DOCTORS & CONSULTANTS
Summary
Summary of how to register with the General Medical Council

1.	Make any application as soon as possible as the process can take several months.
2.	If you are qualified as a Doctor in a country not within the EEA (see list of EEA countries), you will need to pass an English test known as the International English Language Testing System ("IELTS"). This test has to be taken and passed before you can take the "PLAB" test, which is administered by the GMC. The IELTS need not be taken in the UK and can be taken in over 100 centres around the world. You can obtain further information from the British Council's website at www.ielts.org or from:
		British Council National Advice Centre Bridgewater House 58 Whitworth Street Manchester M1 6BB Telephone: 0161 957 7218 Fax: 0161 957 7029 Email: general.enquiries@britishcouncil.org Web Site: www.britishcouncil.org/health
3.	Again, if you have qualified in a country other than a member state of the EEA, once you have taken and passed the IELTS test you will then be required to sit the PLAB test "Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board") to show how much you know about English and medicine. This test is given by the GMC and once you have passed, it will then allow you to be registered with the GMC. This test is taken in two parts and you should allow at least 4 months from the time of submitting your application to getting a place to sit the exam. You will be given permission to stay in the UK for up to 18 months in order to pass the PLAB test.
4.	Doctors can apply for Special Visas to allow them to practice in the UK once they have their GMC Registration. You can apply for Visas at the British High Commission in your country.
5.	Please note that if you are a Doctor and do not have a passport allowing you to work in the UK, you will need a "Work Permit" or a "Permit Free Training Stamp", but individuals cannot apply for a Work Permit on their own behalf, these applications must be made by a British based employer.

Summary of helpful websites to visit

		The Foreign Office www.fco.gov.uk/ukvisas Visa Information and Questionnaire
		The Home Office www.homeoffice.gov.uk Guidelines to UK Entry
		The Immigration Advisory Service www.iasuk.org - Advice and Appeal Details
		Visa and other information for South Africans - www.britain.org.za
		The General Medical Council www.gmc-uk.org Advice on Applying for GMC Registration

If you are a Doctor and do not have a passport allowing you to work in the UK, you will need a Work Permit or a Permit Free Training Stamp.

You can apply for UK Visas through the British High Commission in your country. To receive up to date information regarding eligibility to work in the UK please contact the following:

		The Foreign Office www.fco.gov.uk/ukvisas Visa Information and Questionnaire
		The Home Office www.homeoffice.gov.uk Guidelines to UK Entry
		The Immigration Advisory Service www.iasuk.org - Advice and Appeal Details
		Visa and other information for South Africans - www.britain.org.za

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