Time Frame from PLAB2 to Your First Job as Non Training Trust Grade NHS Doctor

How long does it going to take?

Ans: It varies with the person. It could take up to 3 - 6months or longer!!!

Two key elements are:

- How fast you can get a job offer

- How fast your HR can process the paperwork, including the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)/ Visa application

Time Frame 

I gathered my personal experience and other IMG's experience here. Hope to help you to understand it and plan it better. Please be aware it varies with different circumstances and things change according to different factors.

I don't include IELTS/ OET and PLAB1, as my journey was interrupted by other factors including the COVID pandemic. Apart from that, "how long it going to take" depend on how soon you can book your exam. As it seems to be quite fast to be fully booked nowadays. 

1. PLAB2 result

-It usually took around 3weeks to 1months time from your exam date.

2. GMC registration

- You can get it as soon as 5 working days.

- It depends on the workload of GMC and it depends on how well you had prepared the documents needed by GMC. 

- If you have document problems, the process could be very lengthening as each reply from GMC mean another 5-7 working days processing time.  

- You can read the section on GMC registration in my post here: https://helenngjourney.blogspot.com/2022/02/expenses-and-saving-tips-for-plab2-to.html

Tips: Prepare the correct documents. It avoids the hustle of resending the documents back to GMC. 

3. Job application

- this is the crucial part

- People can get their job within 1 month's time, but some people do take up to 3-6 months times

(job need to put on advert --> deadline/closing -->shortlisted for interview -->offer)

        * You can receive a job interview anytime. There was new job interview offer was given to me ONLY after 3months I made the application. 

Time line  ( as mentioned in the email invitation)

Jan 2022- Submit job application

Late March 2022- Job interview offer

Late April 2022 - Job interview will be conducted

July 2022- Tentative start date

>>> so if you didn't get any job offer at 1-2 months, it wasn't surprise at all with such a timeframe.  

- I got my job offer within the first month of receiving my PLAB2 result out and while I was still awaiting GMC registration (as there are documents problem)

You can refer to 

- https://www.facebook.com/groups/IMGs.in.the.UK/permalink/5254762254556773/

- https://www.facebook.com/groups/IMGs.in.the.UK/permalink/2556875111012181/

-https://www.facebook.com/groups/IMGs.in.the.UK/permalink/2557731940926498/

- Some people apply for jobs only in a particular region or according to their personal requirements. 

You can refer to 

- https://www.facebook.com/groups/IMGs.in.the.UK/permalink/3048511561848531/

- https://www.facebook.com/groups/IMGs.in.the.UK/permalink/4790513097648360/

- Some IMG may struggle to get a job interview/ offer for a different reason. Eg. No have any previous NHS experience, CV is not attractive...

You can refer to 

- https://www.facebook.com/groups/IMGs.in.the.UK/permalink/4695644290468575/

- https://www.facebook.com/groups/IMGs.in.the.UK/permalink/4790513097648360/

- Some may as well reject a job offer that is just short. 

You can refer to 

- https://www.facebook.com/groups/IMGs.in.the.UK/permalink/3009374735762214/

My personal opinion: Why 6 month or less work contract is a bad idea for an IMG doctor?

https://helenngjourney.blogspot.com/2022/07/why-6-months-or-less-work-contract-is.html

In regard to year of experience, affecting to be shortlisted for a job.

- https://www.facebook.com/groups/IMGs.in.the.UK/posts/5329447867088211/

Tips: Do some homework on how to apply for a job, how to write your CV, how to write personal specifications, and prepare for a job interview. 

If you want to want to look for an NHS work using recruitment agents (if you like A&E SHO post or senior post in other departments), I can help with the connection. Drop your CV into my work email: hhpersonalcoaching@gmail.com

4. Been/ After Job Offer

- This could take another 1-3months time. 

- After the interview, the job can be offered in 1 days up to 1 week time. 

You can refer to 

- https://www.facebook.com/groups/IMGs.in.the.UK/permalink/5173155586050774/ 

- Some HR are fast, some are just not. You really need to have patience with them. 

- I met people who got their Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) within 4 working days. Some took up to 2 months time. 

You can refer to 

- https://www.facebook.com/groups/1410166795683024/search/?q=cos

- http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2017/11/frequently-asked-questions-about-tier-2.html?fbclid=IwAR37gye9qXAhr_cT4qTt8jfpbgMACCg76Pg5p7WF3FPnWr8HhXEEjJhDd-M&m=1

Tips: Be patient with your HR. Remind them and keep in touch with them timely. 

If there is still no reply or update, you may need to get involved with your line manager or consultant. 

Dr Omar's Blog: How to communicate with HR: 

https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/03/communicating-with-hr-in-nhs.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR0kKZGvNBdsiNchwO3RLS8P9F4xqX0w1GXNS6mnMmlu8q3tPY8AUD5LgUs

5. Skilled Visa Application

- Due to the covid pandemic, you can work right after you obtained a COS. Please ask your HR about it.

You can refer to my post on this: https://helenngjourney.blogspot.com/2022/02/nhs-worker-can-i-get-skilled-worker.html

- Otherwise, visa application could take another 5 days to 1 months time. It depends on how much money you pay to apply for your visa/do you choose priority service. 

You can refer to 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/visa-regulations-revised-table/home-office-immigration-and-nationality-fees-26-february-2022#work---applications-made-in-the-uk

-Some trusts still need you to have the approval of the visa / BRP before work. 

6. Occupational Health Clearance

-date will be given, take blood for hep, MMR, TB (IGRA) - varies with trust/ local policy

- Most trusts allow the new starter to work only after the occupational clearance. Some trust does allow you to start the observation/ shadowing without it. 

- The test takes one day (just go to take your blood), the appointment may take one week to book, the result could be out in 1 to 2week's time depending on trust. 

Tips: Try to book as soon as possible. Make a plan for it. 

7. ID check/ DBS

- I faced some difficulties here.  I don't have any acceptable form of document to "proof of my address". 

Tips: You can ask your landlord to issue you a cover letter (some agents do that) or put your name under one of the utility bills. 

Or you can use your online bank statement e.g. Monzo bank statement. However, some places no longer accept this. 

You could work before the DBS check, if you trust in need, they can do a risk assessment check for you.  Please ask your HR, if it is junior HR. Please get in touch with senior HR. 

Give them an email first, if they are not replying to you, it is normal/ can happen. Give them a call after that in the appropriate time frame. 

Tips: Lots of perseverance is needed and do follow up closely with your HR, get involved with your line manager if needed. Escalate to a consultant if indicated. 

However, don't be too aggressive. Give your HR some time. 

My experience on DBS : https://helenngjourney.blogspot.com/2022/05/dbs.html

8. Induction 

-varies with trust

- your payroll shall start now ( according to people's usual experience) 

- It can take 2 days for it (varies with trust). It included some mandatory training, IT induction, and ID badges. 

Special thanks to IMG Facebook group & all the seniors that still guiding the newbie on this path. 

I hope this helps to give you an idea about the timeframe. 

Please add in the comment if I miss anything. 

Thank you.

You can refer to my post 

What should I do while waiting for the PLAB2 result?

https://helenngjourney.blogspot.com/2022/02/what-should-i-do-while-waiting-for.html

Here is the table of contents for other topics: https://helenngjourney.blogspot.com/2022/02/table-of-contents.html