Immigration for international doctors coming to the UK
April 2007
The UK has a long tradition of welcoming doctors from other countries, and they make a valuable contribution to the NHS. Overseas doctors coming to the UK must satisfy UK immigration requirement. Immigration law can be very complex, and we advise individuals to seek detailed advice from the Home Office or their nearest British High Commission, Embassy, Consulate.
Immigration regulations for overseas doctors coming to the UK
Basic information about the various immigration regulations relating to overseas doctors .
BMA immigration advice service – available to BMA members only
The BMA has been exempted by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (Ref No: N200100094) to provide a basic immigration advice service to BMA members in matters relating to their employment in the UK. For more information visit the immigration advice service page .
Postgraduate doctors and dentists
As of 3 April 2006 only non-EEA nationals who have graduated from a UK medical school and are undertaking the foundation programme are eligible for the postgraduate doctors and dentists category. For more information visit the Border and Immigration Agency website.
Work permits
From 3 April all doctors wishing to take up posts in UK hospitals will require a work permit, with the exception of non-EEA graduates of UK medical schools who are undertaking their Foundation Programme. For more information about work permits visit the Working in the UK website .
Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme is a points-based assessment of skills and achievements. For more information visit the Working in the UK website .
PLAB and Clinical attachments
Information about the immigration rules relating to doctors wishing to come to the UK to take the PLAB test or undertake a clinical attachment are available on the Border and Immigration Agency website.