Eligibility

Once you have decided which specialty or specialties you wish to apply for it is essential that you ensure that you are eligible to make an application.

There are strict eligibility requirements when applying for specialty training.

You should:

• familiarise yourself with the eligibility requirements
• familiarise yourself with the application period
• find out where and how you access the application form
• make sure you read all the guidance information provided by the Lead Recruiter for that specialty

We advise that you do this as soon as possible to ensure that any queries you have can be resolved in good time, ahead of you beginning your application.

Person specifications

Each specialty (and entry level for training) has a nationally agreed person specification that lists the required competences for that specialty. 

There are strict eligibility requirements when applying for specialty training, with some person specification criteria being essential. If you are applying for more than one specialty, ensure you read the person specification for each specialty/level to which you are applying. 

If you applying to an Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF), you will need to meet the criteria in both the clinical and ACF person specifications.

GMC requirements

Any doctor wishing to practise medicine in the UK must be registered by the General Medical Council (GMC). In addition, the GMC must have provided them with an up-to-date licence to practise medicine.

For more information on registering, licensing, and establishing GMC eligibility, please visit the GMC website.

English language skills

You must have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues.

Health

You must meet professional health requirements in line with GMC standards, as described in Good Medical Practice.

On your application, within the declarations page, you will declare your understanding that employment will be subject to satisfactory medical clearance, and your awareness of GMC guidelines on fitness to practise.

Fitness to Practise

If you make a Fitness to Practise declaration on your application form, you must complete a form and submit it to the Lead Recruiter providing further information. This must be provided at the time of application.

Right to work in the UK

You will be requested to produce valid right to work documents.

From 1 July 2021, EU/EEA citizens will need to either provide confirmation that they have obtained EU settlement or pre-settled status, have another valid right to work visa (for example, dependent visa) or will need to apply for Skilled Worker sponsorship.

Medical practitioners are now part of the Shortage Occupation List and the Health and Care visa route is available to medical and dental practitioners. If you require sponsorship, it is important to be aware of the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.

UK eligibility

From 6 October 2019, all medical practitioners have been added to the Shortage Occupation List in the UK. This means that all medical practitioners are exempt from the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) and can apply for any specialty in any recruitment round, subject to eligibility.

Visa/immigration queries

Recruitment leads are not able to give advice relating to queries on immigration. We cannot give advice on whether your specific immigration status makes you eligible, how you can change your status or how to apply for different types of visa.

For queries relating to immigration, please visit the UK UKVI website.