🎓 What Is the MTI Route?

MTI = Medical Training Initiative
It enables doctors from outside the UK/EEA to:

Gain experience and training in the UK healthcare system
Work in supervised roles at NHS hospitals
Return to their home countries with enhanced skills

🏥 Who Is the MTI Route For?

Experienced IMGs with at least 3 years of post-internship clinical experience
Ideally already holding a postgraduate qualification (e.g. MD, MS, FCPS, MRCP Part 1)
Doctors who do not want to settle in the UK permanently but wish to enhance clinical skills
Applicants from developing countries, to improve global health partnerships

🔁 How Long Is the MTI Program?

Usually 24 months maximum (cannot be extended)
After that, you must return to your home country for at least 12 months before applying for another UK visa

🛠️ How Does the MTI Route Work?

Two Main MTI Models:

College-Sponsored MTI
- Managed by a UK Royal College (e.g., RCP, RCS, RCOG, RCPCH)
- Offers structured matching, sponsorship, and support
- Often includes clinical observerships, induction, and portfolio development
Trust-Sponsored MTI
- Hospital directly recruits an IMG into an MTI-designated post
- Must still be endorsed by a Royal College or Health Education England (HEE)

✅ MTI Eligibility Criteria

Requirements:

PMQ

Primary Medical Qualification from GMC-recognised university

Postgraduate experience

At least 3 years post-internship including some specialty experience

Postgraduate qualification

Often required or strongly preferred (e.g. FCPS, MD/MS, MRCP Part 1)

English proficiency

IELTS (7.5 overall) or OET (Grade B) in all domains

Sponsorship

By a Royal College or equivalent sponsor

Return to home country

Must commit to returning after the MTI term (visa requirement)

📋 Documents Required

Valid passport
Primary medical qualification (PMQ)
Postgraduate qualification (if available)
Certificate of Good Standing (CGS)
Evidence of internship and work history
English language certificate (IELTS/OET)
Letter of recommendation
Statement of intent to return to home country
Job offer from NHS trust (MTI post)

🛂 Visa Type for MTI

Tier 5 – Temporary Worker (Government Authorised Exchange) visa
Duration: Up to 24 months
Cannot switch to other visa types from within the UK
You must leave the UK at the end of your MTI post

💡 Key Features

Feature

MTI Route

GMC Registration

Full registration via sponsored pathway (no PLAB needed)

Visa

Tier 5 (non-settlement)

Duration

Max 24 months

Salary

Same NHS scale as UK trainees (usually ST3–ST6 pay)

Training

Yes, but non-CCT, i.e., no Certificate of Completion of Training

Return requirement

Must return home after MTI term ends

🎓 Royal Colleges Offering MTI Schemes

Royal CollegeSpecialtiesRCP (London)General medicine and sub-specialtiesRCPCHPaediatricsRCS (England)SurgeryRCOGObstetrics & GynaecologyRCEMEmergency medicineRCGPGeneral practiceFaculty of Public HealthPublic health

Each college has its own MTI portal, eligibility rules, and application steps.

📍 How to Apply for MTI?

Requirement

Description