Advice to doctors on specialty training applying to Tier 1
August 2008
New immigration rules were introduced on 29 February 2008 placing prospective restrictions on access to training posts on doctors applying to the Tier 1 immigration category (which has replaced the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme).
Doctors applying to switch into Tier 1 from any immigration category other than the HSMP, Postgraduate Doctor or Dentist or Innovator categories will now have restrictions placed on them preventing them from working as a doctor-in-training.
It has come to our attention that the Tier 1 restrictions will apply to those doctors who are already in training posts on work permits who then apply to switch to Tier 1. The Home Office has advised the BMA that any doctor who is in a training post with leave to enter/remain in the UK as a work permit holder, and whose work permits are soon to expire, should not switch into Tier 1, as the restriction on accessing training posts will be imposed on them even if they are part-way through their training. The Home Office has advised that doctors in these circumstances should seek to extend their leave to remain as a work permit holder in order to complete their training programme.
Please contact the BMA’s International Department for further information – international.info@bma.org.uk