What to do after the foundation programme?

**fluxus** · 19-03-2009, 03:53 AM

Hi everyone! I'm Canadian and I've just received an offer today for the MBBS course at Newcastle. I would like to stay on in the UK after completing my degree, and work in either paediatrics or public health.

Newcastle's website states that all graduates are basically guaranteed a place for the Foundation Programme. Afterward, international students usually return to their countries of origin.

I am trying to establish my chances of staying in the UK. From what I've read, I would have to

(1) acquire the HSMP visa, and

(2) actually get a training or service post.

It seems to me though that this is too simple? Otherwise why wouldn't all foreign nationals elect to stay on in the UK for postgraduate training?

In any case, I think it would be reasonable to assume that I would be granted the HSMP visa, after graduating. I speak English as a first language, already have two degrees, and am under 30. It seems to me that those are the criteria that will gain you enough points for the visa.

I'm so overwhelmed by all the information I've read today. I've searched through past posts here and elsewhere, but can't seem to find a general consensus on the matter. If nothing else, please let me know who I might contact to find out this information?

Thanks, and sorry for the length of this post!

**thugster786** · 25-03-2009, 03:35 PM

You could alway try marrying a British citizen, that will boost your chances!!!! lol!!

Out of curiosity, where in Canada are you from?

**Pammy** · 02-04-2009, 12:01 AM

Perhaps try asking at the med school - they might have some idea?

Just wondering, perhaps internationals don't leave because they have to but because they want to? It's easier to change to another country after F1 than straight after med school, that's why they might do foundation years? Just speculating!

**tallulah** · 02-04-2009, 01:10 AM

You could phone up the North East Deanery, or any Deanery for that matter, and they could tell you because they're responsible for postgraduate medical training. Hope that helps.

**yazoo** · 12-04-2009, 11:17 PM

Try searching the BMJ careers section, if you have not already.

The problem with this type of question, on this forum, is that most people here are not working. If they are, they are likely a UK resident and so have no idea how to help.

**nickbrazel** · 12-04-2009, 11:26 PM

Be warned - current law states that international medical graduates can't get a job in the UK unless there is no UK/EU doctor to fill the post.

It is up in the air at the moment whether or not this should apply to international students who have graduated in a UK university.

Watch this space....

**fluxus** · 14-04-2009, 09:14 PM

Thanks everyone for the replies!

**andy2** · 29-04-2009, 12:59 AM

HSMP is being phased out and replaced with a points based system - with various tiers of immigrants.

Overseas citizens graduating from UK universities are able to complete the foundation years, but beyond that must meet the resident labour workforce test (i.e. are second on the que behind equivalently qualified UK and EU citizens), which pretty much restricts you to less popular specialties, less popular geographic regions or non-training/service post. If you want to stay in the UK your options would therefore be to take one of these posts, or become a British Citizen (marriage or residency are the easiest ways of doing this).

You would have a wider range of options in Canada.