Programme routes

International Induction Programme

The International Induction Programme (IIP) has different programme routes available for applicants, depending on which country you are from.

Important: Health and Care Worker visa requirements

From 1 January 2021, all European Economic Area (EEA) nationals (except Irish citizens) and international doctors will require a Health and Care Worker visa to work in the UK. For details on Visa applications and support from NHS England when applying, visit the Health and Care Worker Visa requirements for non UK citizens webpage.

The first route is for doctors who qualified as a GP overseas or in the European Economic Area (EEA) but who have never previously worked in the NHS as a GP. This includes:

  • European Economic Area (EEA) qualified doctors who will continue to have automatic recognition of qualifications
  • doctors whose training has been recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC) and the doctor is included on the GMC GP register and has a Licence to practise

You are required to undertake assessments, which include:

  • an MCQ assessment, which consists of two papers, a Clinical Problem Solving MCQ and a Professional Dilemma’s MCQ (also known as the Situational Judgement Test)
  • a tailored clinical placement of up to 6 months (full time equivalent)

Overseas doctors with non-EEA qualifications must apply to the GMC for a Certificate of Eligibility for recognition as a GP first before applying for the IIP programme. For further information, visit the GMC webpage.

Streamlined CEGPR Process

The first route is the Streamlined CEGPR Process, which is for GPs qualified overseas from designated GMC approved training programmes outside the UK.

Currently, the following countries' training programmes are recognised for this pathway:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • New Zealand
  • South Africa

To apply, you must submit a portfolio of current clinical work to RCGP panel for evaluation and approval by the GMC.

This is followed by a tailored clinical placement.

Visit the Streamlined CEGPR Process page for further information.

Portfolio pathway process

The standard portfolio pathway is for GPs qualified overseas from countries other than those listed above.

To apply, you must submit a portfolio of current clinical work to RCGP panel for evaluation and approval by the GMC.

This is followed by a tailored clinical placement.

Visit the RCGP CEGPR Process page for further information.

Next steps

Once you have decided which pathway is appropriate to you, download and complete the registration form.

Page last reviewed: 15 December 2023
Next review due: 1 August 2024

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