The General Medical Council (GMC)

For an international medical graduate to be able to practice medicine in UK, they must have a GMC registration with a license to practice. There are 4 types of registrations doctors can join :

Provisional Registration:

For UK medical graduates who have completed their medical degree but have not yet completed their Foundation Year 1 (FY1).

Allows doctors to work in approved Foundation Year 1 posts.

Provisional registration is typically a stepping stone to full registration after successful completion of FY1.

Full Registration:

For doctors who have completed their Foundation Year 1 (FY1) or equivalent.

Allows doctors to work unsupervised in the NHS or in the private sector, subject to the scope of their competence.

Essential for progression into Foundation Year 2 (FY2) and beyond.

Specialist Registration:

For doctors who have completed specialist training and wish to work as a consultant in the NHS.

Doctors on the Specialist Register have demonstrated that they have the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience in a particular specialty.

This registration is required for consultant roles in the NHS.

GP Registration:

For doctors who have completed GP training and wish to work as a general practitioner in the NHS.

Being on the GP Register confirms that a doctor has met the required standards to work as a GP in the UK

Eligibility
Criteria:

When IMGs look to embark their U.K. medical career they must submit an application for full GMC registration.

Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ): Your medical degree must be from a university listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

English Language Proficiency: You need to demonstrate proficiency in English, usually via:

IELTS (Academic): A minimum overall score of 7.5 with at least 7.0 in each section.

OET (Medicine): At least a grade ‘B’ in each of the four sub-tests.

Relevant Work Experience: Having some clinical experience post-qualification can be advantageous.

For further information on whether your PMQ is recognised by the GMC.