Journey of an IMG towards U.K. post-graduation : A guide for beginners

 There are multiple pathways to enter post graduate training in the U.K. Let’s talk about them in detail.

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Pathway 1

This pathway is ideal for MBBS graduates those who have completed/ in process of completing their internship/housejob.

This is the pathway which I personally followed.

Please note that — Unlike the USMLE, you cannot appear for PLAB exams before completing your medical college.

Step 1: IELTS

Clear your IELTS in the beginning of internship

Guidance for clearing IELTS can be found here : IELTS Guidance

Step 2: PLAB 1

Pass PLAB 1 during the duration of your internship.

Guidance on passing PLAB 1 can be found here : PLAB 1 Guidance

Step 3: PLAB 2

Pass your PLAB 2 as soon as you can after you pass your PLAB 1.

Guidance on passing PLAB 2 can be found here : PLAB 2 Guidance

Step 4: Apply for GMC registration and find a non-training job

Further guidance on the same can be found here : Link for further guidance

Step 5: Work in your non training job and get the CREST form signed

CREST form is a document which confirms that you have the competencies similar to a U.K. trainee completing their foundation training.

You can find the link to the CREST form for 2021 training recruitment here : CREST form (2021)

Step 6: Apply for the desired training post

You can apply for the desired training post through the following link : 
Oriel

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Pathway 2

This pathway is for doctors those who have passed royal college membership exams ( MRCP , MRCS, MRCOG etc. )

Step 1 : Pass the desired Royal college’s membership exam

Step 2: Apply for GMC registration and find a non-training job

You can find junior level or registrar level (if you are experienced ) jobs through :
TRAC Jobs
NHS Jobs website

Step 3: Work in your non training job and get the CREST form signed

CREST form is a document which confirms that you have the competencies similar to a U.K. trainee completing their foundation training.

You can find the link to the CREST form for 2021 training recruitment here : CREST form (2021)

Step 4: Apply for the desired training post

You can apply for the desired training post through the following link : 
Oriel

Please note : If you have worked in a surgical post for the duration of 18 months in any country including the U.K., you cannot apply for Core Surgical Training. You will have to apply for ST3 level specialty training jobs for further training after getting the form for core surgical training competencies signed off .

Also note that : If you do not want to get into a training post at a junior level (CT/ST1)(do not want to repeat core training as you have already done that in your home country as MS or MD), you can start as a non-training registrar(a senior post ) and work up your way towards becoming a consultant via the CESR pathway.

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Pathway 3 (MTI Pathway)

This pathway is for doctors who have completed post graduate training in their home country and want to work in the U.K. for a limited time, later on deciding whether they want to continue further or not.

Please follow the link given to know about this pathway : MTI pathway guidance

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