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← The PLAB route for overseas-qualified doctors
STEP 10 OF 13 · ROUTE B · OVERSEAS GRADUATES (PLAB)

Finding your first UK job

NHS Jobs, trust grade posts, clinical attachments and the new competition for training places.

  • ⏱ 7 min read
  • Route B · overseas graduates (PLAB)
  • Step 10 of 13
  • Reviewed 24 October 2026

After registration most IMGs start in a service post such as a locally employed doctor (LED), Trust grade SHO or clinical fellow. These are not national training posts, but they give you UK experience and references.

  • Search NHS Jobs and the BMJ Careers job board; trust websites list locally employed doctor posts.
  • A clinical attachment or observership can help you learn the system, but check that it is genuine and does not charge unreasonable fees.
  • Prepare a UK-style CV and a clear statement about your experience and your plan.
  • Ask about supervision, rota, study leave and support for exams before accepting.
  • Use the early months to complete workplace assessments, build a portfolio and prepare for specialty applications.

Reading a job advert

  • Grade and level: SHO-level, registrar-level, or junior clinical fellow.
  • Rota and banding: number of nights, weekends and on-call periods.
  • Supervision: named clinical and educational supervisors.
  • Training value: access to teaching, audit and exams.
  • Sponsorship: check that the employer holds a sponsor licence for the visa.

Fees, English-test scores and dates were last checked against official sources on 24 October 2026.

This page is general education, reviewed 24 October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change: always confirm with the official sources below. It is not medical, legal or immigration advice.