What to do after the foundation programme?

**fluxus** · 19-03-2009, 03:54 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!

**Luci** · 20-03-2009, 05:46 PM

Hey,

did you contact newcastle uni itself?
They should have a lot of info as well, right?

**corskrew** · 21-03-2009, 07:29 PM

Hi,

I worked in a medical HR dept over summer when the new Tier 1 (HSW : Highly Skilled Worker) regs came into place.
It's not just down to the number of points you score, there are also certain recruitment criteria for the sponsor (employer). One of the biggest ones is that there must be insufficient talent from a UK/EU background to fulfill the post. If all the rules are followed to the letter, it could be that they interview home applicants first before rejecting them all, before they can reasonably employ overseas people. Your post also has to be on an "employment shortage" list, updated every few months and found on the UKBA website.
However, if you graduate from a UK uni it looks like you have guaranteed employment in a new measure designed to keep high level graduates in the country : UK Border Agency | Post-study workers

It's all a bit messy on the websites. The UKBA is the best organisation to approach by email of phone if you're concerned. In honesty though, I'm assuming you're planning on starting this September, studying for 5 years, then training for 12-18 months before applying. That's a good 6 or 7 years away and I can almost guarantee they will move the goalposts before then!

Adam