We need help

[andu]

My cousin is a visa national. She is a medical doctor and is currently doing a post graduate course in Ireland. She has a multiple entry vistor's visa and had been in the UK to take PLAB test which she successfully passed. She wanted to work in the UK and would like to know what she needs to do in order to get work permit or leave other than visitor's leave. She has already made personal assessment for the HSMP application and thinks that she can score more than 65 points but this has a lot of hassle and may not automatically gurantee approval of leave to remain application. She wishes to know if there is any other better options to get leave to remain or switch to other catagory of leave.

[fpvt2]

Once she gets a training post in UK, she will be switched to Permit Free Training Visa, which she can use for up to 4 years. If she get a non training post, she will be switched to Work Permit visa.

[MWazir]

Actully doctors stand a very good chance of getting HSMP. If your friend thinks she can get 65 points for it she should apply for it. The hassle as you put it is worth the trouble. Also with Permit Free Visas you wait a long time before you can get an ILR while with HSMP its only 4 years (currently). It will make things a lot easier for her in the near future.

Here is another interesting point - I was speaking to one my friends who is working for the NHS as a doctor. He told me that one of the many reasons for his selection for Foundation 1 was that he was on an HSMP and that way the local trust knew he intended to make the UK his home. At least that was what he was told once he joined the hospital. I am not suggesting its a policy, just that many hospitals are now aware of HSMP and it could give you an edge over other overseas candidates like it did for my friend.