy ride and prepare for the worst (just in case !)
Good luck
Useful Links. (all links open in a new window)
GMC Website
- page updated 4 August 2007
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