Government & Regulation
GMC Registration for Overseas Doctors — UK Visa Path
Overseas medical graduates must obtain General Medical Council (GMC) registration via PLAB or recognised qualifications before practising in the UK; visa-sponsored doctors typically use the Health and Care Worker visa.
Key fact
PLAB 1 (computer-based) abroad; PLAB 2 (OSCE-style) in Manchester
Step-by-step
- 1Verify your medical degree is recognised by GMC.
- 2Pass PLAB 1 (Multiple Choice Question paper, taken at British Council centres).
- 3Pass PLAB 2 (Objective Structured Clinical Examination, taken in Manchester).
- 4Apply for GMC registration with provisional or full licence.
- 5Secure NHS trust position with CoS, apply for Health and Care Worker visa.
Common pitfalls
- !Doctors from countries with recognised medical schools (most EU, USA, Canada, Australia, NZ, India, Pakistan) may be eligible for direct registration without PLAB.