Just moved to the UK or planning to come to the UK? Believe me, I know how hard it is. Especially when you are coming from totally different cultural and social setup. Each step forward can be a challenge and finding reliable information is the hardest part.
I moved to Uk sometime back as a specialist trainee and learnt everything hard way. while stuck at home with shadows of corona still looming around us I thought of sharing my experience with the others like me as guidance to their life in UK.
I expect this web site to grow as a common platform for all of you to share your own experience as newcomers to UK , so that we can be strong as a community. please feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below so we can improve as we go on. You can also use the contact form to snd your ideas and opinions. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to get frequent updates and news.
My first post is specially dedicated to medical trainees coming to UK from Sri Lanka to complete the overseas training .
I have put a lot of thought and effort to include everything you need from preparation to come to the UK until you go back or Get PR if you decided to stay. Inputs were taken from previous and current medical trainees and people established in UK.
NAVIGATION
1.finding a suitable job. 2. Approval from the board of studies 3.Guide to GMC 4. Guide to UK visa. 5.Word to trainees attached to universities 6.Full or partial scholarships 7. Singing your bond with the ministry of health. 8.school leave for kids 9. International driving licenses 10Just before leaving (don’t forget to do). 11.Ministry salary 12. Find Cheap flights. 13.temporary accommodation 14.Airport taxi
GUIDE TO NEW LIFE STARTING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
1. Find your permanent residence. 2. How to set up your energy supply(electricity and gas) 3.How to set up your water supply 4. How to find the best broadband provider. 5.Guide good mobile network connection 6. Buying your first car 7.The UK driving licences 8.Transportation 9.Schooling for kids 10. Registering in your GP 11.Shopping. 12.leisure and fun.
FIND A SUITABLE JOB
This can be the most difficult part at least for some of you. As you are applying without GMC registration most of the time you will not be prioritized. So don’t wait till the last moment.
Try your contacts first (your Boss or Colleagues). Finding a placement in a hospital where our colleagues regularly trained can be advantageous as they have a better understanding of our capabilities and deficiencies.
Also, keep in contact with your colleges as there will be job interviews by royal colleges in collaboration with PGIM.
If these don’t work out start applying for jobs online or get yourself registered to MTI scheme. (apply for either senior clinical fellow positions or speciality doctor positions, If you have completed SR period you have enough and more experience to handle the responsibilities of these positions.).
You can apply for SHO jobs (Junior clinical fellow positions) but some times it can be frustrating as you’ll have to work at a level below your experience. But in some specialities, this can be a good option.
make sure you have an up to date CV and prepare for interviews. If you are not sure there are loads of videos on Youtube you can refer
Make sure you discuss the salary and job plan (number of clinics, operation sessions, admin time, etc) beforehand. and get them in writing.
If you want to learn more about different grades and levels of doctors click here
GET YOUR JOB APPROVED BY BOARD OF STUDIES
This is mandatory to start the rest of the proceedings. Get down your job offer letter and job description from your hospital /trust
With a covering letter (address to Director PGIM) submit these to your board of studies. If You are from a subspecialty need to get approval from the specialty board first.
Board of studies meeting is held only once a month.
So If you are in a hurry you’ll have to meet the relevant heads personally to get approval. (Don’t worry this what usually happens). Once they approve your post you can submit the letter to the examination branch of PGIM. At the same time give a copy of your IELTS/OET certificate. Once everything is approved PGIM will issue you 4 letters. ( you can read further details in the relevant section)
GET YOUR GMC REGISTRATION
You need full GMC registration with a license to practice to work in the UK. First, you have to make your application online and then have to come to the UK for an ID check. (due to the current COVID situation you don’t have to come to GMC for your ID check.)
This should happen within 90 days after completing your application. Arrange things in such a way that you can do your ID check when you come for your job to avoid an expensive additional trip to the UK.
Once you start Your application You will receive a reference number. Keep this safe for future references. You can save and complete the application step by step so no need to do everything in one go. Better not to complete the final step until you have a clear idea when you are coming to the UK. But also stay vigilant as an immediate appointment may not available in busy times of the year
GMC website gives clear instructions on how to apply for registration and what their requirements are. My description is not an alternative to that.
I have tried to explain how to get these things done in our context-based on difficulties and experience we had
you can start the application process by following the link to
the list below is all you need for your GMC
1.Evidence of your primary medical qualification.
This is your MBBS degree and it needs to be verified before registration is granted. ( this simply means your MBBS is independently verified by a GMC approved third party from your medical faculty before GMC accept it)
Verification is carried out by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) through their online system.
you can start the verification process by following the link Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC) service.
ECFMG will verify that the qualification is genuine by checking this directly with your awarding institution.
Epic registration costs $125. And $90 for each certificate.
Once you make the epic account you have to upload your degree certificate and MD certificate. You have to inform your medical faculty and PGIM once you upload the documents. You have to make a separate payment to your faculty and PGIM (via PGIM online payment system) for this verification process.
2.Evidance of your postgraduate qualification or Sponsorship from a GMC approved sponsor
GMC site gives list of accepted PG qualifications.
If you PG qualification is accepted you can apply with it but It should be within three years of GMC approval . If outside UK or EU need EPIC verification.(same as your primary qualification. )
Upon your request PGIM will issue a separate letter to confirm that you have passed the relevant post graduate exam in case if you have not received your certificate at the time of application
If you PG qualification is not recognized you need to do membership exam of relevant collage EX MRCS, MRCP, MRCOG.If you have a GMC approved Sponser(Ex Royal collage of surgeons/phycisians) you can apply without a PG qualification.
3. Proving your knowledge of English.
This is mandatory and most likely the biggest hurdle of all. Need practice and preparation.
For IELTS you need at least 7.0 in each testing area and an overall score of 7.5
For OET you need at least B in each section.
5.Your certificate of good standing
This is issued from SLMC and valid for three months. Can request the certificate with date pending so you can get it when you need it. Usually take 1week and one-day service is available for an additional fee. Make sure it is valid when you are coming for the ID check
6.Your activities for the last five years.
PGIM will issue an academic record. You can get a service letter from the ministry of health TCS or EC branch. Make sure there are no gaps between your appointments. If you have gaps EX maternity leave keep valid documents to prove the reason.
7.Internship certificate
You can get this from SLMC for a small fee. Keep few copies so you can use when in need
8.Your passport
Upload a copy of your passport and don’t forget to take it when you are going for your ID check
Once you uploaded the documents and made the payment you can book a date for your ID check. This should be within 90 days of your completion of the application. If necessary you can cancel the appointment. But you have to do the application from the beginning. (you don’t have to pay twice)
APPLYING FOR UK VISA
Getting UK visa can be tricky. If your application gets rejected you can lose a significant amount of money and may not be able to start your job on time; however GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk) gives clear instructions on how to proceed.
Having said that fulfilling their requirements can be challenging particularly if you don’t know what exactly to do.
Here I am basically sharing our experience in how to make a proper visa application while getting thing done in Sri Lanka
My suggestion is to start the visa process at least 4 months prior to your job start date
1. First things first get Your bank balance ready
Bank balance needs to be maintained for 90 days and should be in a saving or current account. Take 3 months bank statement and a letter from the bank to submit with your application
If you have only FD s the bank should indicate that the money can be withdrawn any time.
Amount – main applicant £945, each dependent £630
You can withdraw this once you get the visa
NB- If you have a rate A Sponsor – as main applicant when going for a paid job, can get exempted, provided you get accommodation and maintenance guaranteed.
2.Job offer letter
Get your job offer letter from your hospital / trust and evidence to show you get adequate salary to support your self ( your job offer letter will have this information)
3.certificate of sponsorship
certificate of sponsorship is an electronic record . (not a physical document. what you need is the reference number to enter into your application.)
on you request this will be issued by your trust/ hospital or by the relevant Royal College.
4.Proof of Knowledge of English
Don’t get confused with your IELTS ( It is for your GMC)
You need an academic qualification ( your MBBS) that was taught in English and recognized by UK NARIC (UK National Recognition Information Centre) as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD.
This can take about 2 weeks.24 – 48 fast track available ( will cost about additional $200)
UK NARIC is the national agency in the UK responsible for providing information, advice and opinion on academic, vocational and professional qualifications and skills from all over the world
This is What you should do
Login to their web site
Pay their fee
Upload the following documents
- A copy or scan of your final certificate
- A copy or scan of your academic transcripts
- A copy or scan of a Medium of Instruction letter (MOI letter) which confirms that the qualification was taught and assessed completely in English
You can upload your final certificate. other documents will be uploaded from your faculty once you make a payment and give them your UKNARIC login (this can take some time so start thing early)
once everything is done they will send you two certificates. What you need for the visa is the one which confirms that your academic qualification was taught in English. There are instances where the visa was rejected as a result of uploading the wrong certificate. They have no mercy you can lose all your application fee
With the recent introduction of healthcare visa, the UK home office has exempted Doctors. Dentists, Nurses, and midwives from taking further English tests. So if you are applying for Tier 2 visa and your English test results meet the requirement set out by your professional regulatory council( ex GMC) you can use that results for the visa. (you can find this information in OET official site check out the link.)
5.TB test
Mandatory for anyone going to stay in UK for more than 6 months
One center In sri lanka –IOM (International organization for Migration -Health Assessment Centre.
IOM Sri Lanka No 42/1, Horton Place, Colombo 7
Tel: 011 203 1700
uktbappointmentssl@iom.int
Following description is from GOV.uk website
Working hours: From 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday (except on IOM official holidays)
Attending the clinic You should contact the approved clinic to book an appointment. You should make it clear you need the test for a UK visa application. You can expect to get an appointment within a few days of your request. At busy times you may have to wait 10 days for an appointment especially during the UK student visa peak season between June and September.
What you should bring with you –
- the passport you are using to submit your application and valid ID, which contains your photograph, such as a national ID card photocopy of passport (only pages containing details)
- recent passport sized colour photographs
- if you have had TB in the past or have any other lung disease you should provide details of your previous screening and, if possible, your medical notes and x-ray results
- If you would like an appointment with a female clinician, please ask the clinic when you schedule your appointment.
- If you need to cancel your appointment you should contact the clinic and refer to their cancellation policy and procedure.Test fees
The fee for a TB screening is 90 US dollars for adults and 40 US dollars for children under 11 years old . The fee must be paid in local currency directly to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) clinic.
6.Police report for your self and spouse for 10 years.
Police Clearance- Will takes 3 to 4 weeks!
Can easily apply online
Click the link and follow the instructions https://eservices.police.lk/ClearanceCertificate/home.action
If you have more addresses (stayed several places) take more time Will check all your previous residencies. So inform the people beforehand to avoid delays . The report will be sent by post. You can check application status from their website. If your ID is not clear renew it beforehand
7.Birth Certificates and Marriage certificate (get English Translation)
You need to provide English translations of birth certificates and marriage certificate. You can get this done from Department of Registrar General in Srilanka. Simply follow this link, their web site will give you all the details you need
Department of Registrar General
No: 234 /A3,
Denzil Kobbakaduwa Mawatha,
Battaramulla,
Sri Lanka
Telephones:+94-11-2889488 / +94-11-2889489
Fax Nos:+94-11-2889491
Email:info@rgd.gov.lk
Website: www.rgd.gov.lk
8. Letter from PGIM to the visa office.
When you are requesting for board approval (with covering letter, job description and job offer letter) hand over a copy of your English test result (IELTS or OET) to exam branch PGIM.
Once your job is approved by the board of studies PGIM will issue you a request letter to the visa office.
At the same time, they will give you 3 further letters addressed to DGHS, and your hospital Director.
9. Request letter to the visa office from the ministry of health.
Hand over two letters addressing DGHS and Secretory to TCS clerks handling foreign training.
Fill your leave application. (Will take few weeks for approval)
Once this is done ministry will issue the request letter to the visa office
10.leave approval from ministry of Health
This can take few weeks.
11.medico legal clearance
Medico-legal clearance is mandatory to complete ministry proceedings. To get this done you need to go to the attorney generals department with the letter given by TCS.
12.photos
your self and dependent
HEALTH AND CARE VISA – recently introduced
Health care visa was introduced to the Doctors Nurses and allied health professionals with the COVID pandemic . It is available to the applicant from 4th of August 2020
The benefits of this visa scheme are fast-track entry, reduced visa fees, exemption of health surcharge from the applicant and dependent and dedicated support to come to the UK with their families.
To be eligible, you should be applying for a Tier 2 VISA and should full fill the other criteria for tier two visa.
For further details read Tier 2 policy guidance
you can make your application through GOV.UK web site (https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk)
make sure you have all the documents scanned and ready
You should have credit/debit card/cards with Adequate credit limits as bank transfers are not allowed .make sure you keep these credit cards without cancelling as any refund will be credited to the same credit card. ( ex health surcharge) you may need more than one credit card if you applying for more than one member.
Once you completed the payments, you can book an appointment for Biometrics (photo, fingerprint .eye colour) in VFS Global. You have the option of booking a VIP appointment ( about Rs 4500 per head ) If you need better service. This can be useful especially if you are with kids. Also, remember there is no parking in the place.
WORD TO THE PG TRAINEES ATTACHED TO A UNIVERSITY
PG trainees attached to a university
Apply for two years leave and hand over the leave form to VC office at least two months before the expected date of travel. Obtain three letters from the pgim exam branch
- Letter to the visa officer
- Letter to VC informing the purpose of foreign training
- Personal copy
The PG trainee has the benefit of applying for both warm clothes allowance and a travel grant from the University
Get a quotation for a one-way ticket from SRI LANKA to the UK from three ticketing agencies and handover to the academic establishment branch
TRAINEES WITH FULL OR PARTIAL SCOLARSHIP
The process is almost similar to the others however there are few changes
Need to obtain a letter from exam branch regarding the scholarship to be handed over to VISA officer, DGHS/VC
Obtain a letter from PGIM exam branch to be handed over to the foreign branch of BOC Head office, to get travellers’ cheque worth the living allowance for the first two months.
The passport with VISA, Air ticket and the letter of awarding of the scholarship by the PGIM should be handed over to the bank at the same time
SIGN YOUR BOND WITH MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Need two people to sign your bond .Not necessarily doctors.
Annual salary should be above certain level depending on whether you are going for a paid job or scholarship. (need salary statement)
Need to be sign in front of a lawyer
Affidavit from your self and 2 guarantors in two copies each. Signed in front a JP.
You can get all the necessary documents from clerks handling foreign training in ministry of health
SCHOOL LEAVE FOR KIDS
- Get a letter from school with tentative dates of leave
- Hand it over to zonal education office@ Colombo-Green path and they will give another letter
- Give this letter to Isurupaya, Pelawatta 2ndfloor
INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENCE
Get your International driving license Issued from automobile association (AA) . With this licence, You can drive for one year in the UK (from date of arrival).make sure you take it just before leaving.
Need 2 standard passport size colour photographs, and two copies of SL Driving License,
get the licence permit, not the membership which is expensive
Apply for UK license before one year completes – read more detail on UK driving license section
DONT FORGET
Sign in the ministry
Sign in PGIM
Get letters from PGIM addressing your oversees superviser
MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR SALORY FROM MINISTRY AFTER LEAVING
Inform the health ministry finance branch before leaving
Sign 24 D forms and hand over to finance branch of the health ministry to make sure you get your salary
Send a living certificate (letter of employment) to the ministry of health every 4 months ( HR will issue this on your request.
FIND A CHEAP FLIGHT
If you are going for a scolarship you need to book the flights from sri lankan air lines
but others have the option of option of taking direct flight or flight with transit. jet radar is one of the leading sites for price comparison. you can search the cheapest price from here.
FIND YOUR TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION
It takes a minimum of one week to get a rented house ready. So you need temporary accommodation at least for the first few days. If you have a family or close friend in the UK you are lucky. But others need to find a place.
You are left with two options that are either to book a hotel or hire an apartment for a few days. Getting an apartment is usually expensive but sometimes can be cost-effective especially if you are coming with 3 or 4 family members. Hotel rooms are comparatively small and spending a few days can be difficult especially when you have massive luggage.
If you decide to stay in a hotel you can find a good mid-range or budget hotel for a reasonable price. Holiday inn, holiday inn express and ibis hotel are trustworthy options in that sense. however, You don’t have to limit to these there are several good hotels you can choose from.
You can easily find a list of hotels and short rental apartments using the following tool. It will give you a list of hotels (or specific hotel) with price comparison from major hotel booking sites including booking.com, Agoda, Expedia and hotels.com
Don’t wait till the last moment. book your accommodation once your flight is confirmed.
BOOKING AIRPORT TAXI - DO IT EARLY
If your hotel is not providing transportation and you don’t have anyone to pick you up you have to arrange your transportation to the place you stay.Their are host of options to choose from including train, bus coaches or taxi .
however if you are traveling to UK for the first time my recommendation is to book a taxi. Taxi price can be significantly higher if you book in the last moment.( remember that you pay in pounds)
their are tons of taxi services waiting their to offer you service. But You need to find a reliable taxi service for a reasonable price ).Having said that recommending the best taxi service is a difficult task if not impossible. every taxi service will have at least few bad reviews from customers so avoid services with constant bad reviews.
Decide on the type vehicle depending on number of passengers and load of your luggages.Get quotations from different companies and select one. make sure you double-check before getting on to the flight.
You can get quotations from one of these taxi comparison sites and select a taxi depending on your requirement.
Precise document. Very useful.