Working in the NHS UK
Doctors often find that they can benefit from a period as a locum or in a supervised post, before deciding whether a permanent NHS consultant post is right for them. This can also help you to adapt to NHS practice, which might be very different to what you're used to.
Whether you're looking to move to the UK for a temporary or a permanent role, you'll need to follow the same process.
What you need to work in the UK
GMC registration
All doctors must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) to practise in the UK. There are different types of GMC registration depending on what kind of job you're going to do, and different ways of applying for registration.
A job in the NHS
Once you've registered with the GMC, you must look for jobs in the NHS - the UK's National Health Service. You must have a confirmed job before applying for a working visa to the UK.
A valid UK visa
The UK offers a Health and Care Worker Tier 2 visa, which must be applied to after accepting a job in the UK but before starting in your new role. There are varying eligibility criteria, depending on the work you intend to do.
GMC registration
All doctors must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) to practise in the UK. There are different types of GMC registration depending on what kind of job you're going to do, and different ways of applying for registration.
A job in the NHS
Once you've registered with the GMC, you must look for jobs in the NHS - the UK's National Health Service. You must have a confirmed job before applying for a working visa to the UK.
A valid UK visa
The UK offers a Health and Care Worker Tier 2 visa, which must be applied to after accepting a job in the UK but before starting in your new role. There are varying eligibility criteria, depending on the work you intend to do.
Specialist registration
GMC specialist registration is needed to work as a permanent NHS consultant.
We are always happy to help with queries at [email protected] – please send a copy of your CV with any enquiry.
You should also look at the UK visas and immigration requirements and standards of professional practice which will give you some help in adapting to practice in the NHS.
A useful toolkit for international doctors
Settling into a new job is always an adjustment, and moving to a new country can add in an element of culture shock. The British Medical Association (BMA) help and guide international doctors through this transition.
Their guidance includes information on communicating with patients, doctors' titles, and an overview of how the NHS is structured and works day-to-day.
Being an international junior doctor in the NHS
The British Medical Association (BMA) have developed a practical guide for junior doctors new to the UK. The guidance includes preparation tips for your induction and first day, an overview of what your first week might look like, and advice from other international doctors.
Clinical attachments
Clinical attachments can be an excellent way for international medical graduates to get a sense of working in the NHS and demonstrate that they meet the standards expected of doctors.
They usually last between two and four months, and begin with shadowing a consultant. They may lead into some supervised clinical duties, following a risk assessment.
Staying in the UK when your visa is coming to an end
If you're on a tier 2 work visa, you're eligible to apply to settle in the UK after five years of working in the country.
Being settled means you can stay in the country indefinitely, and means you're no longer subject to immigration rules. However, it is not the same as having British citizenship.
International Medical Graduates
International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are welcomed by the UK NHS. Our IMG page contains resources to help you understand the paths to radiology and clinical oncology in the UK, as well as IMG-specific links and advice.
Checklists and further reading
Road to UK checklist
A community resource outlining everything you need to think about when moving to the UK for the first time. This guide covers everything from finding a place to stay for your visit to opening a bank account and finding a school for your children.
Links Moving checklist
Advice and tips from a moving company on what to think about when you're moving to the UK from the first time. Not focused specifically on those in medical careers.
Expatica checklist
A site dedicated to expats (expatriates) in the UK has provided this checklist on what to consider when you move to the UK.