Students in the UK spend between four and six years of study at medical school before applying to enter a two-year foundation programme.
The majority of UK medical graduates progress onto the foundation programme and then on to GP or specialty training.
Read more about the UK medical training pathway.
The UK visa system
The UK uses a points based immigration system, introduced in January 2021.
- This system applies equally to EU and non EU citizens
- Most people coming to work or study in the UK will need a visa
The Health and Care Worker visa
Most international doctors apply for the Health and Care Worker visa, including those applying for the UK Foundation and Specialty training posts, and those going straight into other roles, such as Locally employed doctors or SAS roles. This is part of the Skilled Worker visa route and is designed specifically for doctors and other health professionals.
Benefits of this visa include:
- Lower visa application fees
- No Immigration Health Surcharge
- Faster visa decisions
Who can apply?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a qualified doctor
- Have a confirmed job offer in the UK
- Be sponsored by an approved employer, such as:
- An NHS organisation
- An organisation providing services to the NHS
- A Care Quality Commission (CQC)‑regulated care provider
- Have a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer
Be paid at least the minimum required salary.
How long the visa lasts
- The visa can last up to 5 years
- You must apply to extend or update your visa if it expires or if you change jobs or employer
- After 5 years, you may be able to apply for permanent settlement (also known as indefinite leave to remain)
Permanent settlement allows you to live, work and study in the UK without visa restrictions and as you are no longer restricted by visa sponsorship rules, you can change employers and jobs without the need to apply for additional visas.
Visa costs
Health and Care Worker visa fees:
- Up to 3 years: £304 per person
- More than 3 years: £590 per person
- You must also have at least £1,270 in your bank account to support yourself.
- Your partner and children may be able to apply to join you in the UK as your dependants – they will pay the same fee.
Visa types info/Getting a visa
International medical students, i.e. those studying medicine at a UK medical school who are not themselves from the UK, will need to apply for a UK student visa. Information can be found on the Home Office website. In order to apply you will need to have met all of the following conditions:
- You have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
- You have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself while you study
(the amount you need depends on your situation) - You can speak, read, write and understand English
The Student visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.
You must apply online and can do so up to 6 months before your course starts from outside of the UK, and up to 3 months before your course starts from inside the UK.
You must provide:
- a current passport or other valid travel documentation
- a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider
You may also need to provide additional documentation.
How long it takes to get a decision
Most people get a decision within 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK and 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK.
You may be able to pay extra for a faster decision. You will be told if this is an option when you apply.
It is possible to extend your student visa, switch to another visa, or apply for a Graduate visa after completing your course. You can find more information on the Home Office website.
Visa costs
Student visa fees:
- It costs £524 to apply for a student visa from outside of the UK or extend or switch to a student visa from inside the UK.
- You must pay a healthcare surcharge as part of your application (the amount you pay depends on how long your visa lasts).
- Your partner and children may be able to apply to join you in the UK as your dependants – they will pay the same fee.
Who and what is covered
Additionally:
- If you are a trainee in England, HEE (Health Education England) will now sponsor you to remain in the UK, instead of your university. If you are a trainee in a devolved nation, you will be sponsored by either Health Education Improvement Wales, NHS Education for Scotland or Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency.
- You can apply as soon as you receive your confirmation of acceptance for studies from the foundation programme.
- You might be able to bring family members to the UK, check GOV.UK.
Membership is free for students in your first year.
- Access our online library
- Get help with your research and dissertation
- Access our huge range of learning resources
Biometric residence permit
Remember, before you start your course, you must have your biometric residence permit. You will get one automatically when your visa is approved. You can then use this to confirm your identity, right to study or work in the UK and right to any public services or benefits you’re entitled to.
When you have met all of the criteria, the Home Office will grant you a visa for the duration of your course.
Free BMA membership. We understand the importance of support and guidance when settling in the UK.
BMA membership is free to all doctors in their first year living in the UK.