If you have already read our overview on PLAB you will know that the second part of the test is held in the UK and you will need a UK Visitor Visa to sit the PLAB 2 examination.
Here we put together the main information you will need as well as useful links to get you started and we will look at the following:
The first thing to suggest, is that as soon as you receive your PLAB 1 results, start planning the date that you want to sit PLAB 2. This will not only help you prepare for the test itself, but also will ensure that when you apply for the Visitor Visa, you will be prepared for your Visa application and appointment, and able to visit the UK within the 6-month visa period.
If you are not sure if you need a Visa – you can check here.
You can apply for a ‘Standard Visitor Visa’ if you are a doctor and are coming to the UK to take the Professional Linguistic and Assessment Board (PLAB) test 2. The option you require is a “Work, Academic visit or Business” visa and the duration is less than six months.
The UK Visa Application for PLAB 2 can be described in two parts:
Let’s take a look at each part in more detail.
As part of the online application, you will be required to book an appointment at a visa application centre, you can check the locations available here.
You can complete the application in stages; however we advise you prepare all the required documentation first, and the complete the online form and upload everything you need in one go.
A standard UK visa currently costs £100.
It is important to note that the required documents will vary from person to person, however two documents are necessary for every applicant:
You will then typically require the following:
This is only required if your trip is financed by another person (i.e. family member).
This is done before a notary public. This will have to be translated into English.
Any letter of recommendations will need to come from senior colleagues at your current workplace.
Typically 6 months (yours / your sponsors).
A clear copy is needed with all information visible.
Deeds or Nationality Certificate or Home electricity bill where the address is written. This will need to be translated and notarised.
A ‘No Objection Letter’ for visa is a legal certificate issued by your employer agreeing for you to take off the days for you visit to the UK. In addition, the letter states that you have contractual obligations to return to your country of residence at your workplace.
Or, invitation letter from friend or family of whom you will be staying with. You may also require a Council tax and utility bill of the accommodation address. If it’s a family that you’re staying with, you don’t need to worry about proving Sponsorship. If they are just providing accommodation (and your father or mother is your financial guarantor), a simple invitation letter stating your name, your passport number, duration and purpose of your stay is sufficient along with their contact details. The council tax and utility bill is just to prove that the address exists by their name.
These would include Passport copies or National ID copies of your family members.
Finally comes the declaration page which asks you to choose an appointment (date and time) with a visa application centre. Please note that you don’t have to choose immediately, especially if you don’t have all the supporting documents ready. Just save it there and a link will be sent to your email. But as above, at IMG Connect we recommend that you have all the supporting documents prepared before starting your UK Visitor Visa for PLAB 2 application.
Whilst the exam is taken in one day, we advise for candidate to allow themselves a few days for acclimatisation and revision prior to the exam. When budgeting, make sure that you book flights, hotels and UK transport to and from the airport in advance to save money.
Once in the UK, a typical low-cost budget for a comfortable stay will include approximately:
*remember to consider flights & travel insurance costs in your total budget
Always remember to use price comparison websites or Airbnb to find the best value for money and close to transport & test venues.
You will receive a letter from the Home Office detailing the reasons for rejecting the application. Don’t worry, you can apply again.
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Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
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An exceptional NHS job opportunity awaits a Middle Grade Microbiologist to join the Microbiology Pathology Department at an \"outstanding\" rate NHS Trust.The role involves diagnosing and managing infections caused by microorganisms, contributing significantly to patient well-being.
This is an ideal chance for overseas Microbiologists or Middle Grade Doctors to establish themselves in the UK NHS system, with potential CESR support. Suitable for EEA-specialized candidates or experienced IMGs seeking career advancement.
What is the NHS Foundation Trust like?
This NHS Foundation Trust is a dynamic organization with an £180 million turnover, employing 12,000 staff to serve 500,000 people across acute and community healthcare services. Recognized for excellence by the CQC in 2016 and 2019, it primarily serves an urban population but extends its care across a rural expanse from the River Tyne to the River Tweed, offering picturesque landscapes. The Trust operates three major hospitals and numerous community facilities, including the state-of-the-art Specialist Emergency Care Hospital. With ongoing capital investments, it ensures modern, purpose-built facilities and expands its services to meet evolving healthcare needs.
They provide an extensive array of specialties, boasting some of the region\'s largest specialist departments. These include the foremost trauma and orthopaedics service, a significant cardiology department, and one of the region\'s most expansive units for colorectal surgery services.
The NHS Foundation Trust prioritizes supporting its staff in achieving a healthy work-life balance, irrespective of individual circumstances. Applicants unable to work full-time due to personal reasons will still be considered for the position, and adjustments to job responsibilities can be discussed on a case-by-case basis upon appointment.
What is the Department & Team like?
The Clinical Support and Cancer Services Business Unit manages Radiology, Pharmacy, and Pathology departments, as well as cancer services, across several hospitals. These services also extend to six community hospitals. With modern facilities and dedicated staff, the Pathology department, including the microbiology laboratory, benefits from significant capital investment and supports medical education initiatives.
The Microbiology team offers clinical consultation services through various channels such as ward rounds, telephone, email, and multi-disciplinary team meetings. They collaborate closely with Infectious Diseases, Infection Prevention and Control, Public Health teams, and the laboratory. Encouragement for networking with Consultant Microbiologists in the Newcastle area is given to improve patient care across organizational boundaries.
The microbiology laboratory holds a central position within the hospital complex. It comprises 240 m² of laboratory space and 74 m² of office space, established during the hospital\'s original construction in 1987. Specimens from clinical areas within the North East site are transported to the laboratory via a vacuum air tube system, while collections from GP practices and other hospital sites across the region are managed through regular courier and van services.
Life like in North East
The North East of the UK offers a diverse landscape, blending urban hubs like Newcastle and Sunderland with picturesque rural areas. Residents enjoy a vibrant cultural scene, from historic sites like Durham Cathedral to sandy beaches along the Northumberland coast. The region hosts reputable universities such as Newcastle University and Durham University, complemented by excellent schools. Transportation links are robust, with rail and road networks connecting to major cities and airports like Newcastle International Airport. Housing options range from city center apartments to suburban family homes and quaint countryside cottages, catering to varied lifestyles and preferences.
An opportunity for a SAS grade Anaesthetists to work for an established NHS Trust that prides itself on delivering high quality care and services. .
This is a great opportunity for overseas Anaesthesia specialists who want to establish themselves in the NHS, and grow their consultant career. The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced anaesthetists IMGs looking to complete CESR.
WHAT IS THE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST LIKE?
The Trust is one of the largest teaching hospital trusts in England, serving a regional, national and international population. In April 2018 the trust now has a turnover of £1.6bn, over 2,700 beds and employs more than 20,000 members of staff. It also provides the city wide vascular service including a vascular emergency service and endovascular service. A dedicated elective paediatric surgical unit for patients over the age of 1 has been set up and offers trauma, ophthalmic, ENT and general surgery.
The trust consist of 4 hospitals covering all sub-specialisms along with excellent support in their CESR pathways to develop their professional careers.
WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?
The anaesthetic department also provides a consultant led acute pain service, a pre- operative assessment service as well as support for anaesthetics in remote areas such as endoscopy and radiology. The pioneering techniques in surgery and pain control that have been developed whilst treating military patients are used for civilian surgery in the UK and elsewhere, and are progressed through the Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre (SRMRC).
With almost 200 Consultants based over the four main hospital sites, the trust currently provide anaesthetic and ICU cover in excess of 400 sessions/week across both the Trust and those hospitals with which we have service level agreements.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THIS AREA?
Fancied by most IMG\'s, the area has an internal airport connected to all major cities in the UK along with excellent road and train routes around the country. With low cost of living compared to all the other cities, the area has vibrant independent restaurants, shops and bars throughout the centre and popular districts.
New bars and shops open frequently as the city continues to build its youthful and unique identity. There is so much diversity and history within the area that the shops, food and venues reflect this. Old icons such as the Custard Factory host alternative shops and bars, just a short walk from the city center.
There\'s excellent schooling covering off both private and public schooling around the area with people from different cultures and backgrounds in the area.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?
The Trust have wellbeing groups that organise regular ‘coffee & gas’ meetings, support the trainee buddy system and raises awareness of mental health issues and support systems. They also produce a monthly newsletter featuring department news and colleague profiles and is soon to launch in-house mentoring. The Trust is committed to the development and maintenance of the highest clinical standards through individual appraisal. This will include the audit of personal and clinical practice, as well as involvement in departmental and specialty reviews. It will also involve attention to continuing professional development, in order to meet the requirements for continuing medical education as expected by the relevant Royal College.
The successful applicant would be expected to have an active interest in the areas of both teaching and research. Our junior anaesthetic training has recently been adapted to reflect the new RCOA Anaesthesia curriculum. Due to the number of specialties covered at the Trust, they are able to deliver the vast majority of the curriculum across our four sites except advanced paediatric case.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
An outstanding opportunity for a psychiatrist to join Forensic Psychiatry Department as Specialty Doctor that has received outstanding ratings from the CQC on three occasions. You will offer psychiatric input and conduct assessments, both psychiatric and physical, for patients on two wards. One ward is a self-contained low secure rehabilitation unit situated away from the main hospital premises, while the other is a medium secure rehabilitation ward. This role offers exposure to a broad spectrum of clinical presentations, including personality, affective, anxiety, psychotic, neurodevelopmental, and substance-related disorders. Moreover, it provides a platform for developing knowledge and understanding of forensic mental health sections. This position also offers CESR support for those seeking progression within the UK NHS Jobs system.
This is a great opportunity for overseas Specialty Doctors who want to establish themselves in the NHS, and grow their career. The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced IMGs looking to complete CESR.
What is the NHS Trust like?
The Mental Health NHS Trust is a leading provider of mental health service serving a population of 1.2 million. With five main inpatient sites and 25 community locations, they offer comprehensive support for both mental and physical health needs, catering to young people and adults alike. From managing phobias and anxiety to addressing conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, their services are diverse and inclusive. They integrate community health services with mental health care, enabling simultaneous treatment of conditions such as diabetes and mental health issues, promoting holistic patient care.
Forensic Psychiatry Team & Department
The Forensic Service enjoys a stellar reputation, earning an \'Outstanding\' rating from the Care Quality Commission. The Forensic Service delivers care in low and medium secure environments, featuring specialized facilities such as the National Stalking Clinic and the Fixated Threat Assessment Centre (FTAC). These services focus on evaluating and managing risks for prominent individuals.
The inpatient service consists of one acute assessment and treatment medium secure male 4 4 ward, four treatment and intervention medium secure male wards, one female medium secure ward, one medium secure and one low secure male learning disability ward, one low secure male FICU ward and 4 low secure male wards. There are currently 25 Consultant Forensic Psychiatrists in post, working with 5 senior psychiatric trainees who rotate with posts at other forensic psychiatric services in the region. There are 5 junior psychiatric trainees, coming from the UCH training schemes. The service currently employs 10 specialty doctors, working in the prisons and in the rehabilitation parts of the service.
Life in the area
The area offers a blend of urban and suburban living, providing both rural escapes and city conveniences. Residents can explore scenic parks or enjoy activities at different parks. The area boasts a range of quality schools and easy access to universities like Middlesex University. Transport links are excellent, with frequent trains to central London and nearby cities, as well as efficient connections to major airports. Housing options vary from historic cottages to modern apartments, catering to diverse preferences and lifestyles.
Career Development and Opportunities Available
With an extremely active education/teaching programme supported by the consultant team, there is opportunity to work towards and complete CESR, RCPsych exams, get involved in active research and many aspects of CPD.
Participation in research and educational activities will be encouraged.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
Non-EEA Candidates:
UK based applicants