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Below are a few of the frequently asked questions about immigration for those applying to specialty training in England.

 

What are the main immigration rules?

On 29 February 2008, a new immigration system was launched to ensure that only those with the right skills or the right contribution will be able to come to the United Kingdom to work and study. The points-based system enables us to control migration more effectively, tackle abuse and identify the most talented workers.

 

The key elements of the system are:

• it combines more than 80 pre-existing work and study routes in to the United Kingdom into five tiers;
• points are awarded on workers' skills to reflect aptitude, experience, age and also the demand for those skills in any given sector, to allow the United Kingdom to respond flexibly to changes in the labour market;
• it is a fair, transparent and objective system that will enable potential migrants to assess their likelihood of making a successful application and should help to reduce the number of failed applications.

Tier 2

• Tier 2 (General), the skilled worker category came in at the end of November 2008. Tier 2 is an employer-led system, which allows UK employers to recruit individuals from outside the UK and European Economic Area (EEA) to fill vacancies that cannot be filled by a British or EEA worker. This tier replaced the work permit application process.

You can find out more about the Points Based System on the UK Border Agency website.

 

Is there an easy way for me to identify whether I can take up employment in specialty training posts?

Yes. If you are restricted from taking employment as a doctor in training, this will be marked on your passport / identity card and the letter/card you receive confirming your visa status. You will need to provide these documents when you apply for a specialty training post.  However, you may be considered for a specialty training post if a post remains available following a first round of recruitment i.e. subject to satisfying the Resident Labour Market Test. For this you will need a Tier 2 visa, requiring a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer. You may be required to leave the country to apply if you are on a dependent visa.

 

I am a UK national/citizen who completed my undergraduate medical training outside of the UK. Can I be considered for specialty training posts?

Yes. UK nationals/citizens are able to take up employment in the UK without restriction, so your application will be considered.

 

I am the spouse/civil partner of a UK citizen. Can I be considered for specialty training posts?

People who have been granted leave to remain in the UK as the spouse/civil partner of a UK citizen are able to take employment as a doctor in training, so your application will be considered.

 

How long will a Tier 2 visa allow me to work? My training is a run-through programme.

The initial grant for a Tier 2 visa is for 3 years. Before this period expires, a new certificate of sponsorship will allow you to extend for a further period.

 

I am interested in working in a service or trust grade post. Do the changes to the immigration rules affect me?

No. The changes to the immigration rules do not affect service or trust grade posts. If you have the right to take up employment in the UK, you can continue to be considered for these posts. If you require permission to work in the UK , you can apply under Tier 2.  Although this may restrict you from working as a doctor in training, it will give you unlimited access to the labour market and allow you to work in any Service or trust grade post in the UK.

 

I have leave to enter/remain under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme that was granted before 29 February 2008. Can I be considered for specialty training posts?

People who were granted leave under the HSMP before the rules changed on 29 February 2008 are able to take employment as a doctor in training, so your applications to the current recruitment round will be considered.

 

Are LATs posts covered by the restriction that prevents doctors from taking up employment as a doctor in training?

Yes. LATs are gaps in a training programme that has been approved by PMETB therefore the restriction applies to these posts too.

 

I require a work permit / Tier 2 sponsorship to take up employment in the UK. Can I be considered for specialty training posts?

Your application will be considered if there are no suitable applicants who can take up the programme. If you satisfy the Resident Labour Market Test, you will be offered a Certificate of Sponsorship under Tier 2.

 

I took the English Language Testing System (IELTS) more than two years ago. Do I need to take it again or should I provide other evidence to show that I have adequate language skills?

Generally, if your IELTS is out of date then you would be expected to resit this before applying for specialty training. It is also a requirement of GMC registration that you have an IELTS score of 7 overall (and in all components) achieved in a single sitting.  If you passed your IELTS two years ago but have since been employed in the UK and can obtain a signed document from your consultant or clinical supervisor to that effect then this may constitute alternative evidence of language skills.

 

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) shortage occupation list has an entry for ST4 Paediatric Trainees. What does this mean and can anyone apply?

Migrants who come to the United Kingdom to fill a skilled job in Tier 2 on the shortage occupation list, will get enough points without proving their prospective earnings or qualifications.