Amit Khanna
Anvi Staff answered 5 months ago
Indian doctors who wish to practice medicine in the United Kingdom must meet several visa and professional requirements. Here’s a detailed guide to the process:
Visa Requirements
1. General Medical Council (GMC) Registration:
Before applying for a visa, Indian doctors must obtain registration with the GMC. This typically involves:
Passing the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Test: This test assesses the skills and knowledge of international medical graduates to ensure they meet UK standards.
Alternative Routes: Some may qualify for GMC registration through other routes, such as the Medical Training Initiative (MTI) scheme or if they have relevant postgraduate qualifications recognized by the GMC.
2. English Language Proficiency:
Indian doctors must demonstrate their proficiency in English. This can be done through:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Minimum required score is usually an overall 7.5, with at least 7.0 in each component.
Occupational English Test (OET): Doctors must achieve at least a grade B in each component.
3. Visa Types:
Tier 2 (General) Visa:
Job Offer: Indian doctors must have a confirmed job offer from an approved UK employer, usually a hospital or NHS trust.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The employer provides a CoS, which includes details about the job and salary.
Salary Threshold: The job must meet the minimum salary requirements set by the UK government.
Maintenance Funds: Proof of sufficient funds to support themselves until they receive their first paycheck.
Application Process: Apply online, pay the visa fee, and attend a biometric appointment.
Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visa:
Medical Training Initiative (MTI): This scheme allows international doctors to come to the UK for a fixed period (usually up to two years) to gain experience and training.
Sponsorship: Doctors must be sponsored by an approved UK organization, such as a royal college.
Steps to Apply for a Tier 2 (General) Visa:
Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from an NHS trust or other approved employer.
Certificate of Sponsorship: Receive the CoS from the employer.
Application Form: Complete the online visa application form on the UK government website.
Visa Fee: Pay the visa fee, which varies based on the length of stay and whether the job is on the shortage occupation list.
Immigration Health Surcharge: Pay the healthcare surcharge as part of the application.
Biometric Appointment: Attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
Submit Documents: Provide the required documents, including:
Valid passport
CoS reference number
Proof of English language proficiency
Proof of sufficient funds
Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
Required Documents:
Passport and Travel Documents
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Proof of English Proficiency (IELTS/OET scores)
Proof of Qualifications (Medical degree and any additional relevant qualifications)
Proof of Financial Support (Bank statements, sponsor’s letter)
TB Test Results (if applicable)
Police Clearance Certificate
Application Processing Time:
The processing time for a Tier 2 visa can vary, but it typically takes around 3 weeks from the date of the biometric appointment.
After Arriving in the UK:
Attend Induction and Training: Participate in any induction or training programs required by the employer.
GMC Registration Confirmation: Complete any remaining formalities with the GMC.
Begin Employment: Start working as per the terms outlined in the CoS.
By meeting these requirements and following the proper procedures, Indian doctors can successfully obtain a visa to practice in the UK.
Sameer Staff answered 6 months ago
Indian doctors wishing to work in the UK typically need to apply for a Tier 2 (General) visa, which is a work visa for skilled workers. Here’s an overview of the visa requirements and application process:
Tier 2 (General) Visa Requirements:
Job Offer: You must have a job offer from a licensed UK employer (such as an NHS Trust) before applying for the visa. The job must be at skill level 6 or above on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) approved occupation list.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer must provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship, which contains information about your job and salary.
English Language Proficiency: You may need to prove your English language proficiency by passing an approved English language test, depending on your nationality and circumstances.
Maintenance Funds: You must have enough money to support yourself (and any dependents) without relying on public funds.
Application Process:
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer applies for a CoS on your behalf through the Sponsor Management System (SMS) provided by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Visa Application: Once you have the CoS, you can apply for the Tier 2 (General) visa online through the UK government’s official website or at a visa application center in your home country.
Biometric Appointment: You’ll need to attend a biometric appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph.
Supporting Documents: You’ll need to submit various supporting documents along with your visa application, including your passport, CoS, proof of English language proficiency, and evidence of maintenance funds.
Visa Fees: You’ll need to pay the visa application fee and the healthcare surcharge (known as the Immigration Health Surcharge) as part of the application process.
Decision: Once you’ve submitted your application and attended the biometric appointment, your application will be processed by UKVI. You may be required to attend an interview or provide additional information/documents.
Visa Issuance: If your application is successful, you’ll be issued a Tier 2 (General) visa, which will allow you to live and work in the UK for the duration of your employment.
It’s essential to ensure that you meet all the requirements and provide accurate information when applying for a Tier 2 (General) visa. It’s also advisable to seek guidance from your employer or a qualified immigration advisor to navigate the application process successfully.