UK Visitor Visa for PLAB 2

  • November 30, 2022
 

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.


No matter the guidance and instructions, visa applications can prove different for everyone, so start working on the application early. 


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. 

How do I apply? 

The UK Visa Application for PLAB 2 can be described in two parts: 

  • Online application for the required type of visa.
  • Submission of supporting documents and providing biometric data (photo, fingerprints) at a visa application centre. 

Let’s take a look at each part in more detail. 

Online Application for UK Visa

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.

Supporting Documents

It is important to note that the required documents will vary from person to person, however two documents are necessary for every applicant: 

  • Your valid Passport
  • The email confirmation of your PLAB 2

You will then typically require the following: 

  • Cover Letter
  • If your trip is self-funded you will need:
    • Salary certificate
    • Bank Statements
  • Letter of Support from your financial guarantor (if applicable)

This is only required if your trip is financed by another person (i.e. family member).

  • Affidavit affirming the declaration of the financial sponsorship

This is done before a notary public. This will have to be translated into English. 

  • Letter of recommendation 

Any letter of recommendations will need to come from senior colleagues at your current workplace.

  • Bank Statements

Typically 6 months (yours / your sponsors).

  • Monthly payslip

A clear copy is needed with all information visible.

  • Income/Salary Certificate (Yours/Sponsors) 

 

  • Evidence of Home Address 

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’ issued by your employer

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.

  • Confirmation of your accommodation in the UK

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. 

  • Evidence of family members in your home country whilst you travel

These would include Passport copies or National ID copies of your family members.

Online Application Required Entries

  • Your name. 
  • Passport details.
  • Your National ID number, if you have one.
  • Your email.
  • Travel information/plan: The date you will arrive in UK and the date you will leave from UK. The arrival date is more important. The itinerary in your cover letter should explain this in more detail.  
  • Choose business, including sports and entertainment as the main reason for your visit.
  • After answering No’s to organised group, travelling with partner, visiting a company or getting paid for business activities—Choose Take the PLAB or OSCE.
  • In Give details, write down your full itinerary, taken from your cover letter in full sentences.
  • Personal information: Your home address. 
  • Parent details: Father’s and mother’s name, dates of birth. 
  • Employment details.
  • If you are employed and sponsoring yourself, then IMG recommend you arrange for two papers from your employer from the above list a) Salary Certificate b) No Objection Certificate. 
  • Your own bank account details with bank statements (for the last six months). 
  • How much money are you planning to spend on your visit.
  • Details of who is covering the costs, if you don’t.
  • UK accommodation details. 
  • Travel histories in UK or other countries.
  • Any details of visa refusals 
  • Other histories regarding whether you have any criminal convictions.
  • Any other relevant information you wish to provide, you can leave this blank. 

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. 

UK Costs

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: 

  • £40 - £60 per night for accommodation depending on your test venue
  • £15 - £30 for food per day
  • £20 for transport per day
  • £60 for Airport transfers (return journey) 

*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. 

Visa Application Refusal

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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The North East of the UK offers a diverse mix of rural and urban settings, providing doctors with a range of living options. Residents can explore stunning coastal areas like Northumberland\'s beaches or venture inland to scenic national parks such as the North Pennines. The region is home to respected schools and universities, including Newcastle University. Transportation links are robust, with efficient road and rail networks connecting residents to major cities like Newcastle, Durham, and Sunderland, as well as international airports. Housing options range from quaint cottages in picturesque villages to modern apartments in vibrant city centers, catering to various lifestyles.

Career Development & Opportunities Available
 


ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:

  • Experience of working in Acute & General Medicine

Non-EEA Candidates:

  • MRCP
  • Experience of working in Acute & General Medicine

UK based applicants

  • Experience of working in Acute & General Medicine
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An excellent opportunity to join the dynamic team at an esteemed organization recognized for its excellence by the CQC. This is an opportune moment to become part of the Acute Medicine and Medicine Specialties Teams. With a strong history of achievements, they are committed to delivering exceptional patient-centered care. They are seeking dynamic and motivated Consultant Gastroenterologists to become part of their welcoming and enthusiastic gastroenterology team. This presents a chance to join a dedicated gastroenterology team committed to delivering the highest quality comprehensive service. The service is aiming to broaden its focus on sub-specialty interests such as ERCP/EUS, nutrition, IBD, and Liver disease.

This is a great opportunity for overseas Consultants 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 IMGs looking to complete CESR.

What is the NHS Foundation Trust like?

The NHS Foundation Trust stands as one of the nation\'s largest integrated healthcare organizations, delivering both hospital and community services to a populace exceeding 650,000 individuals. Renowned for their ambition and innovation, they boast a skilled workforce comprising over 7,000 dedicated colleagues. Operating across two acute sites for hospital services and encompassing centers and community hospitals in six towns for planned care, they extend their services even to patients\' residences. Recognized as a high-performing entity with a history of accomplishments, the Trust has functioned as an integrated acute and community services provider since 2011 and achieved foundation trust status in 2007. Guided by their strategic framework \"Our Patients Matter,\" they articulate their short- and long-term objectives and delineate the path to their realization. This framework underscores their commitment to providing the safest, most compassionate, and seamlessly coordinated care to the communities they serve. Within this NHS Foundation Trust, medical professionals are presented with a plethora of career prospects and exposure to diverse care settings rarely encountered elsewhere. Additionally, they have the opportunity to reside and practice in some of the most culturally rich and picturesque locations across the country!

What is the Department & Team like?

The Gastroenterology department is renowned for its excellence in patient care and comprehensive services. Led by a team of experienced and dedicated consultants, alongside skilled junior doctors, the department provides a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for patients with gastrointestinal disorders. This encompasses conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver disease, gastrointestinal cancers, functional gastrointestinal disorders, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Facilities within the department include state-of-the-art endoscopy suites equipped for various procedures including gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and advanced procedures like endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Additionally, the department offers specialized clinics for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, hepatology, and nutrition. On average, the department handles a significant number of gastroenterology cases each year, providing timely and effective care to patients across the region. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, the gastroenterology team continues to deliver high-quality care to patients with gastrointestinal disorders.

What is life like in the area?

The North East of the UK offers a diverse mix of rural and urban settings, providing doctors with a range of living options. Residents can explore stunning coastal areas like Northumberland\'s beaches or venture inland to scenic national parks such as the North Pennines. The region is home to respected schools and universities, including Newcastle University. Transportation links are robust, with efficient road and rail networks connecting residents to major cities like Newcastle, Durham, and Sunderland, as well as international airports. Housing options range from quaint cottages in picturesque villages to modern apartments in vibrant city centers, catering to various lifestyles.

Career Development & Opportunities Available

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:

  • Experience of working in Gastroenterology

Non-EEA Candidates:

  • MRCP
  • Experience of working in Gastroenterology

UK based applicants

  • Experience of working in Gastroenterology

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