The UK PLAB 2 visa for the UK is a major concern of International Medical Graduates who wish to appear for the PLAB 2 Exam conducted in Manchester, UK. Medical Practitioners who have successfully completed their PLAB 1 in their respective country are required to appear for PLAB 2 to be eligible to gain a license to practice medicine in the UK. PLAB 2 UK visa application is not as easy as it seems and many applicants face visa refusals, resulting in their inability to appear for the last milestone in their career aspiration to practice in the UK.
Who can apply for UK PLAB 2 Visa?
Only qualified medical doctors (not dentists) are allowed to take the PLAB Test. Doctors who completed their Primary Medical Qualifications Overseas that is not recognised by the GMC, UK must appear for the PLAB Test in order to get registered as a Medical Practitioner with the General Medical Council (GMC), UK. The PLAB test is divided into two separate parts
- PLAB 1
- PLAB 2
The GMC mandates that a doctor should pass the PLAB 1 to be eligible to apply for the second part i.e. PLAB 2
What are the requirements for the UK PLAB 2 Visa?
- Must be a Medical Graduate from the College/University/Institution overseas that is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)
- Documentary proof of confirmed test date
- They have access to adequate funds that they will be able to maintain and accommodate without any recourse to public funds
- They will not take any employment during their stay in the UK (clinical attachments do not count as employment for these purposes)
How to apply for the UK PLAB 2 Visa?
The application for UK PLAB 2 Visa is a two-part process
- Online Visa Application for PLAB 2 under the relevant category
- Visiting the visa application centre for submission of supporting documents and providing biometric
Online Visa Application for UK PLAB 2 – Step by Step Process
Please keep the following information and documents handy before starting your application to experience a smooth online visa application.
- Passport with validity of minimum 6 months
- Travel plan details like date of arrival and departure from the UK
- Employer and Employment details, if applicable
- Availability of funds
- If someone is paying towards your visit or sponsoring you, details of the sponsor and reason for sponsoring you
- Your accommodation bookings in the UK
- Previous travel histories in the UK or any other countries
- Refusal details, if any
- International Debit/Credit card for visa fees payment
Start your online visa application on UKVI Visa Application Portal. Register your email id and create a password.
It is highly recommended that you provide the true and correct information while completing your online visa application. Any deception in your application can lead to visa refusal and most likely a ban for 10 years under Sec 320 (7A or 7B).
After completing all the sections of the Visa application form you will be directed to the online visa fees payment system. Please note that there is no option for net banking.
Submission of Supporting Documents and providing Biometrics
You need to book an appointment to submit your supporting documents and provide biometrics at the nearest UK Visa Application Centre. You are required to visit the centre 15 mins prior to the scheduled appointment. Now, your file will be sent to the relevant British High Commission/Consulate for visa processing.
List of supporting documents for UK PLAB 2 Visa
Covering Letter for UK PLAB 2 Visa
In covering letter you should state information which you think will support your visa application. It should include information like your purpose of visit, a brief about your career aspiration and explanations of visa refusal if any.
UK PLAB 2 test booking confirmation
You should provide confirmation mail of your test booking mentioning your date of test
Bank Statement if self-sponsored
UKVI requires you to submit a minimum of 6 months’ bank statement with adequate funds to support your stay and maintain in the UK without recourse to public funds. if employed you must provide the bank statement in which salary is credited.
Employment Details
If you are currently employed, you should provide your 6-month salary slips, and employment certificate on the letterhead of the employer signed and stamped, NOC and Leave sanction letter for the duration of the visit.
Sponsorship Documents
if someone is paying towards your visit to the UK, you must provide documentation stating the amount of sponsorship, your relation with the sponsor, and the reason why they are sponsoring you. Also, you must provide proof of relationships such as a birth certificate in case of parents and financial supporting documents such as Tax returns, 6-month bank statements and source of income
Accommodation in the UK
Make sure to provide your accommodation plans in the UK. If you have booked any accommodation, provide booking details or if planning to stay with your family or friends in the UK confirmation is a must.
Please note that every visa application will be assessed on its own merit and may require additional documentation from case to case.
FAQs
Which Visa category should I choose for UK PLAB 2 Visa?
You should choose Standard Visitor Visa and the main reason for your visit as “Business, including sport and entertainment”. You should answer No to “Organised group or travelling with a partner or visiting a company or getting paid for business activities”. Then choose “Take the PLAB Test” as the main reason
Duration of PLAB 2 Visa. Can I apply for 2 year Visa?
Duration of PLAB 2 Visa is maxed at 6 months. PLAB is a one-day test so you cannot apply for 2 years visa.
Do I need TB Test for UK PLAB 2 Visa?
No, you are not required to take TB Test for Standard Visitor Visa.
My supporting documents are not in English, Should I submit them?
No, you should get your documents translated before submitting them.
What is the processing time for UK PLAB 2 Visa?
Visa processing time differs from country to country. Usually, UKVI processes visitor visas within 15 working days but it can take longer during busy times.
How can I facilitate my UK PLAB 2 Visa application or get a faster decision on my application?
While submitting your supporting documents you can opt for Priority Service (Decision in 5 working days) or Super-priority Service (1 working day).
I have to join preparatory classes or coaching prior to PLAB 2 Exam, When should I apply for my UK PLAB 2 Visa
You should apply for your UK PLAB 2 Visa keeping the processing time in mind. it is advisable that you mention your preparatory classes or coaching in your visa application and mention the arrival date in the UK accordingly.
UK PLAB 2 Visa Agent for guidance and application?
We help doctors in filing UK PLAB 2 Visa and provide genuine guidance for their visa application. We make sure that all your supporting documents are complete to enhance your chances of a visa. For more information Contact us
