The NHS employs tens of thousands of international medical graduates (IMGs). Getting in starts with registration and a licence to practise from the General Medical Council (GMC). After that, NHS trusts can sponsor you on the Health and Care Worker visa.
Routes to GMC registration
- PLAB: Part 1 (a written exam, available in several countries) and Part 2 (a clinical OSCE in Manchester). This is the most common route.
- Sponsorship by an approved body, such as certain royal colleges or training programmes.
- An accepted postgraduate qualification, for example some UK royal college exams taken abroad.
You must also show English proficiency. That usually means IELTS 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each part, or OET grade B in each part.
Read also: Accountant and Finance Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship
First jobs and pay
Many IMGs start in non-training (“trust grade” or locally employed) posts at foundation or core level before entering specialty training. Basic pay for resident doctors in early grades starts around £38,000 and rises by grade, plus extra pay for nights and weekends.
2026 rules in brief: since 22 July 2025, most Skilled Worker jobs must be at graduate level (RQF 6) and pay at least £41,700 a year or the occupation’s “going rate”, whichever is higher. Some roles have lower rates, such as new entrants, Health and Care roles, and jobs on the Temporary Shortage List, which runs until at least the end of 2026. Always check the current figures on GOV.UK before you apply.
Getting hired
- Prepare an NHS-style CV and a portfolio showing audits, teaching and quality improvement work.
- Search NHS Jobs and trust websites for clinical fellow and trust grade posts.
- Line up references from recent clinical supervisors.
The NHS never asks doctors to pay for a job offer. Use only official GMC and NHS websites.
Frequently asked questions
How long is PLAB valid?
After passing PLAB 2, you generally need to apply for registration within a set period, currently two years. Check the GMC for the exact rules.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Health and Care visa holders can bring dependants, and they are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Do I need UK experience to get a first job?
It helps, but many trusts hire IMGs straight into trust grade posts. A clinical attachment can strengthen your application.
Information checked in October 2026. Immigration rules change often, so always confirm the latest requirements on the official government website before applying or paying any fees.
