Immigration Guidelines

In April 2012 the UK Border Agency will close the Tier 1 (Post Study Work) immigration route. This route has previously been used by non-UK and non-EEA doctors who have graduated from a UK medical or dental school and have successfully completed their Foundation Programme.

The following advice on when to apply for specialty training will therefore apply for doctors applying for entry to programmes starting after 1 April 2012:

You are eligible to be considered for specialty training (including GP) in both Round 1 and Round 2 if:

• You are a UK or EEA national
• You are a non-UK or non-EEA national and your immigration status allows you to work without restriction in the UK. For example if you have Tier 1 or dependant status, and no restriction against working as a doctor or dentist in training.
• You are a non-UK or non-EEA national, you graduated from a UK medical or dental school, your immigration status currently entitles you to work in the Foundation Programme and where you would have previously been eligible for Tier 1 (PSW). You will need to apply for Tier 2 sponsorship, but you will be exempt from the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) in this instance.

You are eligible to apply for core and specialty training in Round 2 if:

• You are a non-UK or non-EEA national who has limited leave to remain in the UK and do not fall into one of the above categories. You will require Tier 2 sponsorship and will be subject to the RLMT.

Applicants who are subject to the RLMT may only be considered if there is no suitable UK or EEA national candidate for the post. As the RLMT will not have been satisfied in Round 1 of the recruitment to specialty training, you should consider applying during Round 2 if the RLMT applies to you.

Evidence of immigration status should normally consist of a biometric residence card, date stamped passport, and accompanying letter from the Home Office. Please visit http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk for more information.