- To sit PLAB: many candidates travel on a Standard Visitor visa. Check GOV.UK for permitted activities.
- To work: most overseas doctors need a Health and Care Worker visa, which requires a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor (NHS trusts and boards and many other employers) and a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Costs and rules. Visa fees, English requirements and the Immigration Health Surcharge exemption for Health and Care visa holders have changed several times; check the current GOV.UK pages.
- Family. Dependants can often apply with you; check the current rules.
A typical sequence
- Pass PLAB 2 and register with the GMC.
- Accept a job offer from a licensed sponsor and receive a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Apply online for the Health and Care Worker visa, pay the application fee, and give biometrics. Some nationalities also need a tuberculosis test.
- Travel, collect your biometric residence permit or e-visa as instructed, and start work.
- Health and Care Worker visa holders have been exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge; check this still applies.
- Dependants can often apply at the same time; check the current rules and costs.
- Time spent on the visa may count toward settlement; the qualifying period has been under review, so check GOV.UK.
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.