A step-by-step walkthrough of the General Medical Council registration process for international medical graduates looking to practice in the UK.
GMC registration is the licence that lets you practise medicine in the United Kingdom. For international medical graduates (IMGs), the process is well-defined but document-heavy. Most doctors get fully registered in 4–9 months when they prepare in the right order.
Step 1 — Confirm your eligibility
You must hold a primary medical qualification from a recognised institution and have completed an internship of at least 12 months. The GMC publishes a list of acceptable qualifications — verify yours before paying any fees.
Step 2 — Demonstrate English proficiency
Either IELTS Academic (overall 7.5, no band below 7.0) or OET Medicine (B in each section). Some doctors qualify for an English exemption if their primary medical training was conducted in English in a recognised country.
Step 3 — Pass a knowledge test
Most IMGs route through PLAB (Parts 1 and 2) or hold a recognised postgraduate qualification such as MRCP, MRCS, MRCOG, MRCPCH or FRCR. Postgraduate qualifications are usually the faster route to specialty registration.
Step 4 — Apply for registration with a licence to practise
Once knowledge and English are cleared, you submit your registration application via GMC Online with your primary medical qualification, internship certificate, ID, English evidence, and certificate of good standing from every regulator you've held a licence with in the last five years.
Step 5 — Identity check in person
The GMC requires an in-person ID check at their Manchester or London office. Many doctors combine this with their first job interview trip.
Common delays
- Certificate of Good Standing arriving late — request it the day you start the GMC application.
- Mismatched names across documents — get an affidavit if your name appears differently anywhere.
- Internship certificates that don't show start and end dates — get them re-issued before applying.