Passed the UKMLA? Your Complete Guide to the Next Steps for IMGs in the UK

Introduction

The next steps for IMGs after UKMLA success represent the beginning of an exciting and pivotal new chapter in your medical career. Having navigated the rigorous preparation and passed the exam, you have officially demonstrated that you have the knowledge and skills to practise safely in the UK. This is a monumental achievement, a testament to your dedication, resilience, and clinical acumen. You’ve conquered the final academic hurdle, and the path to becoming a UK doctor is now clearly laid out before you.

This guide is designed to be your comprehensive roadmap for what comes next. While our UKMLA for IMGs: Step-by-Step Guide helped you get to this point, this article focuses on the crucial administrative, professional, and practical stages that follow. We will walk you through everything from formalising your results to stepping into your first NHS role, ensuring you can navigate the process with confidence and clarity.

The Core Next Steps for IMGs After UKMLA: A 5-Step Guide

Step 1: Verify Your Results & Celebrate Your Success

The first thing to do is officially access and verify your UKMLA results. The General Medical Council (GMC) will provide these through the GMC Online portal, the same platform you used for registration. You will receive an email notification prompting you to log in and view your outcome. Ensure you save a digital and physical copy of your results notification for your records.

Before you get swept up in the whirlwind of applications and paperwork, it’s absolutely crucial to pause. Take a moment—a day, a weekend—to celebrate this incredible achievement. You have invested countless hours, made significant sacrifices, and overcome a challenging exam. Acknowledging your hard work is vital for your well-being and helps you recharge for the administrative journey ahead. Don’t underestimate the importance of this step.

Step 2: The GMC Registration Pathway for IMGs

With your UKMLA pass secured, the next major milestone is gaining registration with the GMC. This is the official licence that permits you to practise medicine in the UK. The process is detailed and requires meticulous attention to your documentation.

Understanding the Core Requirements

To apply for full registration, you will need to provide evidence that you meet a set of core requirements. Your UKMLA pass satisfies the knowledge and skills component, but you will also need to prove your identity, provide your primary medical qualification (PMQ), demonstrate your English language proficiency, and supply a certificate of good standing.

GMC Guidance: “Your application for registration is our primary way of checking you have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to practise medicine in the UK. We must be satisfied you meet the requirements of the Medical Act 1983.”

For more granular detail on this specific topic, our dedicated article on GMC Registration for IMGs after UKMLA is an essential resource.

EPIC Verification: Your Primary Source Verification

Before the GMC will assess your PMQ, it must be verified by a trusted third party. The Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC), a service provided by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), is the designated body for this.

The process involves:

1. Creating an EPIC Account: Register on the EPIC website.

2. Uploading Your PMQ: Submit a high-quality scan of your medical diploma or certificate.

3. Verification Request: EPIC will then contact your medical school or the relevant institution to confirm the authenticity of your qualification directly. This process can take several weeks, so it is highly recommended to start it as soon as possible, even before you have all other documents ready.

Submitting Your Application on GMC Online

Once your PMQ is verified via EPIC, you can proceed with your application on the GMC registration application guides portal. You will need to complete the application form and upload all your supporting evidence.

Table 1: GMC Registration Document Checklist for IMGs

After submitting, the GMC will assess your application. If everything is in order, you’ll be invited to an in-person identity check in the UK.

Step 3: Securing Your Visa & Right to Work in the UK

Once you have your GMC registration, or are confident it is imminent, you need to secure your right to work in the UK. For most IMGs, this means applying for a Health and Care Worker visa.

The Health and Care Worker Visa Explained

This visa category is specifically designed for qualified doctors, nurses, and other health professionals who have a job offer from an approved employer, such as the NHS. The key benefits include a faster application process, reduced fees, and an exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.

To be eligible, you must have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an NHS Trust or another approved employer. This means you must secure a job offer before you can apply for the visa.

Gathering Your Documentation

The visa application requires a specific set of documents to prove your identity, qualifications, and the legitimacy of your job offer. Being organised here is critical to avoid delays.

Table 2: Health and Care Worker Visa – Key Documents

Step 4: Preparing for and Finding Your First NHS Job

With registration and visa pathways clear, the next focus is your job search. The NHS is a vast organisation, and understanding its recruitment process is key to your success. This is an excellent time to consult a broader NHS guide for IMGs to understand the system you are about to enter.

Crafting a Medical CV Tailored for the NHS

An NHS-style CV differs from a standard academic CV. It should be concise (typically 2-3 pages), clear, and focused on your clinical experience, audits, and competencies. Use headings that align with NHS job descriptions, such as ‘Clinical Experience’, ‘Audit & Quality Improvement’, ‘Teaching Experience’, and ‘Management & Leadership’. Always tailor your CV to highlight the skills mentioned in the specific job’s person specification.

Navigating NHS Jobs and Trac

The central hub for almost all NHS vacancies is the official NHS Jobs website. You’ll need to create a profile and complete a detailed online application form. Many NHS Trusts use a system called Trac to manage applications, so familiarise yourself with this interface. Set up alerts for relevant specialties and grades (e.g., ‘FY2 Level’, ‘ST1/CT1 Level’, ‘Trust Doctor’) to stay updated on new openings.

For some IMGs, an alternative route into the NHS is through the formal training pathway via the UK FPAS Application Guide. It’s worth researching if you are eligible and if this aligns with your career goals.

Preparing for NHS Interviews

NHS interviews are typically structured as a panel interview. They focus on assessing not just your clinical knowledge but also your understanding of clinical governance, patient safety, communication skills, and your commitment to NHS values.

Pro Tip: Prepare for your interview by reviewing the GMC’s ‘Good medical practice’ guidelines and reflecting on your own experiences. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers to competency-based questions.

Be ready to discuss your portfolio, talk through challenging clinical scenarios, and explain why you want to work for that specific NHS Trust.

Step 5: Practical Relocation & Onboarding

The final phase involves the practicalities of moving to the UK and starting your new role.

Arranging UK Accommodation

Many hospitals offer temporary accommodation for new doctors, which can be a lifesaver for your first few weeks. Check with the hospital’s HR or medical staffing department once you have a job offer. Websites like Rightmove and Zoopla are the main portals for private rentals, but be aware that you will often need proof of income and a UK bank account.

Setting Up a UK Bank Account & Finances

Opening a UK bank account can sometimes be challenging without proof of address. Some banks have specific packages for key workers moving to the UK. It is wise to bring enough funds to cover your first month’s expenses, including a deposit for accommodation and living costs, as your first salary payment may take a few weeks.

Your First Days in the NHS: The Induction

Your new job will begin with a Trust induction. This is a mandatory orientation period where you will learn about the hospital’s policies, IT systems, safety protocols, and complete essential training. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow new starters, ask questions, and familiarise yourself with your new working environment before you step onto the wards.