Medical Training Initiative (MTI) scheme

MTI and COVID-19

Joint statement on MTI

The AoMRC, HEE, and NHS Employers have issued a joint statement (PDF 149kb) on the Medical Training Initiative scheme and Coronavirus. This statement includes details on entry to the UK, certificates of sponsorship, visas, and support for MTI doctors in the workplace.

The AoMRC have advised that Royal Colleges may continue with recruitment into their MTI schemes, subject to a number of conditions which must be assured by the Trust offering the placement. This is to guarantee appropriate training and support for MTI doctors in the workplace within their specialty.

An update on the RCOG MTI Scheme 2020 will follow on this website shortly.

Visas – Information from UKVI

The UKVI has published information on visas on GOV.UK due to the COVID-19.

For any immigration-related queries, please contact the Coronavirus Immigration Team.

On Tuesday 24 March, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) published guidance on GOV.UK on immigration provisions for individuals affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus (COVID-19). These changes are now in effect and full details are available at gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents. If you have any queries, please contact mti@rcog.org.uk.

Introduction to the Medical Training Initiative (MTI) scheme and how to apply for the scheme, either as a trainee or an NHS hospital/trust.

If you’re already taking part in the RCOG’s MTI scheme as a trainee or as an NHS hospital/trust, please visit the MTI resources page.

Introduction to the MTI scheme

The MTI scheme allows International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to come to the UK for a maximum of 2 years to train within the National Health Service (NHS).

IMGs benefit greatly from the knowledge, skills and techniques learned within the NHS and can use them to improve the level of patient care in their home country on their return.

In addition, UK hospitals who provide a placement for IMGs benefit from increased workforce capacity and the skills and knowledge that IMGs can share with their UK colleagues.

During the placement, IMGs follow a similar assessment process to UK trainees. The expectations of IMGs in terms of their performance and targets should be based on the same standards as UK trainees at ST2 level initially, until, with support from the hospital, they move to ST3-4 level for the majority of their placement.