Eligibility for the MTI scheme

To be considered for the MTI scheme international doctors must meet the following minimum criteria:

• An appropriate postgraduate medical qualification
• Part 1 College Exam (or equivalent to UK version)
• Three years minimum postgraduate experience (four years for Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists)
• Passed the International English Language Test System (IELTS) or Occupational English Test (OET)
  • For IELTS a score of at least 7.0 in each of the academic tests (speaking, listening, reading and writing) and a score of 7.5 or above overall
  • For OET a grade B or above in each testing area (speaking, listening, reading and writing)
• References from home country (?) Supervising Consultants/Fellows of the appropriate royal college
• Be a resident and living overseas at the time of applying to the MTI scheme
• Be willing to return to their home country after their Visa expires

Application prioritisation

The primary purpose of the MTI scheme is to contribute to improving the quality of healthcare in developing countries. Therefore, applications are prioritised based on the category of economic standing for each country as defined by the World Bank.

Current timescales

Once we have received a full application form and all relevant supporting documents, we aim to process Certificates of Sponsorship (subject to availability from UK Visa & Immigration Department) in the following timescale:

• Low-income countries – within five business days
• Lower-middle income countries – within two weeks
• Upper-middle and high-income countries – within three weeks (where there is capacity on the scheme)