How Foreign Medical Graduates Can Secure NHS Jobs in Britain With Employer-Sponsored Work Visas, High Salaries, and Permanent Residency Pathways.
Contents
- Overview: Why the NHS Recruits Internationally
- Types of NHS Doctor Jobs Available to Foreign Nationals
- Salary Ranges by Grade
- Visa Types for NHS Employment
- Visa Requirements and Supporting Documents
- Steps to Obtain Visa Sponsorship
- How to Apply for an NHS Doctor Post
- International Recruitment Agencies with Contact Details
- NHS Trusts and Companies Offering Visa-Sponsored Jobs
- Permanent Residence (ILR) Pathways
- Embassy Contacts and Visa Verification
- Immigration Mistakes to Avoid
- Official Websites to Begin Your Application
1. Why the NHS Recruits Internationally
The National Health Service is the largest employer in the United Kingdom and one of the largest in the world.
It employs roughly 1.4 million people across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and it has for decades drawn on the skills of clinicians trained abroad to fill persistent gaps in its workforce.
That dependence has not diminished.
On the contrary, the demand for qualified doctors from outside the UK has intensified across nearly every clinical specialty.
The Office for National Statistics recorded more than 286,000 UK work visas granted in the twelve months ending June 2024.
Of those, well over 89,000 went to healthcare workers travelling under the Health and Care Worker Visa route.
The NHS alone holds more than 10,000 active Tier 2 (now Skilled Worker) vacancies at any given time, with every NHS Trust in England holding a sponsor licence.
For a foreign doctor, that represents an extraordinary breadth of opportunity.
Key Change from July 2025
From 22 July 2025, the UK government restricted Skilled Worker visa eligibility to roles requiring at least RQF Level 6 (degree-level) qualification.
For NHS doctors, this poses no obstacle since all clinical medical roles already sit well above that threshold.
However, social care workers and certain support roles were removed from the sponsorship list.
The specialties attracting the most urgent recruitment internationally include emergency medicine, psychiatry, oncology, cardiology, geriatrics, and radiology.
Mental health services in particular face a shortfall that domestic training pipelines have been unable to close.
For a doctor willing to navigate the registration and visa process, the UK offers structured pay scales, funded pension contributions, generous annual leave, and, eventually, a pathway to permanent settlement.
2. Types of NHS Doctor Jobs Available to Foreign Nationals
Foreign-trained doctors can apply for a range of posts across the NHS.
The right post will depend on your years of postgraduate experience, your specialty, your GMC registration status, and whether you have completed a recognised training programme.
| Job Title / Grade | Description | Typical Employer | Visa Eligible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Year 1 & 2 (FY1/FY2) | Entry-level postgraduate training posts for newly qualified doctors | NHS Foundation Trusts | Yes |
| Core / Specialty Trainee (CT/ST 1–8) | Structured specialty training posts in surgery, medicine, GP, psychiatry etc. | NHS Trusts via Deaneries | Yes |
| Specialty Doctor (SAS) | Non-training grade for doctors with several years of postgraduate experience | NHS Trusts (service posts) | Yes |
| Specialist Grade | Senior non-training grade for doctors with equivalent consultant-level experience | NHS Trusts | Yes |
| NHS Consultant | Senior clinical lead with full accountability for patient care in a specialty | NHS Foundation & Teaching Trusts | Yes |
| Salaried GP | General practitioner employed by a GP practice or PCN; primary care setting | GP Practices / PCNs | Yes |
| Clinical Fellow / Research Fellow | Fixed-term post combining clinical work with research or quality improvement | Teaching Hospitals, Universities | Usually |
| Locum / Bank Doctor | Temporary or flexible shifts; requires existing UK visa and GMC registration | Agencies / NHS Trusts Direct | Conditions apply |
Most international medical graduates (IMGs) enter the NHS at the Specialty Doctor or Core Trainee level, depending on how their overseas postgraduate training is assessed.
The GMC and the relevant Royal College will advise on the appropriate grade before an offer of employment is made.
3. Salary Ranges by Grade (2025–2026)
NHS doctors are not paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) band system that applies to nurses and allied health professionals.
Instead, they follow a set of pay scales specific to medical and dental staff, reviewed annually by the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB).
From April 2025, the DDRB recommended a 4 percent uplift for consultants, SAS doctors, and salaried GPs, and an average 5.4 percent increase for resident (formerly junior) doctors.
| Grade | Basic Salary Range (per year) | Estimated Total Earnings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Year 1 (FY1) | £36,616 – £38,831 | ~£45,900 | Plus enhancements for nights, weekends, on-call |
| Foundation Year 2 (FY2) | ~£42,000 – £44,439 | ~£52,000 | Varies by rota and Trust |
| Core / Specialty Registrar (CT/ST) | £52,656 – £73,992 | ~£80,500 | Includes banding supplement for antisocial hours |
| Specialty Doctor (SAS) | £61,542 – £99,216 | £75,000 – £115,000 | 2016 SAS contract; incremental progression |
| Specialist Grade | £100,870 – £111,441 | ~£120,000+ | 2021 contract; one threshold at 8 years |
| NHS Consultant | £109,725 – £145,478 | ~£161,600 avg (can exceed £200,000) | Clinical Impact Awards and private practice additional |
| Salaried GP (England) | £76,038 – £114,743 | ~£108,300 (FTE) | GP partners average £140,200 – £163,500 |
Beyond basic pay, doctors receive enhancements for working nights (a 37 percent uplift), weekend allowances, on-call availability payments, and London High-Cost Area Supplements where applicable.
A senior consultant in a surgical specialty who takes on private practice commitments can realistically exceed £200,000 in total annual income.
Salary scales are published in the annual NHS Pay and Conditions Circular (M&D) and updated at the NHS Employers website.
4. Visa Types for NHS Employment
Health and Care Worker Visa
This is the principal route for foreign doctors joining the NHS.
It is a sub-category of the Skilled Worker Visa, but carries significant financial advantages: holders are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (worth roughly £1,270 per year), and visa application fees start from a lower base.
A Health and Care Worker Visa is granted for up to five years and can be extended.
The visa allows the holder to live and work in the UK, bring dependants, and travel freely in and out of the country.
To qualify, the applicant must have a job offer from an NHS Trust or approved sponsor, hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and meet the salary threshold, which is the higher of the going rate for the occupation code or the general skilled worker minimum.
For Health and Care Visa holders in NHS clinical roles, the minimum is £25,000, though virtually all doctor posts sit considerably above this figure.
Skilled Worker Visa (Standard Route)
Doctors not working directly for the NHS or an NHS supplier, such as those employed by private hospitals or independent clinics that hold a sponsor licence, apply under the standard Skilled Worker route.
This route carries the full Immigration Health Surcharge and standard application fees, but is otherwise similar in scope and duration to the Health and Care Visa.
| Visa Type | Who It Covers | IHS Exemption? | Min. Salary | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health & Care Worker Visa | NHS doctors, nurses, AHPs working for NHS or NHS supplier | Yes | £25,000 (NHS clinical) | Up to 5 years |
| Skilled Worker Visa | Doctors at private or independent sponsors | No | £41,700 (general threshold) | Up to 5 years |
| Global Talent Visa | Exceptionally talented or promising researchers / clinicians | No | None (not salary-based) | Up to 5 years; settles after 3 |
| Graduate Visa | Doctors who studied in the UK (medical school); post-study work | No | None initially | 2 years (3 with PhD) |
eVisa from January 2025
From 1 January 2025, the UK government replaced physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) with a digital eVisa.
If you previously held a BRP, you can use it to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account.
All visa verification for NHS right-to-work checks is now done via the eVisa platform.
5. Visa Requirements and Supporting Documents
The checklist below reflects requirements current as of mid-2026.
Always cross-reference with the official Gov.uk guidance and your sponsoring NHS Trust before submitting, as requirements can change at short notice.
Mandatory Requirements
- General Medical Council (GMC) Registration: GMC registration is a legal requirement before any NHS Trust can employ you as a doctor. You must pass the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test or hold an approved postgraduate qualification. Application begins at gmc-uk.org.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your NHS employer must assign you a CoS through the Home Office Sponsorship Management System before you can apply for a visa. The CoS carries a unique reference number used in your visa application.
- English Language Proficiency: From 8 January 2026, new applicants must demonstrate B2 level English (CEFR scale), up from the previous B1 requirement. Accepted tests include IELTS Academic (minimum 7.0 overall), OET (minimum grade B in all sections), or approved alternatives.
- Salary Threshold Evidence: Your offered salary must meet or exceed the applicable going rate for your occupation code, or the minimum threshold, whichever is higher. NHS clinical pay scales almost always satisfy this requirement for doctors.
- Tuberculosis Test Certificate: Required for applicants from listed countries (most of Africa, Asia, South America). Must be completed at an approved clinic within six months before applying.
- Criminal Record Certificate: If you have lived in any country for 12 months or more in the past ten years and the role involves working with vulnerable people, you must provide a criminal record certificate from each such country.
- Financial Maintenance: You must show £1,270 in your bank account held for at least 28 consecutive days before application, unless your NHS employer certifies that it will maintain you during the initial period.
Supporting Documents Checklist
| Document | Purpose | Issued By |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | Identity and travel | Your home country government |
| Certificate of Sponsorship reference number | Visa application core requirement | NHS employer / sponsor |
| GMC registration certificate | Proves eligibility to practise as a doctor in the UK | General Medical Council (GMC) |
| IELTS or OET certificate | English language proof (B2 / OET grade B) | British Council / Cambridge |
| Degree and postgraduate certificates | Academic qualification verification | Your medical school and universities |
| PLAB 1 & 2 pass certificates (if applicable) | GMC licensure pathway evidence | GMC |
| Tuberculosis clearance certificate | Public health requirement (if applicable) | UKVI-approved clinic |
| Criminal record certificate(s) | Character suitability (vulnerable persons roles) | Relevant national authorities |
| Bank statement (28-day maintenance) | Proves ability to support self financially | Your bank |
| Job offer letter / employment contract | Confirms role, salary, employer details | NHS Trust HR department |
| Five-year travel history | Required on the visa application form | Self-declaration |
6. Steps to Obtain Visa Sponsorship
- Obtain GMC Registration: Begin at gmc-uk.org. If your primary medical qualification is not on the GMC’s approved list, you will sit PLAB 1 (computer-based exam) and PLAB 2 (clinical skills assessment in Manchester). Both tests have intake periods throughout the year.
- Achieve English Language Score: Book IELTS Academic (British Council or IDP) or OET through oetworld.com. Scores must not be more than two years old at the point of your GMC application.
- Search and Apply for NHS Posts: Use jobs.nhs.uk (the official portal) and filter results by “visa sponsorship.” You may also register with international recruitment agencies (listed in Section 8 below). Tailor your CV to NHS style and prepare structured evidence of competencies.
- Attend Interview and Receive Job Offer: Interviews can be conducted virtually. If successful, the Trust will issue a conditional offer, usually contingent on GMC registration and satisfactory checks.
- Employer Assigns Certificate of Sponsorship: Once all pre-employment checks are cleared, the Trust’s HR team assigns the CoS through the Home Office system. You will receive an email containing your CoS reference number.
- Apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa: Apply online at gov.uk no more than three months before your start date. Pay the applicable visa application fee (from approximately £298 for Health and Care Worker, increasing by 6.5 percent from April 2026). Upload all documents digitally.
- Attend Biometric Appointment: Book an appointment at a UKVI application Centre in your country. Attend to provide fingerprints and a photograph. Standard processing takes around three weeks from outside the UK; priority services can return decisions in five working days.
- Travel to the UK and Begin Work: You can travel up to 14 days before your start date as listed on the CoS. Complete NHS mandatory training and occupational health screening on arrival. Set up your eVisa account to manage your immigration status digitally.
7. How to Apply for an NHS Doctor Post
The NHS recruitment system is centralised through NHS Jobs (jobs.nhs.uk) and the parallel Trac.jobs platform used by some Trusts.
Applications are submitted online with a structured NHS application form rather than a conventional CV, though you will be asked to submit a supporting statement explaining why you are suitable for the role.
“The NHS application form requires specific evidence mapped to the person specification. Competency and commitment matter as much as academic credentials.”
When applying, pay close attention to the person specification attached to each job advertisement. Shortlisting is done against essential and desirable criteria listed there.
Your supporting statement should address each criterion with concrete examples, using the Situation-Task-Action-Result (STAR) framework where it applies.
After submitting, you may be invited to complete occupational psychometric assessments or to attend an interview panel.
NHS interview panels typically include a clinical lead, an HR representative, and a patient representative or service user.
Most trusts now conduct first-round interviews via Microsoft Teams or Zoom.
Once a conditional offer is made, employment checks begin.
These include DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) verification, reference checks, occupational health screening, and right-to-work confirmation.
For international doctors, GMC registration confirmation is the pivotal check.
Only after these are completed will the HR team proceed with the CoS assignment.
8. International Recruitment Agencies
Several well-established agencies specialise in placing international doctors in NHS and private sector roles in the UK.
Reputable agencies work within the NHS Code of Practice for International Recruitment and do not charge placement fees to candidates.
IMG Connect
Speciality: International Medical Graduates, all grades
Address: 20 Red Lion Street, London WC1R 4PS, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)20 3900 0848
Website: imgconnect.co.uk
Remedium Partners
Speciality: NHS permanent doctor placements across all specialties
Address: The Bloom Building, 65 Cheapside, London EC2V 6AX, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)20 3880 5000
Website: remediumpartners.com
BDI Resourcing
Speciality: IMG doctors, GMC registration support, NHS & private sector
Address: First Floor, 20 St Andrew Street, London EC4A 3AG, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)1234 889 213
Website: bdiresourcing.com
Global Medical Hire
Speciality: Theatre practitioners, nurses, doctors; Skilled Worker visa sponsorship
Address: International House, 24 Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2BN, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)20 7101 9462
Website: globalmedicalhire.com
Hays Healthcare
Speciality: Doctors, nurses, allied health; NHS and private hospitals
Address: 107 Cheapside, London EC2V 6DB, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)20 3465 0021
Website: hays.co.uk/healthcare
Pulse Staffing
Speciality: Locum and permanent doctors; NHS frameworks
Address: 4th Floor, Chancery House, 53–64 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1QS, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)20 7959 2700
Website: pulsestaffing.co.uk
9. NHS Trusts and Companies Offering Visa-Sponsored Jobs
Every NHS Trust in England holds a Sponsor Licence and can issue Certificates of Sponsorship.
Below is a selection of Trusts with active international recruitment programmes, along with how to reach their recruitment teams.
| Organisation | Location | Visa Type | Contact / Jobs Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Birmingham) | Birmingham, West Midlands | Health & Care Worker Visa | uhb.nhs.uk/jobs +44 (0)121 627 2000 |
| Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust | London W2 1NY | Health & Care Worker Visa | imperial.nhs.uk +44 (0)20 3312 6666 |
| Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust | Leeds, West Yorkshire | Health & Care Worker Visa | leedsth.nhs.uk +44 (0)113 243 2799 |
| Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Sheffield, South Yorkshire | Health & Care Worker Visa | sth.nhs.uk +44 (0)114 271 1900 |
| The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust | Wolverhampton WV10 0QP | Health & Care Worker Visa | jobs.nhs.uk (search RWT) +44 (0)1902 307 999 |
| University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust | Chichester / Brighton | Health & Care Worker Visa | uhsussex.nhs.uk +44 (0)1273 696 955 |
| Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust | Wakefield, West Yorkshire | Health & Care Worker Visa | careers.midyorks.nhs.uk +44 (0)1924 213 213 |
| Bupa UK (Private) | Nationwide (multiple hospitals) | Skilled Worker Visa | bupa.co.uk/careers +44 (0)345 600 8811 |
| HCA Healthcare UK (Private) | London and South East | Skilled Worker Visa | hcacareers.co.uk +44 (0)20 7616 4700 |
How to Confirm Sponsor Licence Status
Before accepting any job offer, verify that your employer holds an A-rated sponsor licence.
You can search the official register of licensed sponsors at gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers.
A Trust not on this list cannot legally issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.
10. Permanent Residence (ILR) Pathways and Settlement Routes
For most NHS doctors, the ultimate goal is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), the UK’s form of permanent residence.
ILR grants the right to live and work in the UK without any immigration restrictions and serves as the prerequisite to applying for British Citizenship.
Important 2025–2026 Policy Change
The UK Government’s May 2025 Immigration White Paper proposed extending the standard qualifying period for ILR from five to ten years under a new “earned settlement” model.
This proposal was under public consultation until February 2026, and implementation from April 2026 was confirmed in principle.
However, doctors earning higher salaries or working in priority NHS roles may qualify for reductions in their qualifying period under the merit-based points system.
Always confirm the current rules with an immigration lawyer before making any settlement plans.
| Route / Programme | Qualifying Period | Key Requirements | Official Website | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – Skilled Worker Route | 5 years (current); proposed 10 years from April 2026 | Continuous lawful residence; salary threshold met; B2 English; Life in the UK test; good character | gov.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain | UKVI: 0300 790 6268 (UK) |
| ILR – Health and Care Worker Visa Route | 5 years (current); baseline 10 years proposed under new system | As above; NHS employment maintained throughout; no gaps beyond permitted absences | gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa | nhsemployers.org |
| Global Talent Visa (Accelerated Settlement) | 3 years for endorsed talent | Endorsement from a recognised body (e.g., Royal Academy of Engineering, UKRI for medical researchers). No salary threshold. | gov.uk/global-talent | UK Research and Innovation: 01793 444 000 |
| Innovator Founder Visa | 3 years | Endorsed innovative business idea; applicant must be running the business. Requires endorsement from an approved body. | gov.uk/innovator-founder-visa | Home Office: 0300 790 6268 |
| British Citizenship (Naturalisation) | 12 months after ILR | ILR holder for 12 months; continuous residence; Life in the UK test; B1 English minimum; good character | gov.uk/british-citizenship | Home Office Nationality: 0300 790 6268 |
| Earned Settlement (New System, April 2026+) | 3–10 years depending on income, contribution, compliance | Doctors earning £50,270+ for 3 years prior may qualify 5 years earlier; earnings of £125,140+ allow a 7-year reduction. B2 English required. | gov.uk/earned-settlement consultation | Home Office Immigration Enquiry: 0300 790 6268 |
Settlement Benefits Once ILR is Granted
Indefinite Leave to Remain removes the need for employer sponsorship.
An NHS doctor who holds ILR can change jobs freely, take career breaks, work in the private sector, and access a wider range of financial products such as mortgages without immigration-related restrictions.
After twelve months of holding ILR, the doctor becomes eligible to apply for British Citizenship by naturalisation, which confers the right to hold a British passport and vote in all elections.
11. Embassy Contacts and Visa Verification
While UK visas are processed through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) system and its appointed visa application centre network worldwide, the British High Commission or Embassy in your country of residence remains the formal diplomatic contact for consular enquiries.
| Country / Region | British Mission | Address | Website / Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | British High Commission, Abuja | Dangote House, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja | gov.uk/BHC-Abuja |
| India | British High Commission, New Delhi | Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021 | gov.uk/BHC-Delhi |
| Pakistan | British High Commission, Islamabad | Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad | gov.uk/BHC-Islamabad |
| Ghana | British High Commission, Accra | Julius Nyerere Link, Accra | gov.uk/BHC-Accra |
| Egypt | British Embassy, Cairo | 7 Ahmed Ragheb Street, Garden City, Cairo | gov.uk/BE-Cairo |
| Philippines | British Embassy, Manila | 120 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill, Taguig, Manila | gov.uk/BE-Manila |
| Sri Lanka | British High Commission, Colombo | 389 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7 | gov.uk/BHC-Colombo |
| Kenya | British High Commission, Nairobi | Upper Hill Road, Nairobi | gov.uk/BHC-Nairobi |
Visa applications are submitted online at gov.uk, not at the embassy.
After submitting, you book a biometric appointment at a UKVI-approved Visa Application Centre (VAC), operated by TLScontact or VFS Global in most countries.
The embassy’s role is largely consular and does not directly process visa decisions.
For enquiries about the status of a submitted application, use the UKVI web enquiry form at gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Central Contacts
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| UKVI telephone (from outside UK) | +44 (0)300 790 6268 |
| UKVI online enquiry form | gov.uk/contact-ukvi |
| eVisa account management | gov.uk/get-access-evisa |
| Check application status | gov.uk/track-uk-visa |
| Sponsor licence register | gov.uk/licensed-sponsors-workers |
12. Immigration Mistakes to Avoid
The UK immigration system is procedurally demanding.
A small error in documentation or timing can result in a refused application, financial loss, or a period of unlawful status.
The following are the most common mistakes made by foreign doctors seeking NHS employment.
- Applying before GMC registration is confirmed. No NHS Trust can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship until your GMC registration is live. Applying for a visa without a valid CoS will result in an immediate refusal. Complete GMC registration first, then secure the job offer and CoS before beginning your visa application.
- Submitting an English test score below B2. From 8 January 2026, the minimum English requirement for new Skilled Worker and Health and Care visa applicants is B2 (CEFR). Submitting an IELTS score of 6.5 or an OET grade of C will result in refusal. Re-sit the test and meet the threshold before applying.
- Choosing an employer without a valid sponsor licence. Some private clinics and agencies claim to offer sponsorship but do not appear on the official UKVI sponsor register. Always verify the employer’s licence at gov.uk before accepting an offer.
- Failing to apply for the TB test from an approved clinic. Only UKVI-approved clinics can issue valid tuberculosis certificates. A certificate from a non-approved clinic will be rejected outright.
- Overstaying a previous visa before applying. Any period of unlawful presence in the UK creates a mandatory refusal on character grounds for most visa categories. Always apply for extensions before your current leave expires.
- Submitting bank statements that do not cover the full 28-day maintenance period. Your bank statement must show at least £1,270 held continuously for 28 days immediately before the application date. A single-day dip below the threshold can cause a refusal.
- Assuming locum work satisfies the sponsored role requirement. If you are sponsored for a specific post, you must continue fulfilling that role. Taking additional locum shifts at a different hospital in excess of the permitted limits without updating your visa can breach sponsorship conditions.
- Planning settlement timelines based on the old five-year rule without checking current policy. With the government’s proposed earned settlement changes, relying on pre-2026 assumptions about when you can apply for ILR may leave you unprepared for changed requirements. Consult an OISC-regulated immigration adviser regularly.
- Forgetting to update your UKVI address record after moving. Failure to notify the Home Office of an address change within the required period can be treated as a breach of visa conditions. Update your address through your eVisa account promptly.
13. Official Websites to Begin Your Application
The following websites are the authoritative starting points for each stage of the process.
Be wary of unofficial websites charging fees to “process” your NHS job search or GMC application.
All essential services are accessible free of charge through official channels.
| Purpose | Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Search NHS jobs with visa sponsorship | jobs.nhs.uk | Filter by “Visa Sponsorship” in search options |
| GMC registration for overseas doctors | gmc-uk.org | Begin PLAB or primary qualification route here |
| Apply for Health and Care Worker Visa | gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa | Full eligibility and application guidance |
| Skilled Worker Visa application | gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa | For private sector or non-NHS sponsors |
| ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) | gov.uk/indefinite-leave-to-remain | Check current qualifying period rules |
| eVisa account and immigration status | gov.uk/get-access-evisa | Manage your digital immigration record |
| NHS employer guidance for sponsors | nhsemployers.org | Guidance on CoS, salary thresholds, compliance |
| Overseas health professional guidance | healthcareers.nhs.uk | Registration, visa, and relocation information |
| IELTS Academic test booking | ielts.org | Book at IDP or British Council centres worldwide |
| OET test booking | occupationalenglishtest.org | Accepted by GMC for medical registration |
| Sponsor licence register verification | gov.uk/licensed-sponsors-workers | Verify any employer before accepting an offer |
| TB testing approved clinics | gov.uk/tb-test-visa | Required for applicants from listed countries |
Final Note on Professional Immigration Advice
UK immigration law changes frequently, and the consequences of a refused application or a period of unlawful leave are serious.
If you are uncertain about any aspect of your application, consult a solicitor or adviser regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).
The OISC register of regulated advisers is searchable at gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser.
Immigration rules, salary thresholds, and visa requirements are subject to change.