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As an employee within the United Kingdom, you will need to pay both income tax and national insurance on your wages. Disclaimer: Tax figures are always open and to change and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) assesses everyone’s personal circumstances within personal tax codes and so this article is purely a guideline. How do I know if I need to pay tax? Every person is entitled to a tax-free Personal Allowance of £11,850 for the year (this is set to increase to £12,500 in the tax year of 2019-20). How much tax do I have to pay if I earn over the Personal Allowance? In the UK, the tax system is based on marginal tax brackets. This means that the amount you are taxed is worked out based on the income you earn against certain thresholds. As a UK employee: You will pay 0% of tax on incomes up to £11,850 (£12,500 for 2019-20) Then you will pay 20% on anything you earn between £11,851 and £46,350 (£12,501-£50,001 for 2019-20) You will pay 40% Income Tax on anything you earn between £46,351 to £150,000) (£50,001-£150,000 for 2019-20). If you earn over £150,001 and over, you pay 45% tax Examples of take-home pay for a doctor Annual Salary (before tax) Monthly take home (after tax) £30,000 £1,982 £40,000 £2,549 £50,000 £3,085 £60,000 £3,568 £70,000 £4,052 £80,000 £4,535 Please click here to work out your exact take-home pay with a salary calculator. Paying tax on foreign income You may need to pay UK income tax on foreign income. For example: Foreign investments and savings interest Rental income on overseas property Income from pensions held overseas This income includes anything from outside of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. What is a National Insurance contribution? You will also be required to pay a national insurance contribution on your earnings to help build your entitlement to certain state benefits, such as the State Pension and Maternity Allowance. Dissimilar to income tax, national insurance is not an annual tax. You begin to pay National Insurance once you earn more than £162 a week and it applies to your pay each pay period (i.e. monthly, weekly etc). This means that if you earn extra in one month, you will pay extra national insurance. Your National Insurance contributions will be: 12% of your weekly earnings between £162 and £892 2% of your weekly earnings if you earn above £892 Please note, your National Insurance contributions will be taken off along with Income Tax before your employer pays your wages. How do I pay my tax and national insurance contribution? If your Personal Allowance is spread out evenly across your wages for the year, then your tax and national insurance contributions should be taken before you are paid. The UK Government know how much to take through a system called PAYE (pay as you earn). Where does UK taxpayer’s money go? The money is used to help provide funding for public services such as the NHS, the education and welfare system as well as investment in public projects, such as roads, rail and housing. Personal Savings Allowance When you open a UK bank account, you can also earn some income from your savings without paying tax. If you pay a basic tax rate, then you can earn up to £1,000 in tax-free savings. Higher rate taxpayers can earn up to £500. Join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor – Here, you will gain access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional advice and the chance to meet other IMGs! References Moneyadviceservice.org.uk. (2019). How much Income Tax and National Insurance you should pay. [online] Available at: https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/tax-and-national-insurance-deductions [Accessed 1 Feb. 2019]. S, H. (2019). Tax Rates 2018/19. [online] MoneySavingExpert.com. Available at: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/tax-rates/ [Accessed 1 Feb. 2019].  

Once a hospital has agreed to employ a non-EEA doctor, they will need to allocate a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to that doctor in order for them to make their Tier 2 Visa application. What is a CoS? A CoS is not a physical document, but a reference number which an international doctor can use to apply to enter or remain in the UK. There are two types of CoS: Unrestricted and restricted. Unrestricted – The CoS will be automatically allocated to the doctor Restricted – The application has to go to panel on the 11 month and there will be a wait for approval Unrestricted CoS When the Tier 2 visa cap was lifted in June 2018 – it meant that all doctors and nurses would be automatically allocated a CoS regardless of their point score (based on salaryprovided the application goes through as unrestricted. How the hospital applies for an unrestricted CoS A job offer is made to the doctor and pre-employment checks are carried out The hospital will apply online to the UK Home Office Visa and Immigration Office (UKVI) for an allocation, taken out of the yearly amount The CoS is granted and added to the sponsorship management system assigned by the hospital to the doctor The doctor applies for a Tier 2 visa within three months of receiving CoS The doctor’s Tier 2 visa application is successful and entry clearance granted Please note, there is no need to apply for an unrestricted CoS before a deadline as there is no panel – typically, you will receive the approved CoS within 48 hours. Restricted CoS Despite the Tier 2 visa cap in June, the hospital a certain number of unrestricted CoS’ per year – meaning, they may have to use a restricted CoS to apply for a doctor’s sponsorship licence if they do not have any unrestricted applications left. How the hospital applies for a restricted CoS The Resident Labour Market test is met, a doctor interviews a post, a job offer is made, and the pre-employment checks are completed The hospital will then apply online to the UKVI Office for a certificate from the limited monthly allocation Applications are assessed on the 11 each month when a panel meeting takes place. A hospital must submit their CoS application for a doctor the 5 each month to be considered on time When the CoS is granted, the hospital will assign it to the doctor and they will have three months to use the COS The doctor applies for a Tier 2 visa The doctor’s Tier 2 visa application is successful and entry clearance granted If you apply for a restricted CoS, the turnaround time could be around a month as you will need to wait for the panel to meet and approve the application. Our Advice Where possible, we advise for NHS hospitals to apply for an unrestricted CoS for their doctor. This means that the CoS could be returned in a matter of days. Whereas, if the CoS is applied for as unrestricted, it can take a number of weeks to be returned thus delaying the doctor’s ability to apply for their Tier 2 visa and starting employment within the Trust. If you are a doctor waiting for your CoS – do not worry about whether your job is on the shortage occupation list or whether your salary is high enough. The Tier 2 visa cap lift means that ALL doctors CoS’ will be approved, regardless of those issues. To speed up the ability to apply for your CoS – have all of your documents in order. This includes: -Passport -Proof of address x 2 -References to cover the last three years of employment x 2 -Police Clearance Certificate -Certificate of Good Standing Any questions? Email [email protected] and we will be happy to help. 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 advice and the chance to meet other IMGs!      

Hello IMGs! We have seen a lot of questions online recently, asking what the advantages are of using a Recruitment Agency against applying directly via NHS Jobs. So, in today’s post we wanted to share an honest comparison of the two – so you don’t have to! Applying directly via NHS Jobs Advantages 1. Easy to find vacancies hosted under one website. 2. Straightforward application – simply set up an NHS Job account, upload your CV and apply to various posts. 3. You can receive job alerts directly to your email address. 4. Job descriptions and departmental information will be provided in detail. Disadvantages 1. Not all NHS job adverts are open to IMGs outside of the EU for at least 28 days – as the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) needs to be satisfied first. 2. NHS Jobs receive a huge volume of applications for each job – sometimes in excess of 50 per position in certain regions. 3. Time – The process can be lengthy, taking several weeks to receive any feedback. 4. Lack of Constructive feedback on unsuccessful applications. 5. You will have to negotiate the salary and relocation allowance on your own. 6. You will have to deal directly with the hospital regarding all queries (Tier 2 visa, relocation). Some HR departments are overwhelmed, so may not respond in a timely manner. Applying via a Medical Recruitment Agency Advantages 1. All agency jobs should be applicable for IMGs outside of the EU – as the RLMT will have been satisfied. 2. An agency will give you free advice on how to improve your CV. 3. Some agencies will help you with interview preparation, supporting you with Skype set-up, possible interview questions and a practice interview. 4. A recruitment agency may have access to vacancies that are not on NHS jobs. 5. Some agencies will provide you with 24/7 support from application through to your first day of working within the NHS. Disadvantages 1. Not all agencies provide equal support – Like anything in life there are good and bad companies – Do your research on the company if deciding to work through one. 2. Lack of impartiality with some agencies – they will put pressure on doctors to accept jobs that are not suitable for the doctor’s individual situation. 3. Some agencies only work with a limited number of NHS Trusts – which offers a lack of choice doctors. If you decide to work with a recruitment agency to find your first job – here are some useful tips to finding the perfect NHS post. 1. Don’t be afraid to say no if you feel that the job is not for you. It is good to be honest with the Recruitment Consultant you are working with and so they can help you find the perfect position. 2. Have a look at the agency’s website and their social media presence, their reviews and the support they offer, prior to sending your CV! If they look unprofessional and have bad reviews, it is probably best to avoid them at all costs! 3. Ask the Recruitment Consultant lots of questions. Do they sound professional? Are they knowledgeable about the relocation process? Do they have a sound understanding of the specialism you work in? If not, do not work with them. 4. Make sure that the agency is UK based and a member of the REC (Recruitment and Employment Confederation). This is the professional body which governs the standards and ethics of recruitment professionals in the UK. 5. Remember that it is illegal for any UK based recruitment company to charge a fee to any job seeker. 6. And remember – have they tried to find out exactly what you are looking for? Join our Facebook Group – IMG Advisor Here, you will gain access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask relocation queries and receive prompt, professional and correct guidance. And the chance to meet other IMGs!      

If you are a European doctor working within the UK, you will have until June 2021 to apply for a settled status in the UK, as the post-Brexit registration opens nationwide.  Cost:  Over 16: £65 Under 16: £32.50 The Process The UK Government has made the process an easy one! By allowing you to apply for status, simply by downloading an app. They have hired 1,500 new caseworkers and have invested £175m in the scheme.  People applying for status will need to prove they have lived in the UK for at least six months in any 12 month period over a total of five years. If their settled status is granted, they will be able to stay and work in the UK for as long as they like, use the NHS, access benefits and pensions, and travel in and out of the country. A person given pre-settled status will be allowed to remain in the UK for a further five years. After the five years, the person can apply to change their status to “permanent”. References , A. (2019). How many people will have to apply to EU settlement scheme to stay in North East. ] . Available at: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/how-many-people-apply-eu-15699622 [Accessed 21 Jan. 2019]. Sky News. (2019). Millions of EU citizens can now apply for settled status in UK. [online] Available at: https://news.sky.com/story/eu-settled-status-launch-sparks-fears-of-a-new-windrush-11613355 [Accessed 21 Jan. 2019]. Log in to use Ginger Limited mode Five years ×

The Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologist exams into sub-speciality exams. In this post, we provide you with an overview of the FRCPath Histopathology exam. Including exam fees, eligibility, exam formats, topics covered and tips on successfully passing. Fees Exam Type Cost Part 1 Examination £647 Part 1 examination overseas (outside of the UK and Ireland) £880 Part 2 examination £1361 Eligibility Part 1 You are expected at least one year of Histopathology training and be equivalent to ST2 level before applying. Part 2 The Royal College expects you to sit the Part 2 exam after three years of training in Histopathology. You should not attempt Part 2 until at least 12 months after successfully passing Part 1. The Royal College of Pathologists suggests that prior to applying for the FRCPath Histopathology should ask for guidance from your educational supervisor as to when to sit the exam. When can I sit the exam? The Royal College of Pathology offers the FRCPath Histopathology Part 1 and Part 2 twice a year, in Spring and Autumn. Click here to apply. Exam format and topics covered Part 1 Format Part 1 of the Histopathology exam is comprised of 125 multiple choice questions, including a mix of one-best-answer and extended-matching formats. The exam duration is three hours and its purpose is to assess your overall knowledge and understanding of /, including the full range of autopsy practices undertaken in UK district general hospitals. Part 2 – Practical Examination Format The second part of the Histopathology Part 2 exam of six parts taken over the course of two days: 1. Surgical Histology You will be presented with 20 cases of 10 pairs of haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained slides in 20-minute slots over 3 hours 20 minutes on the second morning. The cases are drawn from a wide range of organ the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, gynaecological tract, breast, skin, soft tissue respiratory, urological, and endocrine systems. This list is not comprehensive and material from paediatric and areas may also be included from within the systems listed above. The questions will expect you to provide a diagnosis and the more complex cases will require you to provide a more detailed description, a diagnosis and special techniques. 2. Cytopathology The second part will include 8 non-gynaecological cytology cases provided in pairs in 20-minute slots on the first morning of the exam. 3. Pathology Next, you will be presented with four cases in the form of of gross pathology specimens. Formal written reports are not required in this exercise, as you will be tested on your ability to discuss gross pathology and familiarity with block selection in the context of the RCPath Minimum Datasets. 4. This part of the exam consists of 2 x 20-minute stations, one of which is a face-to-face exam whilst the other is a written exercise. You will be tested on management/clinical governance and multi-disciplinary team type cases. 5. Long cases You will also be presented with 4 x 20-minute stations on the first afternoon. The stations will include: H&E stained sections, (liver and renal biopsies), (tumours and lymph nodes), (skin and renal biopsies) and electron microscopy (renal biopsies, tumours etc.) This list is not exhaustive and other types of cases may also be used. 6.  Frozen Sections Within this part of the exam, there will be 6 cases to be viewed in 2 x 20-minute stations (3 cases per station). Here, you should make notes and provide ‘bottom line’ diagnosis only, to form the discussion with the examiner. Tips for helping you pass FRCPath Haematology  Register early – There is a high demand for sitting the FRCPath exams. If you register early you can plan your revision to fit the exam schedule and reduce the risk of missing out on your perfect time slot. Start revising early – We advise you to start revising at least six months in advance of each exam to prepare adequately. Although some doctors pass with less preparation time, do not risk it. If you start your exam revision as early as possible you will increase your chance of passing. Use a varied range of revision resources – do not just stick to one big textbook for your revision. The additional use of online courses, discussion forums and online tests will increase your knowledge and confidence when it comes to the exam itself. Please see the resources we have listed below. Try to cover all topics evenly – Excellent knowledge of smaller topics such as statistics, ophthalmology and psychiatry will allow you to collect extra marks for only a short period of study. Check the Royal College’s exam regulations. Useful Resources Part 1 Sample Questions Kids Virtual Pathology, University of Leeds John Hopkins Medical Pathology Cases Question and Answers Good luck! Join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor Here, you will have access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to receive relocation support and advice – free of charge! And the chance to meet other IMGs… References Rcpath.org. (2019). . ] Available at: https://www.rcpath.org/trainees/examinations/examinations-by-specialty/histopathology.html [Accessed 18 Jan. 2019].

After your CV has been reviewed by an NHS Trust and they have made the decision to invite you to an interview – it is likely the invitation will be via Skype, unless you are currently based within the UK. In today’s post, we share the ways you can successfully nail your NHS Skype interview and secure your first NHS post. How do I set up Skype? Step 1: Download Skype to your computer or mobile Step 2: Create a free account by entering your personal details Step 3: Sign in to your account It is that simple! How to prepare for Step 1: Add the hospitals Skype ID the day before the Skype call Step 2: A few hours before your scheduled Skype call, send a message to the NHS hospital informing them of your name, what post you are interviewing for and your interview time slot Step 3: An hour before your interview, try and do a “Skype test” with a friend or a Recruitment Consultant to test your connection and ensure there are no technical difficulties Step 4: Be available on Skype for at least 20 minutes prior to your interview slot – as the hospital sometimes calls earlier (or later) and so it is best to always be available online Step 5: Accept the Skype call when the hospital ring – and good luck! Tips for a successful Skype interview 1. Dress smartly Although you will not be interviewing physically, it is important that you look the part. If you are a male, we advise you to wear a smart shirt and perhaps a tie. And if you are a female, you could perhaps wear a blouse or a smart dress. 2. Prepare your surroundings You should prepare for your Skype call to be in a quiet, business-like setting, ideally in a room with a closed door. You should also try and not have a cluttered background behind you as this may distract the Consultant and HR Representative who is interviewing you – sending the wrong message about your organisational skills.   Try and have a plain, white background. And remember to tell anyone else at home about your Skype interview as you do not want it to be interrupted by someone calling your name or loud noises. 3. Remember to smile During your interview, you should try and keep a pleasant facial expression. It is more difficult to do this via technology, but it is important to try and stay upbeat when answering questions. You should also try and interject listening sounds throughout the interview, such as “yes” whilst your interviewers speak. This will reassure those interviewing you that the technology is working, and you are listening to what they are saying. 4. Use your interview preparation notes NHS interviews typically start with going through your CV and so it would be a good idea to have a printed copy in front of you – this will allow you to view the same information that they are reading. You could also make use of the space by creating some notes, including any questions you want to ask the Trust towards the end of the interview. Join the NHS If you have a Royal College Qualification or PLAB and IELTS/OET and you are ready to relocate to the UK, but need some help securing a Skype interview – email your CV to [email protected] and we will be happy to help you. Join our Facebook Group Come and join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor! Here, 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. References Themuse.com. (2019). 7 Ways to Nail Your Phone or Skype Interview. ] Available at: https://www.themuse.com/advice/7-ways-to-nail-your-phone-or-skype-interview [Accessed 16 Jan. 2019]. Log in to use Ginger Limited mode UK, but ×

To register with the GMC, you are required to obtain an average of 7.5 (with a minimum of 7 in each category) in IELTS. Or you could obtain a Grade B or above in OET. To be eligible for a Tier 2 visa, you are required to obtain an average of 4 in each section. Alternatively, if your primary medical degree was taught in English you could use UKNARIC as evidence of your English language skills. How to successfully pass IELTS There are various ways to prepare for your IELTS exam and each individual person has a preferred revision technique to support their learning. However, we wanted to share some top tips to help you ensure that you successfully pass your IELTS exam. Tip #1 – Focus on building up your fundamental English language skills A common mistake international doctors make is to rush into booking their exam with not much preparation. It is important to remember that the IELTS exam is skill-based, not knowledge-based and this means that each IELTS exam will contain different questions asking you to evidence your skills within completely different topics. Therefore, before booking your exam you should ensure that you are confident in reading, writing, listening and speaking in English. If you find your English language skills are lacking in one particular area it may be a good idea to find an English language tutor or take a course. The more English becomes natural to you, the more likely you are to pass the IELTS test. Tip#2 When improving your English – use authentic materials whenever possible A useful way to improve your English language skills is to read authentic materials. For example, you could visit BBC News Articles daily as their website offers interesting news stories, reports, interviews with a global focus. Another useful way to improve your English language skills on the go is to listen to songs or podcasts and watch YouTube videos. The more you read or listen to English, the more natural it will be to you! Tip #3 – Don’t memorise English, learn it It is tempting to look at example essay answers and memorise them, however, this will only hinder you in the exam. The IELTS questions change every exam sitting and so you could be asked about ANY topic. From the environment to transportation. Try and learn the language rather than memorise answers for the exam. This way, you are less likely to make a mistake because your answers are not based on memory, but skill. Tip #4 Learn the exam format Ensure you understand the exam format and so you will not be confused and overwhelmed when you first open the paper in the exam hall. Tip #5 – Mock exams Leading on from tip 4, it is wise to sit a few mock exams. Once you feel confident with your revision, you should frequently test yourself within a 2 hours and 45-minute time frame, replicating the exam day. This will allow you to know what it feels like to complete the four different tests consecutively. At the end of your mock exam, you can mark yourself to see what areas you struggled with the most and then put more revision time into that area. Tip #6 – Make sure that you answer all of the questions During the exam, you may feel overwhelmed and so it is important to go through the paper, check and double check if you have answered all of the questions. This way you will not accidentally miss out on a large portion of marks. Join our Facebook Group – IMG Advisor Here, 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. Are you looking to relocate to the UK? Send your CV to [email protected] and one of our Specialist Advisers will be in touch.

FRCPath The Fellowship of Royal College of Pathologist exams are broken into sub-specialty exams. In this post, we provide you with an overview of the FRCPath Haematology exam. Including exam fees, eligibility, exam formats, topics covered and tips on successfully passing. Haematology The FRCPath Haematology exam is designed to test the doctor’s knowledge, skills and behaviour within Haematology. Please note, if you train through the UK system then you will also be required to obtain MRCP prior to attempting the FRCPath Haematology exams. Further information on MRCP can be found here. Exam Fees Part 1 Examination £647 Part 1 Overseas Examination (outside of the UK and Ireland) £880 Part 2 Examination £1361   Haematology Part 1 Exam Eligibility It is expected for doctors to have obtained at least two years’ experience of specialty training within Haematology in order to achieve the standard required pass mark in the Part 1 exam. Exam Format The Haematology Part 1 exam comprises of two written papers. Paper 1 – Essay Paper This exam will last for 3 hours and you are required to complete four compulsory essay questions. The test will be broken down into four parts: Blood transfusions General Haematology (including laboratory management) Haematological oncology Haemostasis and thrombosis The examiner will test your ability to present a clear answer, organise and communicate relevant information and knowledge, display an appropriate knowledge of disease pathogenesis, diagnostic investigation, established therapies and new developments and relate this to clinical and laboratory practice, select an appropriate course of action and critically evaluate investigational strategies, treatment options or recent advances. Paper 2 – Multiple Choice Questions and Extended Matching Item Questions This exam will last for 3 hours and contains 125 multiple choice questions. You will be tested within: pathogenesis, investigation and management of haematological disease, the use of therapeutic modalities and aspects of laboratory and clinical practice. 50 of those questions are in the ‘best from five’ format and 75 questions are ‘extended matching’ format. Please note, no marks will be deducted for an incorrect answer. This paper is also broken down into four parts: Blood transfusion General Haematology (including laboratory management) Haematological oncology Haemostasis and thrombosis A small number of marks will go to your research methodology, ethics and statistics. Haematology Part 2 Exam Eligibility You will be eligible to sit Part 2 of the exam after successfully passing Part 1. The Royal College of Pathologists advises that doctors take the Haematology Part 2 exam after 3 years of specialty training within Haematology, i.e. equivalent to ST6 level. Exam Format The exam comprises of three written papers and an oral examination. The exam will be held simultaneously over three days at a number of accredited examination centres in the UK. This exam is not available to sit overseas. Please click here for a list of overseas examination centres. Topics Covered Morphology, transfusion and coagulation. Oral Examination You will be tested on 8 different topics that have to be answered in 60 minutes. The examination covers 2 topics in Coagulation, 2 topics in Transfusion Medicine, 2 topics in General & Laboratory Haematology and 2 topics in Haematological Oncology. The purpose of the exam is to test your ability to evaluate problems and demonstrate good clinical judgement. You will also be tested on your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Tips for helping you pass FRCPath Haematology   Register early – There is a high demand for sitting the FRCPath exams. If you register early you can plan your revision to fit the exam schedule and reduce the risk of missing out on your perfect time slot. Start revising early – We advise you to start revising at least six months in advance of each exam to prepare adequately. Although some doctors pass with less preparation time, do not risk it. If you start your exam revision as early as possible you will increase your chance of passing. Use a varied range of revision resources – do not just stick to one big textbook for your revision. The additional use of online courses, discussion forums and online tests will increase your knowledge and confidence when it comes to the exam itself. Please see the resources we have listed below. Try to cover all topics evenly – Excellent knowledge of smaller topics such as statistics, ophthalmology and psychiatry will allow you to collect extra marks for only a short period of study. Check the Royal College’s exam regulations. Useful Resources Revision Notes from iHaematology Practice Questions from iHaematology Online Revision Resources from HaemBase FRCPath Haematology Paper 1 Past Questions FRCPath Haematology Paper 2 Past Questions Join our Facebook Group - IMG Advisor  By joining, you will have access to specialist blog posts, relocation advice and support and the chance to meet other IMGs.  References Rcpath.org. (2019). Haematology. [online] Available at: https://www.rcpath.org/trainees/examinations/examinations-by-specialty/haematology.html [Accessed 8 Jan. 2019].

When you have been offered your first NHS post, you may want your family members (dependants) to come with you. If you are applying from outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland then your family members who are coming with you must apply for a Tier 2 dependency visa.   Who is classified as my dependent? The UK Visa and Immigration department state that a ‘dependent’ is any of the following: Your husband, wife or partner Your child under the age of 18 Your child over the age of 18 if they are currently in the UK as a dependant Evidence of funds When applying for a Tier 2 Dependent Visa, your dependents must evidence that they can be financially supported whilst they are in the UK. Each dependant must evidence that they have £630 available to them (in addition to the £945 you must have to support yourself). When making the application, they must be able to evidence that these funds have been available for at least 90 days prior to the application being made. Please note, you will not have to evidence funds if your hospital offers you and your family “maintenance”. For further information on maintenance, visit our blog post on the subject. What is the process of applying for a Tier 2 Dependent Visa? To apply for a dependent visa, you can do so online. After the application has been accepted by the Visa and Immigration office all dependents will need to book an appointment at the local visa application centre to get their fingerprints and photograph taken to receive their biometric residence permit. Their biometric residence permit must be collected within 30 days after they have arrived in the UK. Please click here to find your nearest visa application centre. Can my dependents work whilst they are on a Tier 2 Dependent Visa? Yes – dependent visa holders can work freely in the UK, but they are not allowed to work as a doctor in training (they must apply for their own Tier 2 visa in this case). Cost Tier 2 Dependent Visa– £610 Health Surcharge – £200 per year of your visa Please click here to calculate how much surcharge will need to be paid Thank you for reading If you have any questions or you are an IMG looking to relocate to the UK and join the NHS, please email your CV to [email protected] and one of our Specialist Advisers will be in touch. Join our Facebook Group 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). General work visa (Tier 2). [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/tier-2-general/family-members [Accessed 8 Jan. 2019].

After you have settled into your new NHS job and life into the UK – you may want your family members to visit you. In this post, we go provide you with a detailed guide on how to apply for a UK “Standard Visit Visa”. Please note, if you are an IMG who has already relocated to the UK, you can apply for a Visit Visa on behalf of your family or friend – the maximum duration of a UK visit visa is 6 months. How much is a standard 6-month visit visa? £93 How long does the application process take? Typically, the Visa and Immigration department takes 10-15 days to process an application. Visit Visa Eligibility The person applying for the visa must evidence that: They will leave the UK at the end of their visit They have the financial means to support themselves and any dependents during the entirety of the trip They can afford to pay for the return journey back to their home country I am applying on behalf of my family member/friend – what do I do? Please click here to start the online application process. Remember to ensure all of the applicant's information is correct before you submit their visit visa request. Fill out the form according to the below: Who is the visa for? Question Asked The option you should choose My spouse or family member Reason for Visit? “Visit” Visa Type? “Family” Visa Sub Type? “Visit – family – 6 months” A friend, boyfriend or girlfriend Reason for Visit? “Visit” Visa Type? “Tourism” Visa Sub Type? “Visit – tourism – 6 months”   What documents will need to be included with their application? Identification A valid passport and any other relevant travel identification You will also need to keep a blank page in your passport for your visa. Please note, your passport must be valid for the whole duration of your stay in the UK You will also need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English Other Information: Evidence of the date you are planning to travel to the UK Information about where you will be staying during your visit How much money you think your trip will cost you Evidence of your current home address and how long you have lived there Your parents’ names and dates of birth Information on your yearly income Your employer’s address and telephone number Your partner's details and contact information The name and address of anyone who is paying for your trip The name, address and passport number of any family members you have in the UK Details of any criminal, civil or immigration offences you have committed Proving you have a genuine relationship If the person who is visiting you is not a family member, then it may be a good idea to include a letter with your application explaining that you hold a genuine relationship with this person. In your letter, you should include details such as how and where you met, how often you communicate with each other and how you communicate (for example email, text, calls). Support with your visa application If you have any questions or need any support with a UK Visit Visa or your Tier 2 visa application – please email [email protected] and our Relocation and Compliance Officer Isla will be happy to guide and support you. Join our Facebook Group Come and join our IMG family! Our Facebook Group IMG Advisor, will offer you access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional support and the chance to meet other IMGs. References Citizensadvice.org.uk. (2019). Getting a visa for family and friends to visit the UK. [online] Available at: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/immigration/visas-family-and-friends/getting-a-visa-for-family-and-friends-to-visit-the-uk/ [Accessed 3 Jan. 2019]. GOV.UK. (2019). Standard Visitor visa. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa/documents-you-must-provide [Accessed 3 Jan. 2019].

2018 has been a fantastic year for BDI Resourcing and most definitely a year for celebration. In today’s post, we wanted to share some of our successes with you all and take the opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us along the way. The Tier 2 Visa Cap BDI Resourcing was set up in 2017 with the sole aim to solve the NHS staffing crisis by supporting international doctors and nurses to relocate to the UK and fill vacant NHS posts. However, in January 2018, this became difficult as a result of the Government’s Tier 2 visa cap. The Government placed a cap on accepted visa’s in an effort to regulate UK immigration and as a result, thousands of doctors and nurses were being denied entry into the UK every single month despite the 10, 000 vacant NHS posts. Here at BDI Resourcing, we experienced this detrimental effect first-hand with longer A&E waiting times, access to outpatient appointments and most importantly, the strain it was having on NHS doctors and nurses. Thus, in January, we made it our mission to get the Tier 2 cap lifted to ensure all doctors and nurses could enter the UK and take up NHS posts. We were the first body to go to the media, with articles from I-News being printed on the issue, we featured on Sky News television coverage, spoke to the head of NHS Employers, the Chair of the BMA, the Shadow Home and Health Secretaries and many other Senior Royal College and NHS figures. We were unrelenting in our campaigning and, on the 15th June 2018, it was announced by the UK Home Office that the visa cap will be removed for all international doctors – our mission was complete. Our Team Grew This year the BDI Resourcing team grew from five to thirteen with the introduction of Sebastian, Gabrielle, Luke, Sean, Isla, Georgia, Jonny and Rich. By expanding our team in all areas including Paediatrics, Social Media, Radiology, General Medicine, Relocation Support, Emergency Medicine, Surgery and Pathology it meant we could strengthen the support we offer all IMGs, nurses, NHS hospitals and improve our online presence.   Doctors and Hospitals Helped This year, we are proud to announce that we have helped 205 international doctors relocate from 20 different countries into 55 different NHS hospitals. These placements mean that thousands of more patients will be seen every year, waiting times are reduced and we have saved the NHS approximately £25 million, money that would have been spent on temporary staff. We are extremely proud of the number of doctors and hospitals we have been able to help this year – and we look forward to seeing how many more doctors, nurses and hospitals we can help in 2019! Awards We are also grateful to have been nominated for several awards: The Small Awards Best Business Start-Up New Kid on the Block Best New Business Awards Service Industry Business of the Year Business of the Year Lloyds Bank National Business Awards New Business of the Year It was an absolute honour to have our hard work and the dedication we give to supporting IMGs and NHS hospitals recognised nationally and even more of an honour to be have received the Runner-Up award for the Service Industry Business of the Year. BDI Resourcing’s passion is to help ALL international doctors and nurses on their journey to the UK and so it is great to see the service we offer acknowledged and we look forward to offering more in the New Year. Thank You We would like to take this opportunity to thank every single one of you who comes to us for advice and guidance over the last year. From reading our blogs to sharing our contact details with your friends – we truly appreciate your support and we hope that we can help find each and every single one of you your dream NHS post. See you in the New Year for a very big announcement!

After you have completed your medical undergraduate degree and foundation/internship years, you may decide to pursue a career in Paediatrics. In this post, we provide you with details on the UK training pathway and information on how to become a UK Consultant Paediatrician if you completed your training overseas. The Training Pathway The Paediatric training pathway consists of three levels. All doctors must complete level one and two of the General Paediatric curriculum and then, at level three they can decide if they want to pursue General Paediatrics or to complete their training within a sub-specialty. Level Duration Training 1: ST1-ST3 24-36 months General Paediatrics 2: ST4-ST5 12-24 months General Paediatrics (12 months) Neonatology (6 months) Community Paediatrics (6 months) 3: ST6-ST8 24-36 months General Paediatrics (24-36 months) with 12 months within sub-specialty OR Sub-specialty training (24-36 months) Level 1 – ST1-ST3 During your first three years, you will be training within General Paediatrics based in acute settings including emergency duties, in and outpatients and neonates. Please note, you must have completed all of your MRCPCH exams by the end of ST3 level. Level 2 – ST4-ST5 Your training during this period will be held mainly in a District General Hospital using existing core training posts and rotations including community Paediatrics and Neonatology. You will also receive training within Community Paediatrics. During this time your training will place greater emphasis on outpatients, child development and safeguarding. Level 3 – ST6-ST8 When you reach this level, you may choose to enter into sub-specialty training or stay in general training. Please click here for a list of the 17 Paediatric sub-specialty training. When you apply for sub-specialty training it will be done via a competitive selection into what is known as GRID training. Once you have completed your sub-specialty training, you will then be entered onto the Specialist Register with the GMC. Consultant Level To work as a Consultant in the UK, you must be on the Specialist Register. How do I get onto the Specialist Register? There are three routes to getting onto the Specialist Register and working as a UK Consultant: Route 1, obtaining your Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT): All of your specialty curriculum must have been completed within a UK training post. Route 2, Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration via the Combined Programme (CESR CP): To be eligible for this award, your training would have been undertaken both in the UK and overseas (a non-approved training post). Route 3, Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR): This route is for doctors who believe they do not need to undergo further specialist training because they have acquired sufficient non-GMC approved training, experience and qualifications for direct entry onto the UK specialist register. For further information on the difference between the three pathways please click here. If you are an international Paediatrician who holds MRCPCH, please email your CV to [email protected] and our Paediatrics Specialist Sebastian will be in touch about helping you find your first NHS post. Join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor – here, 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! References JRCPTB. (2018). Routes to the register. [online] Available at: https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/training-certification/routes-register [Accessed 27 Dec. 2018]. Anon, (2018). [online] Available at: https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/582.5#applying-to-paediatrics [Accessed 27 Dec. 2018]. Rcpch.ac.uk. (2018). Training guide | RCPCH. [online] Available at: https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/training-guide [Accessed 27 Dec. 2018].