Moving to the UK as an International Medical Graduate (IMG) is a multi-step process that requires careful planning. This guide breaks down the essential steps to secure your Health and Care Worker visa and start your career in the NHS.
1. Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) Verification
First, ensure your medical degree is recognized by the General Medical Council (GMC). You must have your qualification verified by EPIC (Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials) before proceeding.
2. Prove Your English Proficiency
To work in the UK, you must demonstrate a high level of English. While IELTS is an option, most doctors prefer the OET (Occupational English Test) because it uses clinical scenarios. You typically need a Grade B in all four subtests.
3. Pass Your Clinical Exams (PLAB or MRCS)
Depending on your career stage, you will need to pass the PLAB (for general registration) or the MRCS (for surgical training). These exams test your clinical knowledge and ensure you meet UK standards.
4. Apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa
Once you have a job offer from the NHS or an accredited provider, you can apply for this visa. It is faster and cheaper than a standard Skilled Worker visa and includes an exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
5. Start Your NHS Career
With your visa and GMC registration in hand, you are ready to start. NHS roles offer excellent training, a clear salary structure, and long-term career security.
Dr Hanif Khaan is a medical professional and founder of WispGold, a UK-based certification training platform helping international medical graduates navigate GMC registration, Royal College exams, English exams and NHS career pathways. With firsthand experience of the IMG journey to UK medical practice, Dr Khaan built WispGold to give international doctors the structured, expert-led preparation that makes the difference between passing and resitting. All content on WispGold is written and reviewed to reflect all College standards.
