Medical Training Initiative (MTI) and Sponsorship Scheme FAQs

• Hold a primary medical qualification accepted by the General Medical Council (GMC). As part of your application, this will need to be pre-verified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
• Demonstrate the necessary competence in the English language as evidenced by one of the following: pass the Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination with a minimum score of 7.0 in each category and an overall score no less than 7.5; or pass the Occupational English Test (OET) Medicine test with a minimum grade of ‘B’ in in each testing area. Results for both tests are valid for 2 years. The minimum scores must be attained in one sitting, and they must be obtained in your most recent sitting.
• Have been in active medical practice for a minimum of 36 out of the last 60 months; 2 years must be in pathology, and one of these 2 years in the pathology specialty in which the doctor wishes to work in the UK.
• Have been engaged in active medical practice for the most recent 12 months. Observerships and clinical attachments do not count towards this.
• Be in possession of a valid certificate of good standing.
• Have evidence of completion of an internship.

The fees for the MTI and Sponsorship Scheme are the same. There is a £50 admin charge and a £300 scheme charge. The admin fee needs to be paid once the application form and documentation have been submitted to the International team. The scheme charge needs to be paid once the application has been successful or when a 'Pending status' letter issued. The team will communicate when these fees need to be paid.

If you live in the UK, you cannot join either sponsorship schemes. You will need to secure GMC registration via another route or return to another country and reapply. Please keep in mind you will need to meet all the criteria.

Clinical attachments and observership do not count towards medical practice in the MTI or Sponsorship Scheme application.

If you have failed either PLAB tests, you will need to retake and pass the tests before you apply for sponsorship.

If you have failed the College examination, you are still able to apply for the sponsorship schemes.

If you have obtained your qualifications and conducted your training in a country where English is the native language, you might not need to take an English language test. However, this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and we cannot guarantee that you won’t be required to take an English language test.

In the job description of the post, it needs to clearly state the title of the post as trainee or equivalent. For example, Specialty Trainee Doctor, Specialty Registrar or International Training Fellow. Within the job description, it needs to state that the post holder will be under constant supervision.

If your 'Pending status' letter has expired, you will need to resubmit your sponsorship application and documentation to the College to secure a new Pending status letter. This is because the information in your application has expired and we need to reassess your experience to ensure the you still meet the criteria.

If the UK employer is questioning your 'Pending status' letter, you can provide them with the International email address international@rcpath.org and ask them to contact the College and ask us to ensure we are willing to sponsor your GMC registration. We will only sponsor you if you meet the GMC criteria.

Please visit the GMC website for more information about other routes to GMC registration.