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IMG Careers  /  Medical Training Prioritisation: What It Means for IMGs
IMG Careers Guide

Medical Training Prioritisation: What It Means for IMGs

Who is prioritised for specialty training in 2027, and what does this mean for IMGs?

Updated: 10 October 2026
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How does prioritisation work?

The Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act 2026 gives certain applicants priority for UK medical training. It does not prevent IMGs from applying.

For specialty training in 2027, applicants are prioritised if they meet at least one of these criteria:

  • Medical qualification: A qualifying primary medical qualification from the UK, Ireland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. UK and Irish qualifications have additional study-location requirements.
  • Immigration status: British or Irish citizenship, Commonwealth citizenship with UK right of abode, indefinite leave to enter/remain, or leave under the EU Settlement Scheme.
  • UK training: Currently undertaking or having completed the UK Foundation Programme. For ST3/ST4, relevant UK specialty training or a specialty-matched Locum Appointment for Training (LAT) can also qualify.

There is no hierarchy within the priority group. Applicants are still ranked on selection performance, and priority does not guarantee a training place.

What does this mean for IMGs?

IMGs can be prioritised. If you meet any of the criteria above, you receive the same priority as other eligible applicants, even if you trained overseas.

If you do not qualify, you can still apply for specialty training. In 2027, however, prioritised applicants are considered first for interviews and training offers.

NHS non-training roles can help you gain experience and meet entry requirements. However, neither these roles nor a Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, spouse, partner or dependant visa gives you priority by itself.

What changes in 2027?

1. In 2027, prioritisation applies to both interview invitations and training offers. In 2026, it applied only when making training offers.

2. NHS experience is not a separate route to priority in 2027. The new regulations do not introduce the previously anticipated NHS-experience criterion. Time spent in non-training NHS posts does not, by itself, qualify you for priority.

Exceptions: Round 1 Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF) recruitment applies prioritisation at the training-offer stage only. ST1 Public Health is excluded.

Key date: 2027 Round 1 CT1/ST1 applications open Thursday 22 October 2026 at 10am (UK time). Your priority status will appear in Oriel after applications close. If it is incorrect, request a review by the published deadline. Check NHS England's guidance.

What about Foundation training?

Foundation Programme prioritisation is based on the country of your primary medical qualification, not nationality or visa status. Graduates with qualifying degrees from the UK, Ireland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are prioritised.

Most post-PLAB doctors with full GMC registration cannot apply for the standard two-year Foundation Programme. From 2027, national F2 Stand-alone recruitment through UKFPO/Oriel will end, although individual UK nations may still offer posts. Read the UKFPO announcement.

Not sure what this prioritisation means for you?

If you're considering the PLAB pathway, or you're already on it and would like personalised guidance on your situation and next steps, you can book a free PLAB Strategy Call.

Book a Free PLAB Strategy Call

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