International Induction Programme (IIP) overview

The International Induction Programme (IIP) provides a supported pathway for overseas qualified General Practitioners (GPs) to be inducted safely into NHS General Practice.

This programme is designed for GPs who have never previously worked in NHS General Practice in the UK.

All GPs are required to be on the General Medical Council (GMC) GP register with a License to Practise, and be on the England Medical Performers List (MPL) before they can practise.

The IIP must be completed before GPs can be approved for full inclusion on to the MPL as an independent NHS general practitioner.

The UK is made up of 4 countries and this guide concerns applications made to practise in England. If you're applying to practise in another part of the UK, please visit the appropriate regional website:

• Northern Ireland
• Scotland
• Wales

Features of the programme

Once registered you will have a career and educational needs review with a local educational lead to approve your application and give you access to the online resources.

You will be given access to a Self-Assessment which is required to be completed prior to the above review. 

You will also gain access to a dedicated educational lead to help guide you through the entire process. They can provide support such as:

• developing a personal educational pathway suited to your needs
• coordinating any assessments that you may be required undertake
• finding a suitable practice that is able to offer you a placement or offering advice in relation to undertaking the programme whilst employed by a practice
• guidance on completing forms and paperwork
• assistance with arranging occupational health assessments

The programme also includes a range of assessments, such as placements to support GPs on their journey to NHS general practice.

The assessments can be tailored to fit around needs and personal commitments. Further information can be found on the Self-Assessment for the IIP page.

Financial support is also available for candidates, which includes:

• help with costs such as indemnity and a monthly clinical placement bursary of up to £4,000 or equivalent salary
• help towards the costs of child or social care
• help with visa costs and sponsorship

Further information regarding help with funding can be found on our financial support and funding page.

Completing the programme

To successfully complete the IIP and be entered onto the MPL without restrictions, there are a number of requirements.

• Successfully completed the IIP placement.

• A satisfactory Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA), End of Placement report (including an online Multi-Source Feedback and Patient Satisfaction Questions) all of which should be submitted to the local educational lead and local NHS England medical team along with any other required evidence.

• Completed the mandatory e-Learning for Health modules on GP induction, which includes the Safeguarding Children and Adults modules. This should be completed before starting the clinical placement.

• Started your portfolio preparation for an early formal NHS Appraisal in the placement. This will be a MPL requirement on exit from the IIP placement, usually after 3 to 6 months (see IIP and RtP appraisal guidance).

• Received confirmation from the local NHSE team where you plan to work that you are included on the MPL without conditions.

• On successful completion of the programme, doctors will be eligible to apply for the NHSE Fellowship programme. Participants could receive funded mentorship and funded CPD opportunities of one session per week (pro rata), and rotational placements within or across PCNs to develop experience and support transition into the workforce. For further information, please visit the NHSE website.

To help keep track of your progress in the scheme, you can download and fill in the Completing the Programme Checklist.