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9 ways the new Shortage Occupation List affects IMGs dreaming of UK specialty training

The immigration barriers that once made it difficult for IMGs to enter UK specialty training in competitive fields have just been removed! Find out how this affects you.

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shortage occupation list

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The rules, guidelines and criteria for working as a doctor in the UK change frequently. Please make sure you check the latest official guidance before taking action.

Back in May 2019, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommended that all doctors be added to the UK Shortage Occupation List (SOL). We all thought this would take a couple of years to become a reality, but as of October 6, 2019, this will be official! 

Any occupation on the SOL is considered automatically exempt from the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT). If you’ve been following this website, you know that RLMT was a huge barrier that IMGs needed to be overcome in order to be eligible for training posts in competitive specialties such as Surgery or Radiology, and formed the basis of the IMG-friendly specialties.

But now that barrier has been knocked down, so all IMGs are eligible to apply for training jobs in any round, at any level, in any specialty including core training and higher specialty training

The only exception is Public Health. If you are applying for a training job in Public Health, RLMT rules still apply. It is a competitive specialty so you must be exempt from RLMT in order to be considered for a job. Read more about RLMT here.

The Medical Specialty Recruitment Applicant Handbook 2020 reflects these changes on Page 11 and Page 50 which I’ve copied below:

From 6 October 2019, all medical practitioners have been added to the Shortage Occupation List in the UK. This means that all medical practitioners are exempt from the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) and can apply for any specialty in any recruitment round, subject to eligibility.  Page 11

All medical practitioners are now on the Shortage Occupation List and are therefore exempt from the RLMT….Applicants exempt from the RLMT will be considered for posts alongside UK/EU/EEA nationals and other settled workers. Page 50

What does this really mean and how will this affect you as an IMG applying for UK specialty training? 

After careful analysis of the situation, here’s what we think. Of course, we’re not fortune-tellers so what actually happens can be quite different!

1. Competition will go up

Now that anyone can apply, it’s inevitable that many will! This change opens the doors for hundreds, even thousands, of highly qualified IMGs who want to apply for specialty training in the UK. 

The recruitment offices are likely to be inundated with applications over the next couple of years but will not have the capacity to review every application or interview every applicant. They will naturally need to introduce ways of cutting down the number of applicants which leads me to number 2.

Related: Comprehensive IMG guides per specialty

2. Expect a new shortlisting process

Some specialties already have a shortlisting process in place, while others don’t. Due to the increased number of applicants as a result of these changes, we may see the introduction of new and stricter shortlisting criteria. 

We can’t say for sure what the criteria will consist of, but judging from the current shorlisting processes, it can include any of the following:

  • A higher cut off score in the Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA)
  • A higher portfolio score requirement at the time of application
  • A combination of the above
  • Something completely new

We’ll have to wait and see how things unfold. 

If you need to prepare for the MSRA, Kimberly recommends the E-medica SRA Crammer course which helped her score well and get her Ophthalmology job in London. Use the code Savvyimg for £20 off the MSRA Crammer Course.

3. There may no longer be a Round 2 for ST1/CT1

Round 2  (aka Round 1 re-advert) for ST1/CT1 only exists in some specialties because the specialty is unable to find enough suitable applicants from Round 1 and therefore not all training posts are filled. 

Highly competitive specialties manage to fill all their training jobs in Round 1, therefore they don’t have a Round 2.

This year, there may be more applicants in Round 1 than previous years so it’s possible that all training jobs are filled in Round 1. This would mean that there may not be a Round 2 this year for specialties that usually have it such as Paediatrics, and Internal Medicine.

If you were planning on applying in Round 2, I would say apply in Round 1 now because there may not be a Round 2! Prepare your portfolio, keep improving it even after you’ve submitted your score, do your best at interview, and you can still get a job. 

If you don’t get a place in Round 1, and there is a Round 2, then you can reapply with your better portfolio score, and with your interview experience. Both will increase your chances of succeeding on your second application!

Related: What IMGs need to know about applications to specialty training (residency) in the UK

4. ST3/ST4 applications are also open to all

If you have already completed some training back home and have your core competencies signed, you will now be able to apply for higher specialty training at ST3 or ST4 level and be considered equally amongst UK graduates. Those competitive specialties like Cardiology, Dermatology, Plastic surgery, and Ophthalmology are now within reach! 

Related: CESR-CP will soon be recognised as CCT

5. Your portfolio is more important than ever

Now that your immigration status isn’t holding you back, there really is no excuse. If you don’t get into training with these new rules, it means that your application was not good enough. So don’t waste this chance to show your worth! 

Check out our top 8 tips on improving your application to UK specialty training.

If you need extra guidance in doing this, check out the IMG Masterclass where we go into more detail and guide you through it step by step.

The general rule is: analyse the person specifications for the specialty you want to apply for, research the scoring criteria, and develop your portfolio accordingly.

6. Preparation for the interview is paramount

If you make it past shortlisting, then the only thing between you and your dream is the interview. A strong portfolio and regular practice will give you the confidence to do well and achieve success. 

Interview season for those applying in Round 1 will be from the end of December to February. Make sure you’re ready! 

The Medical Interviews (Amazon link) book is a staple for UK doctors preparing for interviews so definitely get your copy now!

7. Visa fees will be reduced

The cost of a Tier 2 work visa on the shortage occupation is almost 25% less compared to occupations that are not on the SOL. It’s not a huge amount but if you have a family to bring over to the UK, every little helps! 

Related: An Essential Guide to the UK Standard Visitor Visa for PLAB and Clinical Attachments

8. The rules can change

The Shortage Occupation List is regularly reviewed so any changes are not permanent. This is the time to work hard and work smart, not rest back thinking you’re solved. The current rules represent a window of opportunity that you should take advantage of while you can!

Also, local graduates who previously had little to worry about when it came to IMGs taking up training posts, may now find that they have no job security for specialty training. Objectively speaking, this is a genuine concern for local graduates and there may be some changes to the rules if these concerns are raised.

Related: UK internship (Foundation Programme) open to all IMGs for 2020

9. Have a back up plan

If you’re not quite ready to apply for training this year, it’s important to have a backup plan to remain eligible for Round 1 as the rules can still change. Review this article about how you can be exempt from RLMT and eligible in Round 1.

It’s also worth noting that RLMT may be abolished altogether in 2021, but we don’t yet know what immigration rules will replace it. Again, we’ll have to wait and see and develop a strategy accordingly.

Related: Career options in the UK for IMGs 2020

Conclusion

These are exciting times for IMGs who dream of pursuing specialty training in the UK! 

The changes with the SOL opens doors, but also brings new challenges of increased competition. There is also the chance that local graduates and UK/EU settled workers will block the equal treatment of IMG applicants in future years in order to retain their job security.

Everything mentioned above is our analysis and speculation. We hope this gives you some ideas about how to plan for the future but we can’t know how things will turn out for sure, so it’s important that you are aware of what’s happening and remain flexible with your strategy. 

Bottom line?

Remain vigilant to any changes, stay committed to your vocation, keep working on your application (portfolio & interview skills +/- MSRA), and have a backup plan

Related: 8 ways the UK has made it easier for IMGs in the past 2 years

Disclosure: There are some affiliate links in the article above. This means that at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you make a booking or purchase by clicking on the link. We only recommend products and services that we use ourselves or have proven success amongst IMGs.

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Looking for a step-by-step guide?

Subscribe to the Savvy IMG and grab your FREE 2-year roadmap to UK residency as an IMG.

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Subscribe to the Savvy IMG and grab your FREE 2-year roadmap to UK residency as an IMG.

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9 Responses

  1. Hello
    So if i am currently in a non training job and have my GMC registration via sponsorship lasting for 5 years
    Here are my questions
    1) if when this year ends i apply to a CESR-CT ST3 intensive care after chrckin entry requirements ehat kind of visa will i have since the skilled worker visa i hold now will end when my non training job ends

    2) if during my training ny GMC registration time ended what can i do ? Knowing that o dnt have PLAB and i will be toward the end of my specialty CESR-CCT training

    1. Hi there, GMC registration via sponsorship doesn’t expire. Every doctor with GMC registration and a license to practice needs to go through the revalidation process every 5 years to show they are up to date. This is the same for the PLAB, or MRCP route. If you pass revalidation, you keep your registration and license.
      1. It will be a Tier 2 work visa, most likely the health and care visa subtype.
      2. Your GMC registration won’t end. If you are in training, your GMC registration and license renews automatically every year as long as you pay the fees. Hope that’s clear! Best of luck!

  2. Hi Nick
    Am an mbbs graduate from India with 7years experience in gp practise. I have completed my ielts with band 7.5 and individual 7. Can I get into gp training program directly without going through plab

    1. Hi there, you need GMC registration to work as a doctor in the UK so unfortunately no, you can’t start GP training without PLAB because PLAB is required for GMC registration. With your experience you’re sure to do well in PLAB! Best of luck!

  3. Good Day doctor!

    I passed the local boards last September 2017 in the Philippines, I gave birth and did not undergo any training specialties. My husband is currently working as a nurse at Cambridge and we are planning to migrate as a family to UK. I will be taking my IELTS this October and will apply for PLAB once I am eligible. I am worried that my portfolio is not competitive enough. Are there ways to improve it? Do i need to attend some trainings while I am waiting for my results? I am hoping for your positive response. Thank you and Godbless!

    Best Regards,

    Cyrine Cunanan, MD

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Contents

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Marketing communications

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Information obtained by us from third parties

In certain circumstances (for example, to verify the information we hold about you or obtain missing information we require to provide you with a service) we will obtain information about you from certain publicly accessible sources, both EU and non-EU, such as Companies House, online customer databases, business directories, media publications, social media, and websites (including your own website if you have one.

In certain circumstances will also obtain information about you from private sources, both EU and non-EU, such as marketing data services.

We will continue to send you marketing communications in relation to similar goods and services if you do not opt out from receiving them.

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Legitimate interests: Sharing relevant, timely and industry-specific information on related business services.

Where we receive information about you in error

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Disclosure and additional uses of your information

This section sets out the circumstances in which will disclose information about you to third parties and any additional purposes for which we use your information.

Disclosure of your information to service providers

We use a number of third parties to provide us with services which are necessary to run our business or to assist us with running our business

These include the following: Internet services, IT service providers and web developers.

Our third-party service providers are located both inside and outside of the European Economic Area.

Your information will be shared with these service providers where necessary to provide you with the service you have requested, whether that is accessing our website or ordering goods and services from us.

We do not display the identities of our service providers publicly by name for security and competitive reasons. If you would like further information about the identities of our service providers, however, please contact us directly by email and we will provide you with such information where you have a legitimate reason for requesting it (where we have shared your information with such service providers, for example).

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Reason why necessary to perform a contract: we may need to share information with our service providers to enable us to perform our obligations under that contract or to take the steps you have requested before we enter into a contract with you.

Disclosure and use of your information for legal reasons

Indicating possible criminal acts or threats to public security to a competent authority

If we suspect that criminal or potential criminal conduct has been occurred, we will in certain circumstances need to contact an appropriate authority, such as the police. This could be the case, for instance, if we suspect that we fraud or a cyber-crime has been committed or if we receive threats or malicious communications towards us or third parties.

We will generally only need to process your information for this purpose if you were involved or affected by such an incident in some way.

Legal basis for processing: our legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) of the General Data Protection Regulation).

Legitimate interests: preventing crime or suspected criminal activity (such as fraud).

In connection with the enforcement or potential enforcement our legal rights

We will use your information in connection with the enforcement or potential enforcement of our legal rights, including, for example, sharing information with debt collection agencies if you do not pay amounts owed to us when you are contractually obliged to do so. Our legal rights may be contractual (where we have entered into a contract with you) or non-contractual (such as legal rights that we have under copyright law or tort law).

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We may need to use your information if we are involved in a dispute with you or a third party for example, either to resolve the dispute or as part of any mediation, arbitration or court resolution or similar process.

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Legitimate interest(s): resolving disputes and potential disputes.

How long we retain your information

This section sets out how long we retain your information. We have set out specific retention periods where possible. Where that has not been possible, we have set out the criteria we use to determine the retention period.

Retention periods

Server log information: we retain information on our server logs for 3 months.

Correspondence and enquiries: when you make an enquiry or correspond with us for any reason, whether by email or via our contact form or by phone, we will retain your information for as long as it takes to respond to and resolve your enquiry, and for 36 further month(s), after which point we will archive your information.

Newsletter: we retain the information you used to sign up for our newsletter for as long as you remain subscribed (i.e. you do not unsubscribe).

Membership: we retain the information you used to sign up for our memberships for as long as you remain subscribed (i.e. you do not unsubscribe).

Criteria for determining retention periods

In any other circumstances, we will retain your information for no longer than necessary, taking into account the following:

    • the purpose(s) and use of your information both now and in the future (such as whether it is necessary to continue to store that information in order to continue to perform our obligations under a contract with you or to contact you in the future);
    • whether we have any legal obligation to continue to process your information (such as any record-keeping obligations imposed by relevant law or regulation);
    • whether we have any legal basis to continue to process your information (such as your consent);
    • how valuable your information is (both now and in the future);
    • any relevant agreed industry practices on how long information should be retained;
    • the levels of risk, cost and liability involved with us continuing to hold the information;
    • how hard it is to ensure that the information can be kept up to date and accurate; and
    • any relevant surrounding circumstances (such as the nature and status of our relationship with you).

How we secure your information

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to secure your information and to protect it against unauthorised or unlawful use and accidental loss or destruction, including:

  • only sharing and providing access to your information to the minimum extent necessary, subject to confidentiality restrictions where appropriate, and on an anonymised basis wherever possible;
  • using secure servers to store your information;
  • verifying the identity of any individual who requests access to information prior to granting them access to information;
  • using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) software to encrypt any payment transactions you make on or via our website;
  • only transferring your information via closed system or encrypted data transfers;

Transmission of information to us by email

Transmission of information over the internet is not entirely secure, and if you submit any information to us over the internet (whether by email, via our website or any other means), you do so entirely at your own risk.

We cannot be responsible for any costs, expenses, loss of profits, harm to reputation, damages, liabilities or any other form of loss or damage suffered by you as a result of your decision to transmit information to us by such means.

Transfers of your information outside the European Economic Area

Your information may be transferred and stored outside the European Economic Area (EEA) in the circumstances set out earlier in this policy.

We will also transfer your information outside the EEA or to an international organisation in order to comply with legal obligations to which we are subject (compliance with a court order, for example). Where we are required to do so, we will ensure appropriate safeguards and protections are in place.

Your rights in relation to your information

Subject to certain limitations on certain rights, you have the following rights in relation to your information, which you can exercise by writing to the data controller using the details provided at the top of this policy.

  • to request access to your information and information related to our use and processing of your information;
  • to request the correction or deletion of your information;
  • to request that we restrict our use of your information;
  • to receive information which you have provided to us in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format (e.g. a CSV file) and the right to have that information transferred to another data controller (including a third-party data controller);
  • to object to the processing of your information for certain purposes (for further information, see the section below entitled Your right to object to the processing of your information for certain purposes); and
  • to withdraw your consent to our use of your information at any time where we rely on your consent to use or process that information. Please note that if you withdraw your consent, this will not affect the lawfulness of our use and processing of your information on the basis of your consent before the point in time when you withdraw your consent.

In accordance with Article 77 of the General Data Protection Regulation, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your habitual residence, place of work or of an alleged infringement of the General Data Protection Regulation.

Further information on your rights in relation to your personal data as an individual

You can find out further information about your rights, as well as information on any limitations which apply to those rights, by reading the underlying legislation contained in Articles 12 to 22 and 34 of the General Data Protection Regulation, which is available here:http://ec.europa.eu/justice/data-protection/reform/files/regulation_oj_en.pdf

Verifying your identity where you request access to your information

Where you request access to your information, we are required by law to use all reasonable measures to verify your identity before doing so.

These measures are designed to protect your information and to reduce the risk of identity fraud, identity theft or general unauthorised access to your information.

How we verify your identity

Where we possess appropriate information about you on file, we will attempt to verify your identity using that information.

If it is not possible to identity you from such information, or if we have insufficient information about you, we may require original or certified copies of certain documentation in order to be able to verify your identity before we are able to provide you with access to your information.

We will be able to confirm the precise information we require to verify your identity in your specific circumstances if and when you make such a request.

Your right to object

You have the following rights in relation to your information, which you may exercise in the same way as you may exercise by writing to the data controller using the details provided at the top of this policy.

  • to object to us using or processing your information where we use or process it in order
  • to carry out a task in the public interest or for our legitimate interests, including ‘profiling’ (i.e. analysing or predicting your behaviour based on your information) based on any of these purposes; and
  • to object to us using or processing your information for direct marketing purposes(including any profiling we engage in that is related to such direct marketing).

You may also exercise your right to object to us using or processing your information for direct marketing purposes by:

  • clicking the unsubscribe link contained at the bottom of any marketing email we send to you and following the instructions which appear in your browser following your clicking on that link;
  • sending an email to info@thesavvyimg.co.uk, asking that we stop sending you marketing communications or by including the words “OPT OUT”.

Sensitive Personal Information

‘Sensitive personal information’ is information about an individual that reveals their racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership, genetic information, biometric information for the purpose of uniquely identifying an individual, information concerning health or information concerning a natural person’s sex life or sexual orientation.

Our website does not allow you to register any ‘Sensitive Information’, however if we ask for this, you will be considered to have explicitly consented to us processing that sensitive personal information under Article 9(2)(a) of the General Data Protection Regulation.

Changes to our Privacy Policy

We update and amend our Privacy Policy from time to time.

Minor changes to our Privacy Policy

Where we make minor changes to our Privacy Policy, we will update our Privacy Policy with a new effective date stated at the beginning of it. Our processing of your information will be governed by the practices set out in that new version of the Privacy Policy from its effective date onwards.

Major changes to our Privacy Policy or the purposes for which we process your information

Where we make major changes to our Privacy Policy or intend to use your information for a new purpose or a different purpose than the purposes for which we originally collected it, we will notify you by email (where possible) or by posting a notice on our website.

We will provide you with the information about the change in question and the purpose and any other relevant information before we use your information for that new purpose.

Wherever required, we will obtain your prior consent before using your information for a purpose that is different from the purposes for which we originally collected it.

Children’s Privacy

Because we care about the safety and privacy of children online, we comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA). COPPA and its accompanying regulations protect the privacy of children using the internet. We do not knowingly contact or collect information from persons under the age of 18. The website is not intended to solicit information of any kind from persons under the age of 18.

It is possible that we could receive information pertaining to persons under the age of 18 by the fraud or deception of a third party. If we are notified of this, as soon as we verify the information, we will, where required by law to do so, immediately obtain the appropriate parental consent to use that information or, if we are unable to obtain such parental consent, we will delete the information from our servers. If you would like to notify us of our receipt of information about persons under the age of 18, please do so by contacting us by using the details at the top of this policy.