IMGs and job opportunities in the UK

What’s an IMG?

An International Medical Graduate (IMG) is a doctor whose primary medical qualification was obtained outside the UK and Switzerland. IMGs form an important and growing part of the UK medical workforce and join the General Medical Council (GMC) register through a number of recognised routes.

How to find a job as an IMG in the UK

1. Get the right GMC registration

Before you can work as a doctor in most UK roles you will need GMC registration (provisional or full) with a licence to practise. Common routes include passing the PLAB exams, having an acceptable postgraduate qualification, or other GMC-accepted routes — check the GMC guidance for the route that fits your situation. 

2. Check visa and immigration requirements

If you need permission to work in the UK, many doctors use the Health and Care Worker visa (a Skilled Worker sub-category). You must normally have a job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor (for example the NHS or an approved NHS supplier) before you apply. Read the official Home Office guidance for eligibility and how to apply.

3. Search the right job sites and routes

• NHS Jobs / trust recruitment pages: many substantive and training posts are advertised here.
• NHS Professionals, locum banks and agency sites: good for short-term and locum work to build UK experience. 
• Specialist IMG support services and recruitment agencies: these can help with applications, interview prep and relocation.
• Direct approaches and networking: contacting clinical leads, attending interviews, and using LinkedIn can uncover unadvertised roles.

4. Prepare a UK-style CV and references

Tailor your CV to the UK format, include GMC number (once registered), list UK clinical experience or observerships, and arrange reliable referees who can comment on your clinical competence and professionalism.

5. Prepare for interviews and assessments

Interviews for NHS posts often assess clinical knowledge, situational judgement and communication. Practice common scenarios, review local guidelines and be ready to discuss clinical governance and safeguarding.

Top opening jobs for IMGs in the UK

The best first roles for many IMGs are those that allow you to gain UK experience, demonstrate competency and build local references. Typical entry roles include:

• Non-training junior doctor posts (Trust Grade / FY2 / CT1 equivalent): employed hospital posts outside formal training programmes — common first steps for IMGs.
• Locum roles and bank shifts: flexible options to gain experience across specialties and trusts.
• SAS (Specialty and Associate Specialist) doctor posts: regular posts for experienced clinicians who are not on a training pathway.
• GP roles and international GP recruitment: for qualified family doctors, there are specific NHS initiatives to recruit and support GPs from overseas.
• Clinical fellowships and research/academic roles: often available in teaching hospitals and useful for building a UK CV.
• Consultant posts: possible for senior IMGs with recognised specialist qualifications and relevant experience, but these usually require a proven UK-equivalent track record and often specialist registration routes.

Things to consider as an IMG in the UK

1. Registration and licensing: confirm which GMC route applies to you (provisional, full with PLAB, or via a postgraduate qualification) and start the process early. Documentation checks and verification can take time. 
2. Visa and sponsorship: understand your visa options, employer sponsorship responsibilities and any salary thresholds that might apply. The Health and Care visa has specific rules and benefits compared with other Skilled Worker routes.
3. English language and communication: you may need to demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS/OET or other GMC-accepted evidence) depending on your registration route.
4. Local clinical practice and guidelines: UK clinical practice, referral pathways and record-keeping (including electronic systems) may differ from your home country — plan time for induction and local supervision.
5. Indemnity, contracts and pay: check professional indemnity arrangements (employer or private), contract length, rota patterns, on-call responsibilities and pay banding; these affect work–life balance and finances.
6. Relocation costs and support: consider accommodation, family relocation, schooling (if relevant) and the availability of employer support or relocation packages.
7. Wellbeing and professional support: moving country and starting in a new health system can be stressful — use mentorship, local doctors’ networks and any employer wellbeing services.
8. Policy and workforce changes: the landscape for overseas recruitment and training can change — keep up to date with GMC and NHS guidance as national policy evolves.

Practical checklist — next steps

• Check which GMC registration route applies to you and start your application.
• Decide whether you need visa sponsorship and check Health and Care visa eligibility.
• Prepare a UK-style CV, secure referees and gather certified documents.
• Search NHS Jobs, trust sites, locum banks and IMG specialist recruiters.
• Prepare for interviews and arrange any required English testing.

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