This page is part of our toolkit for international medical graduates looking to apply for a visa. Use the menu on the left to navigate the steps needed to become a doctor in the UK.

Step 7: your visa is approved

The Home Office approves your skilled worker visa application. You can now start your post.

You can start your stay up to 14 days before the start date of your certificate of sponsorship.

Remember, before you start your course, you must have your biometric residence permit. You will get one automatically when your visa is approved. 

Staying in the UK

• The maximum length of stay for this type of visa is 5 years and 14 days or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus one month.
• Your visa is attached to your job - if you leave or lose your job, you won't be able to stay in the UK.
• When your visa is coming to an end, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain (settled status), or opt to leave the UK.
• If you leave the UK, you will have to wait 12 months before you can return on a skilled worker visa.