Revalidation What is revalidation? Revalidation is the process for doctors to positively affirm to the GMC that they are up to date and fit to practice. It is important to make sure that every doctor is up to date with medical advancements and their performance is being monitored by the medical licensing authority - this is to assist with continuing professional development and maintain patient safety. Revalidation runs over a five-year cycle and you will only need to revalidate once in the cycle. Please note, this blog post is merely a guide. Please click here for a full list of what is expected from you as an international doctor. What does the process look like? Everyone who holds a GMC license to practice is subject to revalidation and each organisation employing doctors in the UK is obliged to offer resources and support to ensure the process can be successfully navigated by their employees – organisations (both NHS and private) who provide this support are known as a ‘Designated Body’. Please bear in mind that it is ultimately the responsibility of each individual doctor to fulfil his/her obligations and maintain their license to practice medicine in the UK by completing each cycle of Revalidation, not the Designated Body. Revalidation itself is completed via a local evaluation of each doctors’ practice by a ‘Responsible Officer’ in every revalidation cycle – each Designated Body must have a Responsible Officer (usually the hospital Medical Director) who is charged with reviewing the evidence gathered during each cycle and deciding on behalf of the GMC whether the expected standards of medical practice in the UK are being met. This evidence includes annual appraisals, personal development plan’s (PDP’s), 360 feedback, self-evaluation, research, attendance at conferences and much more – all showing steps towards continual professional development. The Responsible Officer will make a recommendation about your fitness to practice to the GMC via GMC Connect. The Responsible Officer’s recommendation will be based on previously mentioned evidence over the course of the five-year cycle, combined with information drawn from the hospital’s (Designated Body’s) clinical governance systems. After the Responsible Officer’s recommendation, the GMC will decide whether to renew, request further information, suspend or revoke your license to practice. What do I need to do? Step 1: Open your GMC online account and make sure that you have a “connection” to a Designated Body and the Responsible Officer for that body is correct. This is so that the GMC knows who is taking responsibility for supporting you with the revalidation of your license. Step 2: You will then need to understand and collate the different types of information and documentation needed to reflect upon for your appraisal. This can include, but is not limited to: Evidence of your Continuing Professional Development – for example, journal club, job rotation, audit and reflective practice and teaching Quality improvement activity Significant events Feedback from patients Feedback from colleagues Compliments and complaints  Your employment or practice history Evidence of your Good Standing Certificates Fitness to Practice and health declarations Details of your annual appraisals, to show your continuing engagement with revalidation Step 3: Have an annual appraisal. An annual appraisal is a key part of revalidation. The appraisal should be supportive and developmental, but it is not a pass or fail exercise. An appraisal is an opportunity for a chance for reflection over your professional practice over the last year. Although your appraiser can facilitate further reflection, it is your responsibility to demonstrate examples of your reflective practice. During your appraisal, you must discuss the changes you have made or plan to make and any areas of good practice you intend to maintain or build on as a result of your reflection. Please note, you will need to collect evidencing documentation that covers your practice. Is there any guidance on the information I need to evidence? Please click here for access to the NHS Toolkit. The toolkit is designed with the appraisal meeting in mind, it allows you to enter information in a logical manner that mirrors how the appraisal conversation may flow. What does it cost to revalidate? If you have a Designated Body, then the GMC will not charge you a fee to revalidate. However, if you do not have a Designated Body, you will be charged £1,127 to revalidate What if I am not working in the UK and have no Designated Body? Doctors without a connection to a responsible officer or a 'Suitable Person' revalidate through a process of annual appraisals based on “good medical practice”, annual returns submitted to the GMC and a five-yearly assessment. A revalidation decision is based on the outcomes of these activities. It may be harder to complete Revalidation if there is nobody to oversee your progress and support aspects such as your appraisals and clinical governance or to make a revalidation recommendation about you, but it is still very possible. If you do not plan to work in the UK in the upcoming months or you practice entirely outside of the UK, then you may not need a license to practice and it may be better to give up or suspend your license until required. You can still maintain your registration without a license to practice. Please click here for further information on giving up and restoring your license. Please note, if you fail to complete any activity within the time frames the GMC specifies – without a reasonable excuse, the GMC will begin the process of withdrawing your license to practice. Click here to find a suitable appraiser. When can I “connect” to my new NHS employer via GMC online for revalidation? Once you have been offered a job in the UK and have officially accepted it in writing, you should be able to establish a connection with your employer as your Designated Body. This can be done by logging in to your GMC online account, locating the ‘Revalidation’ option from the sidebar on the left hand side of the screen and selecting the name of the NHS Trust/Company you are due to start with. The GMC will send a message to whoever you name asking them to confirm that they know who you are and will indeed be assisting you with Revalidation – it may be worth confirming with HR that this will be approved before making the request if you are not yet in post. What if I do not complete revalidation? If you fail to comply with the requirements of revalidation and to engage with the local processes that underpin it, including appraisal, this will put your licence to practise at risk. You can find more information about how the GMC decides whether you can continue to hold a licence in their guide; Revalidation and the licence to practise: withdrawing, giving up or restoring your license and licensing appeals. Relocation to the UK If you are an international doctor who needs support securing their first NHS post, email your CV to [email protected] and we can aid you in your relocation process. From securing a job, supporting you with your Tier 2 visa application to finding schools for your children. IMG Advisor Are you a member of our Facebook Group IMG Advisor? We publish regular blog posts, you can receive professional guidance and get the chance to meet other IMGs. References Licensing, R. (2019). Revalidation. ] Gmc-uk.org. Available at: https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/revalidation [Accessed 17 Jun. 2019]. Licensing, R. (2019). Fees and funding. ] Gmc-uk.org. Available at: https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/fees-and-funding [Accessed 17 Jun. 2019]. Gmc-uk.org. (2019). Guidance on supporting information for appraisal and revalidation. ] Available at: https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/revalidation/guidance-on-supporting-information-for-appraisal-and-revalidation [Accessed 17 Jun. 2019]. Gmc-uk.org. (2019). ] Available at: https://www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/documents/RT___Supporting_information_for_appraisal_and_revalidation___DC5485.pdf_55024594.pdf [Accessed 17 Jun. 2019]. Bma.org.uk. (2019). BMA - Introduction to revalidation. ] Available at: https://www.bma.org.uk/advice/employment/revalidation/introduction [Accessed 17 Jun. 2019]. RCPCH. (2019). Revalidation - guidance for doctors working overseas. ] Available at: https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/revalidation-guidance-doctors-working-overseas [Accessed 17 Jun. 2019].      

After you have signed your NHS offer letter, you will need to organise and collate a number of documents, to allow the hospital to apply for your CoS and in turn, you can then go ahead and apply for your Tier 2 visa. What documents do I need to send to the hospital before they can apply for my CoS? References – A minimum of two references is expected. Most NHS hospitals will ask for your references contact details and they will then contact them on your behalf requesting the reference. Alternatively, if the NHS hospital asks you, personally, to provide the references, ask your Consultant to provide you with one on your hospital’s letter headed paper, or normal paper with a hospital stamp and the reference should confirm your employment and dates of employment. However, each NHS Trust is different, so confirm what the HR department needs from you. Proof of Address – A minimum of two different proof of address’ is needed. Examples include a bank statement or a utility bill. The letter should clearly state your full name, address and it should be dated within the last three months. Please note, this address must be the same that will be used for your CoS application and your Tier 2 visa application. A Certificate of Good Standing for each medical council you have been registered with over the last 5 years A copy of your passport Your Police Clearance Certificate - You’ll need a certificate from any country you’ve stayed in for a total of 12 months or more over the last 10 years. Please note, this is also needed for any Tier 2 dependents over the age of 18 Evidence of your GMC Registration stage - If you have attended your ID check, you will need to provide the NHS Trust evidence of your license to practice. If you are waiting to attend your ID check, you will need to provide the Trust with the email evidence of your invitation. IELTS UKVI or UKNARIC certificate After you have collated the above documents, your NHS Trust can now apply for your CoS. Please note, your CoS MAY come back in a matter of days, as doctors and nurses on Tier 2 visas can now be applied for as unrestricted. However, this is dependent on the HR department successfully making the application. My CoS has been issued, what do I do now? Once your CoS has been correctly issued, with all the information printed correctly – you now apply for your Tier 2 visa! What documents do I need to apply for my Tier 2 visa? A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – you have three months from the date it is issued to apply for your Tier 2 visa Tuberculosis Test Clearance Certificate, if your country is listed here Police Clearance Certificate - You’ll need a certificate from any country you’ve stayed in for a total of 12 months or more over the last 10 years. Please note, this is also needed for any Tier 2 dependents over the age of 18 Proof of English Knowledge – This can either be a score of 4 in IELTS UKVI or your UKNARIC certificate Maintenance – If your hospital has not ticked “Y” on the Maintenance box on your CoS, you will need to evidence that you have £945 in your account for the last 90 days prior to your application, Please note, your dependents will also need £630 in their personal account for the same period of time I have submitted my online Tier 2 visa application, what do I do next? When you submit your documents, you will be asked to select a date to attend your local biometrics appointment. Please take all of the above documentation with you to be verified. At the appointment, your fingerprints will be taken along with your passport which will then be returned in the post. Once your passport has been returned back to you, it will contain your travel vignette which will state the valid dates you can travel on. I have arrived in the UK, what do I do? After you have organised your accommodation (temporary or permanent), you will need to do the following: Attend your GMC ID check, if necessary Collect your BRP from your local post office Attend the police station within 7 days of arriving in the UK Attend your occupational health appointment (this must be cleared before you can start your NHS post) Attend your ID check with your hospital’s HR department Set up a UK bank account Attend your induction/shadowing period Isla, BDI Resourcing’s Relocation Executive’s top tips to ensure a successful relocation: Organise your documents from as early as possible. For example, it is important to bear in mind that your Police Clearance Certificate will take longer to obtain than other documents, so, try and get the process started as early as possible Respond to the hospital’s requests from as early as possible Research your new UK location, it is important to familiarise yourself with your new UK home. This can include local schools, activities, nice areas to live and transportation! Relocation to the UK If you are an international doctor who needs support securing your first NHS post, email your CV to [email protected] and we would love to support you on your journey to the UK. IMG Advisor Are you a member of our Facebook Group, IMG Advisor? From joining, you will have access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional support and the chance to meet other IMGs.  

To work in Medicine or sub-specialities such as Cardiology, Respiratory and Gastroenterology at ST3+ level, you will need full MRCP and a pass in IELTS or OET. To obtain full MRCP, you will need to pass the following exams: MRCP Part 1 MRCP Part 2 PACES In today’s blog post, we provide you with an overview of MRCP Part 1. We provide you with the cost of the exam, international test centres, the examination format, modules tested and some useful revision resources to aid your studies. MRCP Part 1 UK Cost: £419 International Cost: £594 What overseas test centres can I sit MRCP Part 1 in? Bahrain (Manama), Bangladesh (Dhaka), Egypt (Cairo), Ghana (Accra), Hong Kong , Iceland (Reykjavik), India (Kerala), India (Kolkata), India (Mumbai) , India (New Delhi), Iraq (Baghdad), Iraq (Erbil), Jordan (Amman), Kenya (Nairobi), Kuwait (Kuwait City), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Malta, Myanmar, Nepal (Kathmandu), Oman (Muscat), Pakistan (Karachi), Pakistan (Lahore), Qatar (Doha), Saudi Arabia (Jeddah), Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan (Khartoum), United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi), United Arab Emirates (Dubai), United States of America (New Jersey), West Indies (Barbados, West Indies (Trinidad), Zimbabwe (Harare). Summary of MRCP Part 1 Two three-hour papers 200 multiple-choice (best of five) questions No images What is the examination format? MRCP Part 1 exam has two-paper format. Each paper is three hours long and contains 100 multiple choice questions in a best of five format.  The exam will test your core medical knowledge, comprehension and assess the ability to interpret the information presented and test your core knowledge. You will be presented with a clinical scenario or question and then five possible options, only one is correct. Please note, the other four options will be closely related to the correct option, but less correct, therefore acting as plausible alternatives. Each correct answer will be awarded as one mark and there is no negative marking. What will I be tested on? Cardiology 15 Clinical Haematology and Oncology 15 Clinical Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology 16 Clinical Sciences 25 Dermatology 8 Endocrinology 15 Geriatric Medicine 4 Gastroenterology 15 Infection Diseases and GUM 15 Neurology 15 Nephrology 15 Ophthalmology 4 Psychiatry 8 Respiratory Medicine 15 Rheumatology 15 What does the Clinical Sciences module comprise of? Cell, Molecular and Membrane Biology, Clinical Anatomy, Clinical biochemistry and metabolism, clinical physiology, genetics, immunology, statistics, epidemiology and evidence-based medicine. Useful Revision Resources Books Essential Revision Notes for MRCP Basic Sciences for Core Medical Training and the MRCP Best of Five MCQs for the MRCP Part 1 Pack (Oxford Specialty Training: Revision Texts) Basic Medical Sciences for MRCP Part 1, 3e (MRCP Study Guides) Question Banks Pass Medicine Pastest On Examination Practice Papers MRCP UK Question Quiz Blog OUP Relocation to the UK If you are an international doctor with full MRCP and a pass in IELTS or OET, we can help you secure your first NHS post! Email your CV to [email protected] and we can support you with your entire relocation journey, from finding accommodation to securing schools for your children. Are you a member of IMG Advisor? Join our Facebook Group, IMG Advisor! We publish regular blog posts, you have the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional guidance and get the chance to meet other IMGs!    

Are you an international doctor who wants to obtain a UK training post? We are proud to announce that BDI Resourcing is partnering with Dr Naseer Khan and Arora Medical Education to provide a UK Training Guidance Seminar for IMGs. There will be doctors in training, sharing their experience and guidance from the following areas: ACCS Emergency Medicine Core Anaesthetics Training Core Psychiatry Training General Practice Specialty Training Internal Medicine Training Obs and Gyne ST1 Training Ophthalmology ST1 Training Paediatrics ST1 Training Event Details Date: Saturday, 20 July 2019 Time: 10:00 - 17:00 Venue: ORTUS Conference and Events Venue, 82 - 96 Grove Lane, Camberwell, London, SE5 8SN. Entry: Free Refreshments: Sandwiches, tea, coffee. How do I register for the event? Although the event is free, we only have 100 spaces available. To attend, please fill in this form and wait for an email response for confirmation of your registration. Join the Facebook Event to stay up to date with the day’s event! https://www.facebook.com/events/443460856441712/ Event Structure: 10:00-10:20 Registration 10:20-10:30 Welcome by Dr Naseer Khan 10:30-11:00 Guidance for Ophthalmology ST1 by Dr Kimberley Tan 11:00-11:30 Guidance for O&G ST1 by Dr Sheena John 11:30-11:45 Arora Medical Education - your partner in GP Training 11:45-12:15 Guidance for Core Psychiatry Training by Dr Shah Tarfarosh 12:15-12:45 Guidance for GPST by Dr Shaz Khan 12:45-13:45 Lunch/Networking 13:45-14:15 Guidance for Core Anaesthetics Training by Dr Azeem Awan 14:15-14:45 Guidance for ACCS EM by Dr Nehal Sarja 14:45-15:00 BDI Resourcing - Relocating to the UK 15:00-15:30 Guidance for Paediatrics ST1 by Dr Ayesha Maitla 15:30-16:00 Guidance for IMT by Dr Abubaker Raheel 16:00-17:00 Q&A/Networking Any questions? Email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to answer any questions about the event. Relocation to the UK If you are an international doctor looking to secure your first NHS service post, email your CV to [email protected] and we will be happy to support you on your journey to the UK. Join our Facebook Group Are you a member of IMG Advisor? We post regular relocation blog posts, you can ask questions and receive professional advice and get the chance to meet other IMGs.    

What is a Biometric Residence Permit? As an international doctor on a Tier 2 visa, you will receive a BRP if you: Obtained a Tier 2 visa for longer than 6 months Extended your Tier 2 visa for longer than 6 months Applied for permanent settlement in the UK Transferred your visa to a new passport Please note, you do not need to apply separately for your BRP. You will be issued one automatically when your Tier 2 visa is approved. What is on my BRP? Your permit will state your name, date, place of birth, your fingerprints and photographic identification. It will also provide details on your immigration status and whether you have access to public funds. Typically, your National Insurance number should be printed on the back of your BRP. If you receive it and it is not printed on the back of your BRP, you will need to apply for one here. What should I do if my BRP does not arrive? Please do not worry if you arrive in the UK and your BRP has not yet been issued. If it has been 10 days after arriving in the UK, you can follow the progress of your BRP here. The Home Office typically responds within 5 working days to inform you of what to do next. Can I start my NHS post if BRP has not yet arrived? Yes. If you are waiting receiving your BRP, it is legal to take up your new employment within an NHS hospital. What do I do if I have lost my BRP? If you lose your BRP or it is stolen, you can only order a replacement from inside the UK. The Home Office will contact you within one working day of reporting it. Please note, if you locate your BRP at a later date after receiving a replacement, you cannot use the original. The cost of a replacement BRP is £154. Relocation to the UK If you are an international doctor who plans to relocate to the UK and join the NHS, email your CV to [email protected] and we will be happy to support you on your journey. Join IMG Advisor Join our online community of over 10,000 doctors! We share regular relocation blog posts, and updates. References GOV.UK. (2019). Biometric residence permits (BRPs). ] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits/replace-visa-brp [Accessed 4 Jun. 2019].    

Kent is located in the South East of England and it is a county that will provide you with a beautiful countryside, fantastic coastlines as well as quick trips to London and France. The county is full of history as it is home to plenty of castles and Cathedral’s but it is also full of busy towns and cities. What should I expect, moving to Kent? Kent has been dubbed with being the “Garden of England” as around a third of the county forms part of two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: The North Downs and The Weals. Whether you decide to live in historic Canterbury or the Modern Town Maidstone, you are never far from the glorious English countryside that will offer you an array of country pubs and castles. Cost of Living in Kent Accommodation One-bedroom apartment in the City Centre £787.50 One-bedroom apartment Outside of the Centre £666.67 Three-bedroom apartment in the City Centre £1,325.00 Three-bedroom apartment Outside of the Centre £1,050.00 Transportation 1L of Petrol £1.27 One-way public transport ticket £3 Monthly public transport ticket £72.50 Taxi trip, 5 miles £20 Entertainment Basic dinner out for two in a neighbourhood pub £30 Two tickets to the cinema £18 Two tickets to the theatre £75 Cappuccino £3.15 One month of gym membership £30 Getting to other cities from Kent via Train London Victoria – 1 hour 2 minutes Birmingham - 3 hours 3 minutes Manchester – 3 hours 35 minutes Bristol – 3 hours 36 minutes Cardiff – 3 hours 40 minutes Leeds – 3 hours 49 minutes Edinburgh – 6 hours 12 minutes Education in Kent The county has some of the best schools in the UK, from Walthamstow School in Sevenoaks and Tonbridge School in Tonbridge. An alternative to private schools, there are a number of high-performing Grammar schools, which include Invicta Grammar School and Dartford Grammar School. Top things to do in Kent Visit Dover Castle, the most iconic of all English fortresses and the White Cliffs of Dover, famous for its composition of chalk with streaks of black flint. This area of the coastline is a Special Area of Conservation. The Big Cat Sanctuary, Wildlife Heritage Foundation. You can visit the big Cats, feed them or even act as a keeper or ranger for the day. Bluewater Shopping Centre, the fifth-largest shopping centre in the UK (after Westfield London, MetroCentre, Trafford Centre and Westfield Stratford City). There are 330 stores, including 40 cafes and restaurants and a 17-screen cinema. Relocation to Kent If you are an international doctor planning to relocate to the UK and join the NHS, email your CV to [email protected] and we will be in touch regarding current opportunities. Join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor When you join, you will have access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional guidance and the chance to meet other IMGs. References Team, P. (2019). Moving to Kent - Zoopla. [online] Zoopla.co.uk. Available at: https://www.zoopla.co.uk/discover/buying-area-guides/living-in-kent/#UGQhWtAZqzSyufBi.97 [Accessed 29 May 2019]. Life After London. (2019). Kent--Why Move to Kent?. [online] Available at: http://www.lifeafterlondon.com/kent-why-move-to-kent/ [Accessed 29 May 2019].  

The Immigration Health Surcharge (NHS Surcharge) costs £400 per year for each year of the length of your Tier 2 visa. Once you have paid your IHS, you will be entitled to receive free health services under the NHS. Please note, it is mandatory to pay the surcharge. If your visa is for 6 months or less, then you will have to pay half the annual amount (£200). Click here to calculate how much you will need to pay. Who has to pay the NHS Surcharge? All non-European doctors and nurses and their dependents will need to pay the surcharge when applying for a Tier 2 visa (or a Tier 2 dependents visa). Who does not need to pay the IHS fee? If you are in the UK on a Standard UK Visit Visa You are applying for indefinite leave to remain You are a dependent of a member of the UK’s armed forces You are a family member of a European national with European Union Treat rights You are applying for a visa for the Isle of Man or Channel Islands You are an asylum seeker If you are on a Standard Visit Visa and need to use the NHS, you will be charged for each treatment you receive (at a cost of 150% of the cost of the treatment) and so, it is important to ensure that you have travel and health insurance. I applied for my IHS along with my dependents and I was charged too much. What should I do? Where the time period applied for is shorter than the maximum period permitted under the Tier 2 visa, an NHS Surcharge for the maximum period (3 years) may be charged for your dependents. If this does happen, a partial refund should automatically be paid of the charge for the additional years over the main applicant’s visa length. Example: If you have been allocated a two-year CoS under a Tier 2 visa, you will pay £800 for your own IHS. Then, if you have a spouse, you may be charged £1200 (£400 x 3 years) with the extra £400 refunded after the application has been decided. Please note, if your visa application is refused, then you will automatically be refunded your IHS fee, but not the cost of the visa application itself. When can I start using the NHS? You have paid the healthcare surcharge Your Tier 2 visa application is granted Please note, you will still need to pay for other healthcare services such as prescriptions, dental treatment and eye tests. Remember to bring your biometric residence permit when you access healthcare in the UK. Relocation to the UK If you are an international doctor or nurse who plans to relocate to the UK and join the NHS, email your CV to [email protected] and we will be happy to help you on your journey to the UK. Join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor By joining our Facebook Group, you will have access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional guidance and the chance to meet other IMGs. References GOV.UK. (2019). Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application [Accessed 28 May 2019]. Admin.ox.ac.uk. (2019). Cost and payment of applications, Personnel Services site. [online] Available at: https://www.admin.ox.ac.uk/personnel/permits/tier2/overseas/costandpaymentofapplications/ [Accessed 28 May 2019].  

What is limited leave to remain? If you are a non-EEA national, you will be subject to UK immigration rules which means that to enter the UK for a limited period of time, you will need to apply for limited leave to remain. Typically, for doctors and nurses, this is by way of Tier 2 visa application. Limited leave to remain requires you to depart from the UK at the end of the specified visa period or to make a further application to the Home Office via either a Tier 2 visa extension, further leave or indefinite leave to remain. Whilst you are on a Tier 2 visa, you will have to meet the conditions of your visa and a number of restrictions will apply, such as having no access to public funds whilst in the UK. What is indefinite leave to remain? If you hold indefinite leave to remain, which is also known as a permanent residency or settled status – this means you have no time limit to live in the UK and usually no conditions on your right to stay. You can access the same entitlements to services as UK citizens and apply for welfare and tax credits. Indefinite Leave to Remain Criteria You must complete 5 years of continuous residence in the UK and adhere to certain income requirements Keep a detailed record of any absences from the UK over the last 5 years, as any lengthy absences may negatively impact your application Evidence your English language skills – You will need to either provide evidence of an academic qualification taught in English or you will need to sit an approved English test You must demonstrate a good knowledge of life in the UK, by way of the “Life in the UK” test What is The Life in the UK Test? This is an official government test and it costs £50. There are over 30 test centres in the UK, and you will need to choose the nearest 5 to where you live. To prepare for the test, you should study the official handbook for the Life in the UK Test. You will have 45 minutes to answer 24 questions about British traditions and customs. Examples of possible Life in the UK Question? What is New Year’s Eve called in Scotland? ​A. Vaisakhi​​ B. Hannukah C. Diwali D. Hogmanay Why did Henry VIII establish the Church of England? ​A. To celebrate his wedding with Anne of Cleves B. To have control over religious people C. To establish a unique religion in England  D. To divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon Where is Snowdonia located? A. England  B. Northern Ireland  C. Scotland D. Wales Cost of Indefinite Leave to Remain Application It costs £1,330 to apply. You must also pay £19.20 to have your biometric information taken. Please click here to apply. Relocation to the UK If you are an international doctor with plans to relocate to the UK and join the NHS, email your CV to [email protected] and we would love to help you on your journey to the UK. Join our Facebook Group Are you a member of IMG Advisor? Here, you will have access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional advice and the chance to meet other IMGs. References GOV.UK. (2019). Life in the UK Test. ] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test [Accessed 20 May 2019]. Morris, A. (2019). Leave to Remain in the UK (Requirements & Applications) - - Immigration Solicitors. ] - Immigration Solicitors. Available at: https://www.davidsonmorris.com/leave-to-remain/ [Accessed 20 May 2019].    

Beautiful Hertfordshire is located in South East England and is surrounded by Essex, Buckinghamshire, Greater London and Bedfordshire. It contains one city, St. Albans and other large towns including Watford, Hitchen, Hemel Hempstead and Stevenage. The county has various landmarks from Leavesden Film Studios, where the Harry Potter tour lies, Paradise Wildlife Park and English Country Stately Homes. St. Albans, which is found in South Hertfordshire has been voted one of the best places to live in the entire UK and this city has the third highest earnings in the country. Families choose to relocate to Hertfordshire because it is easily commutable distance to London, just an 18-minute train ride away. Reasons to relocate to Hertfordshire Excellent transportation links to London An array of green spaces and easy access to the countryside Picture-perfect villages Outstanding state schools, in addition to top-performing independent schools Rich in history, the county is full of many historic and cultural sites and events Cost of Living Accommodation One bedroom in City Centre £908.33 One bedroom Outside of Centre £875.00 Three bedrooms in City Centre £2,000.00 Three bedroom Outside of Centre £1,500.00 Transportation 1L of Petrol £1.29 One-way ticket £2.90 Monthly pass £75.00 Taxi trip, 5 miles £20 Entertainment Basic dinner out for two in a neighbourhood pub £35 Two tickets to the cinema £20 Two tickets to the theatre £95 Cappuccino £3.01 One month of gym membership £40 Areas to live in Hertfordshire If you prefer quiet village life, you have various options available to you. From Ashwell, Barley, Harpenden and Aldbury – which all made it to County Life’s Best Places to Live for Commuters Survey. Residing in one of the listed villages will provide you with access to art galleries, luxury properties, country fairs and music festivals. Alternatively, if you prefer the buzz of a busy town, you could opt to live in Hertford, St. Albans or Watford – these towns offer plenty of green space, excellent quality schools and a healthy economy. Similar to country living, you will have a full range of properties, from flats, terraces, town houses and new builds. Getting to other cities from Hertfordshire via Train London – 18 minutes Birmingham - 2 hours 11 minutes Manchester – 2 hours 52 minutes Bristol - 2 hours 41 minutes Cardiff – 2 hours 41 minutes Leeds – 2 hours 49 minutes Edinburgh – 4 hours 53 minutes Education in Hertfordshire Hertfordshire is a fantastic place to bring up children because statistics have revealed that 9 out of 10 schools in the area come under the good or outstanding ratings. Overall, the schools in Hertfordshire have a higher score than the Ofsted national average, which currently sits at just below 90%. With regards to further education, those living in Hertfordshire can easily access top universities such as University College London, Imperial College London, King’s College London, London School of Economic and Political Science, Queen Mary University of London, Royal Holloway University of London and so forth. Top things to do in Hertfordshire Warner Bros. Studio Tour, The Making of Harry Potter – This is one of the biggest days out in Hertfordshire and the tour sees millions of visitors from all over the world each year. On your visit you can explore sets used in the films, alongside props, costumes and art. St. Albans Cathedral – The city is named after Britain’s first saint and the grand cathedral is a beautiful church to explore. Cassiobury Park, Watford – This is the largest public open space in Watford and is over 190 acres. The park consists of a playground, paddling pools, a miniature railway, a zip wire and a local nature reserve. The River Lee, Broxbourne – Explore the River Lee by boat at the Lee Valley Boat Centre. You can explore the river via electric boats, rowing boats, pedalos and canoes! You can also book a public or a private cruise on a larger boat where you can also enjoy a meal on-board. Relocation to Hertfordshire If you are an international doctor planning to relocate to the UK and join the NHS, email your CV to [email protected] and we will be in touch regarding current opportunities. Join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor When you join, you will have access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional guidance and the chance to meet other IMGs. References , cost of living comparisons. (2019). Cost of Living in United Kingdom.. ] Available at: https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/country/united-kingdom [Accessed 17 May 2019]. Zoopla.co.uk. (2019). Moving to Hertfordshire - Zoopla. ] Available at: https://www.zoopla.co.uk/discover/buying-area-guides/living-in-hertfordshire/#gzfllAxTSbUihtvp.97 [Accessed 20 May 2019]. Storing.com. (2019). Moving To Hertfordshire: An Easy Guide - Storing.com. ] Available at: https://storing.com/moving-hertfordshire-easy-guide/ [Accessed 20 May 2019].      

Southampton is located on the South coast of England and it is one of Britain’s greenest cities with over fifty parks to enjoy. Living in Southampton, you will also have access to the famous National Park’s New Forest and the South Downs, all on your doorstep. The city has a population of 919,843 (2019) and it is extremely well connected. On average, there are 113 trains each day between Southampton and London Waterloo, with the journey time taking just 1 hour and 20 minutes. Southampton also has its own airport providing flights to both UK destinations and Europe. There are also regular daily ferry crossings to France. Top Reasons to Relocate to Southampton Perfect location for families – Southampton is a working city, but it also provides an element of relaxation. Inland, you have the beautiful New Forest National Park and just 20 minutes away you can experience the happiest place to live in the UK, Winchester. Because of the high level of visitors to the city, the shopping is excellent and there are 100s of restaurants and entertainment to choose from. The University – Thousands of students relocate from all over the UK to live and study at the University of Southampton. This gives the local economy an annual boost and ensures that Southampton provides a range of arts, music venues and a busy entertainment calendar. The University is also one of the city’s largest employers, drawing academics from around the globe to attend. Offers a good work-life balance – Southampton provides excellent rail, road, air and sea connections, which makes it an excellent place to work if you live in the surrounding rural or countryside areas. Living in Southampton is affordable if you prefer, the average monthly mortgage figure of around £700pcm, which is far below the national average of £1900. Cost of Living Renting Accommodation One-bedroom apartment in the City Centre £702.72 One-bedroom apartment outside of the City Centre £577.50 Three bedrooms in the City Centre £1306.25 Three bedroom Outside of the Centre £1041.67 Transportation One litre of petrol £1.24 Monthly public transport ticket £46 Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 5 miles £13 Entertainment Basic dinner out for two at a neighbourhood pub £29 Two tickets to the cinema £21 Two tickets to the theatre £84 Cappuccino £3.42 One-month gym membership in the business district £26 Where to live in Southampton? If you are looking for a new and modern property, you ought to live in the up and coming Cultural Quarter which is situated close to arts venues and Southampton Solent University. You can choose from townhouses to luxury apartments with views across the River Itchen and the marina. If you want to live in a more family-oriented area, you have the option of Hedge End, which provides good schools, shops and parks. Alternatively, there is Southampton Common which is just a short walk away from Southampton Central Train Station. Travelling to other UK cities from Southampton via Train London Waterloo – 1 hour 19 minutes Birmingham – 2 hours 31 minutes Manchester – 3 hours 57 minutes Bristol – 1 hour 37 minutes Cardiff – 2 hours 36 minutes Leeds – 4 hours 21 minutes Edinburgh – 6 hours 19 minutes Education in Southampton There are 42 schools and colleges rated “Outstanding” by OFSTED within a 10-mile radius of Southampton. You can find a list of these schools here. Top things to in Southampton Visit the boats – Attend Britain’s biggest boat show, which is held in the city centre every September. There will be entertainment and hundreds of world’s leading sailboats and powerboats to take the water. Go skiing – The Alpine Snowsports Centre will allow you to improve your skills all year round. You can try snowboarding, skiing or have fun on the inflatables and spin down the slopes. Learn to Dive – The Quays is one of the only four High Performance Centres for diving in the UK and several of Team GB’s Olympic divers train here. Visit the Theatre – The Mayflower was built in the 1920’s and it is the South of England’s biggest theatre. You can see a range of performances from West End Musicals, dance performances and operas. Visit St. Michael’s Square – Home to the amazing Tudor House that was built in the late 15th Century for a wealthy merchant family. The house is now a museum that exhibits from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, encompassing more than 900 years of local history. Visit the Sea City Museum – Based in the heart of the city, the Museum tells the story of the people of the city, their lives and the historic connections with the Titanic and the Sea. Relocating to Southampton If you are an international doctor who plans to join the NHS and relocate to Southampton, email your CV to [email protected] and we will be happy to support you throughout your relocation journey. IMG Advisor Are you a member of our Facebook Group IMG Advisor? Here, you will have access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional guidance and the chance to meet other IMGs. References Schepens | UK & European Removals Specialist | FREE Quote. (2019). Relocating to Southampton | Home & Business Moving to Southampton | Schepens. [online] Available at: https://www.schepens.co.uk/relocating-to-southampton/ [Accessed 14 May 2019]. Safestore. (2019). Why Southampton is great for job hunters. online] Available at: https://www.safestore.co.uk/blog/2018/02/why-southampton-is-great-for-job-hunters/ [Accessed 14 May 2019]. Schepens | UK & European Removals Specialist | FREE Quote. (2019). Relocating to Southampton | Home & Business Moving to Southampton | Schepens. online] Available at: https://www.schepens.co.uk/relocating-to-southampton/ [Accessed 14 May 2019]. Expatistan, cost of living comparisons. (2019). Cost of Living in Southampton, United Kingdom. May 2019 prices in Southampton.. online] Available at: https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/southampton [Accessed 14 May 2019]. Lastminute.com. (2019). 21 things to do in Southampton - Blog - lastminute.com. online] Available at: https://www.lastminute.com/blog/things-to-do-in-southampton [Accessed 14 May 2019].    

After your application for GMC Registration with a licence to practise has been accepted, you will need to attend an ID check in the GMC offices. You can conduct your ID check in either London or Manchester. After your application has been accepted, you have three months to attend your ID check. Please note, it is an option to coincide your ID check with relocating to the UK and starting your new NHS post. The process of applying for a UK Visit Visa is broken down into two stages. The online application The submission of all required supporting documents at the visa application centre The Online Application Process The first part of the application will ask you to provide your personal details such as your name, passport information and national identity. The application will then ask you to provide your travel information and essentially an itinerary, here you will need to include information of when you will arrive in the UK and the date you will leave the UK. Please note, you will need to include a detailed travel itinerary within your cover letter. Next, you will be asked to provide the main reason for your visit to the UK. Other details that the application will ask you to provide include personal and family information, employment details, how much money you plan on spending in the UK, accommodation details, any previous visa refusals and criminal convictions. Once you have entered all the required information, you will then be taken to a declaration page. This page asks you to pick an appointment date with a visa application centre. However, do not select a date if you have not uploaded all of the required supported documents. What supporting documents will I need to provide? Your personal circumstance will determine what supporting documents you will need to upload. However, it is typically two key documents. A valid passport Evidence of your GMC ID check invitation Other documents that you may need to upload: Cover letter – Details on what to include in your cover letter are provided in the section below Passport – Must be valid Letter of Employment – This letter should be provided by the hospital that you are currently working for confirming your employment Bank Statements – If you will be financially supporting yourself for this trip then you will need to provide your bank statements, typically six months’ worth. However, if another person is supporting you then you will need to provide your own bank statements as well as the bank statements of your financial support Proof of Accommodation in London or Manchester – Depending on where you have booked your ID check for, we advise for you to book accommodation in advance as the price will be lower Primary Medical Qualification/GMC Approved Postgraduate Qualification/PLAB Results You can apply for your UK Visa here. What should I include in my Visa Cover Letter? If you are unsure of how to lay out your cover letter, then you can find an example here. In the opening paragraph you should provide your name, visa application number, date of birth, passport number and the reason for your application. You can also include details of where you received your primary qualification, your current place of employment and your GMC registration number. After that, it is a good idea to provide the details of your family members, including your parents’ names and any other names of family members who are a dependent. In the next paragraph you should give an outline of your academic history and what led you to apply for GMC Registration and essentially your visit to the UK. Here, you can include information about your goal to live in the UK and work for the NHS. After you have outlined your academic history, you should then state what accommodation you are staying in during your visit, whether it is staying in a hotel, or with a family or a friend – you will need to provide evidence. If you are staying in a hotel, then provide evidence of the hotel booking confirmation or if you are staying with a friend, ask them to write a statement confirming your stay. You will then need to provide an entire itinerary for your trip to the UK. This includes the date and time you arrive, flight details and what you plan to do in between attending your GMC ID check and the date you leave. If you have a few extra days after you have taken the exam, you will have to provide good reasoning for staying beyond the purpose of the stay. Lastly, you should provide a numbered list of the supporting documents that you have provided to accompany the letter. Once you have submitted your Visa application you will then just need to wait! The UK Visa’s and Immigration department declare that the standard service to wait for your Visa to be approved or denied is fifteen days. However, from experience this time can fluctuate.   Support Relocating to the UK and joining the NHS If you are an international doctor who needs support securing an NHS post, email your CV to [email protected] and one of our Specialist Advisers will be happy to help you on your journey to the UK. Are you a member of IMG Advisor? Join our online Facebook community! We publish regular blog posts, you can ask questions and receive professional guidance and get the chance to meet other IMGs!