To work as a doctor in Ireland you will need to register with the IMC. The IMC is a public body that maintains the official register of medical practitioners within Ireland and attaining full registration is a multistep process involving a number of different documents. IMG Connect are here to help guide overseas doctors through the various stages of IMC Registration by considering the following topics: Why do I need IMC Registration? How much will it cost me? What are the requirements for IMC Registration? Recognised IMC qualifications English language capabilities Registration and licensing history ID Check What is the process? First, lets understand the types of IMC registration that are available There are several types of IMC registration that are available, and so understanding the registration type that fits you is really the first step. How do you work this out? Well the IMC website has this very useful eligibility route finder and if you have run this already, we recommend checking through this before starting your application. You'll see that there are various different divisions of IMC registration, and the full list reads Trainee Specialist Division, Internship Registration, Specialist Division, General Division, Supervised Division and Visiting EEA Practitioners Division. Whilst it might seem a bit confusing we can simplify this for you and say that most IMGs or overseas doctors we are working with will be applying for either the general or specialists division. And what does that mean in practice? Doctors with specialist registration may practise independently, without supervision and may represent themselves as specialists, and anyone with general registration is permitted to practice under certain specifications or supervision. If you have ever looked at GMC registration, its essentially the same.  Ok, and why do I need IMC registration? Its quite simple really, it is a legal requirement! Practicing medicine in Ireland without IMC registration is illegal, as it is in most countries, so anyone wishing to work in the Irish healthcare system will need to get cracking and ge their IMC registration together.  So how much will IMC registration cost me? The cost of IMC registration varies depending on the type of registration you are applying for. When looking at the IMC website you might find it quite confusing, as did we initially, but to give an overview we can say the total cost of a new application and granted registration can vary, from roughly €1000 to €1,300 depending on the two main associated considerations and costs below. Application Fee - there is a non-refundable fee for submitting your application. This fee can vary, so it’s important to check the IMC website for the most current amount here. Registration Fee - in addition to the application fee, there is the registration fee. Again, this amount depends on what type of registration it is you're applying for i.e. general or specialist.   Whatever the case we recommend budgeting for these costs in advance to avoid any nastyt surprises at the point you are ready to make an application! Ok - so what are the requirements for IMC registration? To be eligible for full IMC registration with a license to practice, you’ll need to fulfill the requirements listed below. They are very similar to other medical registrations, think GMC registration for example, and will follow a similar pattern. Essentially, you'll need to show that you have the qualifications and knowledge to work as a doctor, and that you can communicate to the required minimum levels to practice safely in Ireland. Below we have listed out and explained some of the requirement for a successful application with the IMC. Recognised Primary Medical Qualification - you must have a medical degree from a recognised institution, essentially one that is on the World Directory of Medical Schools. You can easily check by going on their website and finding your medical school. You'll then need to verify this with the EPIC (the online portal managed by the ECFMG) - and you can find some more information on this via our blogs on our website here.  English Language Capabilities - if English is not your first language, you must demonstrate your proficiency through accepted tests such as International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Occupational English Test (OET). Meeting the IMC’s language requirements is crucial for effective communication in a clinical setting, and they are slightly different to the GMC's scoring requirements for registration. For OET you need 4 B's, and for the IELTS you need to acheive an overall band score of 7.0 and a minimum score of 6.5 in each module. For both OET and IELTS this score mut have been acheived in the last 2-years. Evidence of Knowledge & Skills - this essentially is the qualification or licensing exam that you are using to register with the Medical Council. This might be a reocgnised overseas postgraduate qualification, an Irish postgraduate qualification, a European Specialist Qualification, or the IMCs licensing exam known as the PRES. Either way, for the majority of docotrs applying they will need to show evidence of something additional  Evidence of Registration and Licensing History - you’ll need to provide information about your previous medical registrations and licenses. This includes a proof of registration document showing that you are registered to practice in your home country or any other country where you have practiced. Certificates of Good Standing - a Certificate of Good Standing (CGS) is typically required from the medical regulatory authority in your home country. This document confirms that you have no ongoing investigations or disciplinary actions against you and no application will be accepted without these. You'll need to provide a CGS that is dated within the last 3-months, and from every medical regulatory body with whom you've held a registration with in the last 5-years.​​​​​​ What Is the Process? The process of registering with the IMC involves several steps as below: Document Preparation - gather all required documents, including your medical degree, transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and certificates of good standing. Online Application - complete the online application form on the IMC website. Ensure that all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays. Application Fee Payment - pay the non-refundable application fee when you submit your application. Submit Supporting Documents - upload all necessary documents through the IMC online portal. Make sure everything is clear and readable. Await Assessment - after submission, the IMC will assess your application. This process can take several weeks, so patience is key. Complete Additional Assessments - if required, complete any knowledge and skill tests as specified by the IMC. ID Check & Receive Registration - once your application is approved, you will receive your IMC registration number and will be invited to attend an ID check. Once this has completed you can then practice medicine in Ireland! To summarise Registering with the Irish Medical is a crucial step for any overseas doctors wishing to practice in Ireland. By understanding the requirements and following the outlined process, you can navigate this journey with confidence but we appreciate the process may become difficult or unclear. At IMG Connect we’re here to support you throughout your registration process so if you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can help you turn your dream of practicing medicine in Ireland into reality!

For overseas doctors, a Certificate of Sponsorship forms an integral part of a successful Tier 2 Visa application. In this article we focus on the process for an NHS hospital as they apply for your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and look specifically at the following: What is a Certificate of Sponsorship? Differences between a restricted CoS and an unrestricted CoS? What is the Resident Labour Market test? Recent changes regarding visa allocations? Does the process require my input? How long does the process take? Once I have my CoS, what happens next? What is a Certificate of Sponsorship? A CoS is a digital reference number that the Home Office will issue a Certified Sponsor (i.e. an NHS hospital) to allow a doctor to complete their Tier 2 visa application and work in the UK. You cannot submit your visa application without one. What is the difference between a restricted CoS and an unrestricted CoS? It is important to note that both a restricted CoS and un-restricted CoS will carry equal weight when completing your visa application process. For you as an individual, neither CoS is better than the other in terms of your application being a success.  However, for the hospital, an un-restricted CoS is easier and quicker to process with no monthly cap on how many each hospital can apply for. Restricted CoS: These apply to all applications made by people who live outside of the UK and are planning to work in a role paying less than £159,600 per annum. These are included in the permanent limit, which is an annual restriction on the number of migrant workers admitted to the UK from outside the EEA. For a restricted CoS the application must be submitted by the 5th of each month to be reviewed on 11th. Unrestricted CoS: These apply to any workers looking to switch to a Tier 2 visa that are already in the UK, or the worker is based outside of the UK but in a role that pays upwards of £159,600 per annum.  These are not included in the permanent limit, an annual restriction on the number of migrant workers admitted to the UK from outside the EEA Importantly, an unrestricted CoS can be automatically allocated to a doctor. Have the rules recently changed regarding visa allocations for unrestricted CoS? Yes, in June 2018 the Home Office announced they were exempting all Doctors and Nurses from the Tier 2 cap on a temporary basis. Those specialties that were not on the Shortage List would be able to obtain an Unrestricted Certificate of Sponsorship under Tier 2. In brief, any doctor or nurse can be automatically allocated a un-restricted CoS by a hospital. The Independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is currently reviewing the Tier 2 Shortage Occupation List and will be reporting their findings imminently. What is the Resident Labour Market test? When sponsoring an individual under Tier 2, for both a restricted and unrestricted CoS, the trust must first complete a Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT). Only if your post is on the shortage occupation list is there an exemption to this. The list of shortage occupations can be found here. The RLMT requires that vacancies are subject to a four-week advertising period (28 days) though this period does not have to be continuous. If no suitable resident labour worker is identified throughout this period, a trust can then appoint a Tier 2 applicant. Your IMG Connect consultant will ensure the trust has run the RLMT before engaging with an international recruitment process, thus not wasting time. Does this process require my input? As an overseas doctor you do not actually need to do anything to apply for a CoS.  The hospital and IMG Connect will handle this process in its entirety, ensuring you are provided with your CoS reference number once complete. However, at IMG Connect we advise you spend this time ensuring your documentation for the rest of your Tier 2 visa application is ready for submission.  See our article on the Tier 2 Visa application process for more information. How long does the process take? An unrestricted CoS can be approved in a matter of days.  A restricted CoS can take a number of weeks to be processed. Unrestricted Certificates: As all doctors and nurses are exempt from the Tier 2 Cap, we strongly advise trusts to apply for unrestricted CoS to save them time and paperwork. Restricted Certificates: There are a limited number available each month. Applications must be made by the 5th day of each month to be considered by the ‘allocation date’ – the first working day after the 10th of each month.  Where a trust need apply for a restricted CoS, we urge them not to miss the strict deadlines in place. Missing these deadlines will cause delays to appointing suitable candidates in a timely manner, potentially missing out on the doctors they want to hire. The RLMT: Running the RLMT test immediately on hard to fill vacancies. Many hospitals have numerous vacancies that they have been unsuccessful in recruiting to for a number of years. IMG Connect advises a hospital to run the RLMT as soon as possible, so they can act swiftly once they have identified a Tier 2 candidate suitable for hire. Once I have my CoS – what happens next? The trust will issue you your CoS in the form of a digital reference number – not a physical document. This reference number will form part of your Tier 2 visa online application. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your IMG Consultant to discuss finalising your Tier 2 visa application and putting into action your UK relocation checklist including accommodation, travel, bank accounts and schooling. IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. For regular news and updates including NHS Jobs, the Royal Colleges and the GMC, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below: