Visa and Immigration Support for IMG Doctors

International Medical Graduate Hub

Visa and Immigration Support for IMG Doctors

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Supporting Your Journey: Visa and Immigration Support for IMG Doctors

On this page, you’ll find practical guidance and support relating to the visa and immigration processes in Scotland.

Explore a range of resources, including:

Visa Sponsorship
Employment with a Health Board or GP Practice
Resident Doctors Sponsored by NHS Education for Scotland (NES)
Independent Immigration Advice
UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Support for NHS Staff
GPs Approaching CCT Seeking Visa Sponsorship
Visa Sponsorship for GP Practices

We want to hear from you

If you have any questions about the information in this resource, or you feel there is information which would be useful to add, please get in touch with the Centre for Workforce Supply at nes.cws@nhs.scot.

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Visa Sponsorship Support

Visa and immigration support text in white on blue background. Image of two people walking in Scotland.

Visa Sponsorship Support: What You Need to Know

As an International Medical Graduate (IMG) depending on how long you have been in the UK, you may need visa sponsorship at some stages of your career to live and work as a doctor in Scotland. We understand that navigating the sponsorship process can be complex, and having support from supervisors, mentors, or managers can make a significant difference in helping IMG colleagues navigate it. We’ve compiled a range of resources and signposting for IMG doctors and their mentors, managers and supervisors for guidance and support throughout this process.

IMG doctors already employed by a Health Board or GP Practice
Your first point of contact for visa queries should be your local Recruitment Team, HR Department, Medical Staffing Manager, or International Recruitment Lead.

Resident Doctors Sponsored by NHS Education for Scotland (NES)
The Trainee Services Sponsorship Team is available to support resident doctors who have visa sponsorship by NHS Education for Scotland. The Trainee Services Sponsorship Team can be contacted via the HR Service Desk. You can also find detailed guidance on the NES Skilled Worker Sponsorship page.

Independent Immigration Advice
IMG doctors can book free appointments with a registered immigration adviser through Scotland's Migration Service. Their website also offers comprehensive information on visa and immigration options. We strongly strongly encourage you do not try to advise colleagues on any matters relating to their visa or immigration status, and recommend that they seek individual advice through a registered immigration adviser.

Employers are also able to book free appointments with a registered immigration lawyer through Seraphus, Scotland's Migration Service partner provider.

UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Support for NHS Staff
For direct assistance, you can contact the UKVI visa support and advice service for NHS staff at: UKVINHSTeam@homeoffice.gov.uk

Link tile, text reads: your GP visa guide

GPs Approaching CCT Seeking Visa Sponsorship
After CCT, you'll find guidance and signposting available in the General Practitioner (GP) IMG Visa Guide which outlines next steps and support options for securing a sponsored role.

Visa Sponsorship for GP Practices

If your GP Practice is considering becoming a UKVI Visa Sponsor to employ International Medical Graduate (IMG) GPs or other international healthcare professionals, the GP Practice Visa Sponsorship Guide offers valuable information and support to help you get started.

Explore the International Medical Graduate Hub

NHS Scotland Induction Standards for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)

General Practitioner 4-month post CCT Extension Scheme

International Medical Graduate Hub