Support for newly qualified non-European Economic Area (EEA) GP trainees

Health Education England acts as the proxy visa sponsor for international medical graduates on the GP Training Programme that require visas to live and train in the United Kingdom (UK).

After completing their training, these GPs either need to return overseas, find employment with an employer that holds a skilled worker visa or if they have already been in the UK for five years or more apply to normalise their status as a UK resident.

Since Summer 2018, NHS England has been offering the following package of support:

Practice matching

NHS England will support newly qualified GPs that require visa sponsorship by matching them with vacancies at practices that hold visa sponsorship licences in their preferred locations.

Please note that standard recruitment processes then apply for the roles within these practices.

International medical graduates trainees considering staying in England after qualifying are encouraged to contact england.primarycareworkforce@nhs.net as early as possible to help ensure that practices with sponsorship licences will be available in the areas where they would like to work after qualifying.

Reimbursement of visa costs

NHS England will reimburse any health and social care worker visa costs for the GP and their dependents if they remain in England to practise after qualifying.

Other international GPs working in England may also request this support.

Relocation support

NHS England may also provide funding to help with the costs of relocating international GP trainees’ personal belongings or dependents from overseas once fully qualified.

Accessing financial support

For reimbursement of visa and relocation costs, please email england.primarycareworkforce@nhs.net to request a claims form.