How often do you think about relocating to a different country? What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear about the United Kingdom? Work-life balance, a superior quality of life, and better healthcare opportunities for yourself and your family might be among your first thoughts. The very next thought would be, where do I start? Are there any specific English-language exams I need to take to obtain my GMC registration? Read on to have all your queries answered.
English language requirements to be eligible for GMC Registration
To move to the UK as a doctor, you need to be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). The General Medical Council is the regulatory body responsible for maintaining the official register of all medical practitioners within the United Kingdom. Therefore, International Medical Graduate (IMG) doctors who are looking to relocate to the UK and practise within the NHS need to register with the GMC first and foremost.
To successfully register with the GMC, you will first need to demonstrate your English proficiency.
New Update: OET & English Requirements for UK Visas (2026)
There has been a recent update regarding English language requirements for doctors applying for UK visas and settlement.
If you have already used your OET test to meet the English language requirements for GMC registration, you may not need to provide additional English language evidence when applying for a Skilled Worker visa or for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
This update simplifies the process for many international doctors currently working in the UK or planning their long-term stay.
However, requirements can vary depending on individual circumstances, so it is important to seek guidance before applying.
Important update (effective 8 January 2026): In addition to meeting the GMC’s English language requirements for registration, doctors applying for a UK work visa (including the Skilled Worker / Health and Care Worker visa routes) must now meet a minimum English language level of CEFR B2 (upper-intermediate) under UK immigration rules.
In most cases, meeting the GMC standard alone may not be sufficient for visa approval. However, recent updates mean that doctors who have already used OET for GMC registration may not need to provide additional English language evidence when applying for a visa or settlement.
This is a separate immigration requirement and applies to first-time visa applications made on or after 8 January 2026.
GMC English Language Requirements
One option is to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Depending on your preference, you can either handwrite your answers for your IELTS exam or you can use a computer.
To pass your IELTS exam, you need to have a minimum overall score of 7.5 and a minimum score of 7 in each sub-test – listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections will all be completed on the same day.
However, the Speaking section can be completed up to a week before or after the other tests.
Another option is to choose the Occupational English Test (OET).
The OET exam covers all four language skills and has an emphasis on communicating in a healthcare environment.
You will need to gain an overall score of grade B and above across all four papers – reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
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Primary Medical Qualification
The GMC will occasionally accept your primary medical qualification (PMQ) as evidence of your English language skills. This will only be accepted if your qualification is less than two years old by the time of registration. The qualification must also have been taught & examined solely in English. You will also need to confirm that at least 75% of your course involves interactions in English with clinicians, healthcare professionals, patients, and relatives.
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Reference from an Employer
A reference document from an IMG who has worked in a medical capacity for at least 2 years (recently) in a country where English is their first or native language may also be accepted. However, ask your employer for this and confirm whether you have ever taken the OET or IELTS exam.
English-speaking countries accepted by the GMC
- Ascension
- Australia
- Bermuda
- British Antarctic Territory (BAT)
- British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT)
- Canada
- Falkland Islands
- Gibraltar
- Guernsey
- Guyana (formerly British Guiana)
- Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Jersey
- New Zealand
- Pitcairn
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia on Cyprus (CBA’s)
- South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
- St Helena
- Tristan da Cunha
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- US Virgin Islands
Caribbean Islands:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Anguilla
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Grenadines
- Jamaica
- Montserrat
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
Do I need to take OET or IELTS again for a UK visa?
Not always. If you have already used OET to meet the GMC’s English language requirements, you may not need to take another English test when applying for a UK visa or settlement.
However, this depends on your individual circumstances and the type of application, so it is always recommended to seek professional advice.
Where can I find more information?
At Remedium, our team have an expert understanding of all the qualifications you will require to find a job as an international doctor in the UK. As well as offering guidance of life support qualifications, we can also support you with questions around postgraduate qualifications, GMC registration, visas and COS and much more.
We also offer guidance on English language requirements, including support with OET preparation through our fast-track “Get Set for OET” training programme.
If you are planning to apply for a UK work visa from 2026 onwards, our consultants can also advise you on meeting the updated immigration English language requirement (CEFR B2), alongside your GMC registration requirements.
If you have any further questions, register your details and upload your CV with us today to speak with one of our specialist recruitment advisors. Our team will provide you with tailored advice according to your specific background, job preferences, and requirements.
