UK guidance • GMC registration + UK Foundation entry

Two main entry routes into UK Foundation training for IMGs

Your correct UK Foundation route is primarily determined by the type of GMC registration you can obtain: provisional (for FY1) or full (for FY2-level posts). Always verify your personal eligibility using official tools and current-year guidance.

GMC tool: Find your registration route UK Foundation Programmes (overview) NHS England: Prioritisation (Act guidance)

2-year Foundation Programme (FY1 + FY2) F2 Stand-alone (FY2 only) UKFPO update: Prioritisation Act now law UKFPO: Prioritisation FAQs

Important update: prioritisation rules now apply

The UK Government’s Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act 2026 is now in force and impacts how applicants are prioritised for UK Foundation training starting from August 2026.
Read the official updates: UKFPO announcement, NHS England explanation, Act text.

Quick rule

No acceptable internship / equivalent practical training? You will usually be aiming for provisional GMC registration to start FY1 → consider the 2-year Foundation Programme (FY1 + FY2).
Completed an acceptable internship / equivalent practical training? You may be eligible for full GMC registration → the 2-year Foundation Programme is usually not an option; consider F2 Stand-alone (if posts are available).

ROUTE A

Need provisional GMC registration → 2-year Foundation Programme (FY1 + FY2)

This route is usually relevant if you have not completed an acceptable internship / practical training and therefore need provisional GMC registration to start FY1.

Confirm you are aiming for provisional GMC registration

Use the GMC route-finder tool and read the GMC provisional registration guidance for IMGs.

Start credential verification early (if required)

Many IMGs will need primary source verification of their medical qualification before GMC registration can be granted.

Meet the GMC assessment requirements (eg PLAB) if applicable

Check whether PLAB (or another accepted route) applies to your circumstances.

Apply to the 2-year Foundation Programme via UKFPO/Oriel

Some applicants must complete a UKFPO eligibility process before applying to the main programme. Always follow the current-year UKFPO timeline and guidance.

Obtain provisional GMC registration before starting FY1

UK Foundation posts typically start in August, with employer induction/shadowing often in July.

UKFPO: 2-year Foundation Programme UKFPO: Eligibility applications (if required) GMC: Provisional registration for IMGs GMC: Primary source verification (IMGs) GMC: PLAB

ROUTE B

Eligible for full GMC registration → F2 Stand-alone (FY2 only)

This route is usually relevant if you have completed an acceptable internship / equivalent practical training and can obtain full GMC registration, allowing application to F2 Stand-alone. F2 Stand-alone posts are limited and vary by year and region.

Check your internship/practical training is acceptable to the GMC

Confirm your training matches GMC criteria and gather evidence early.

Confirm you are eligible for full GMC registration

Use the GMC route-finder tool and read the GMC full registration guidance for IMGs.

Meet GMC assessment requirements (eg PLAB) in time for the F2SA cycle

F2 Stand-alone recruitment runs on a fixed annual cycle. If you need PLAB, check the current-year UKFPO guidance carefully because milestones can apply before the application window closes.

Apply to F2 Stand-alone via UKFPO/Oriel

Selection typically includes an F2 SJT and interview, depending on the recruitment year.

Obtain full GMC registration before starting the post

You must hold full registration with a licence to practise by the programme start date.

UKFPO: F2 Stand-alone GMC: Check if your internship is acceptable GMC: Full registration for IMGs GMC: Primary source verification (IMGs) UKFPO (example): indicative programme numbers update (check current year)

Route A vs Route B (quick comparison)

Feature	Route A: 2-year Foundation (FY1 + FY2)	Route B: F2 Stand-alone (FY2 only)
GMC registration normally required to start	Provisional (with licence to practise)	Full (with licence to practise)
Internship / practical training	Usually no acceptable internship completed	Usually an acceptable internship completed
Programme length	2 years (structured FY1 then FY2)	1 year (fixed-term FY2-level training)
Availability	National recruitment and allocation process	Vacancy-dependent; numbers vary by year and region
Prioritisation (from Aug 2026 starts)	Prioritisation rules apply to Foundation training recruitment and allocation; read current-year UKFPO guidance.

Always confirm current-year timelines, eligibility rules, and prioritisation guidance on the official UKFPO site: foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes.