F2 Stand-alone 2025 – Evidence of right to work in the UK

If your application is successful and you accept an offer, you will need to have the right to work as a doctor in the UK by the start of the programme in August 2025.

It will be your responsibility to ensure you have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the programme (until August 2026). This may involve renewing your existing visa or applying for a new one part-way through the programme if necessary.

Non-urgent advice: Important

You do not need to have the right to work in the UK when you apply for F2 Stand-alone programmes. If your application is successful and you receive an offer, you will need to ensure that you have the right to work by the time you start the programme. A certificate of sponsorship (CoS) can be arranged if required.

When you apply

Evidence of right to work is not required at the point of application. When you apply on Oriel, you will be asked about your current immigration status in the UK.

At time of publication all medical specialties are included on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL), therefore the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) does not currently apply. Therefore, applications from doctors who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcome and these will be considered alongside all other applications.

Skilled Worker visa sponsorship

If you are a non-UK/settled worker, you will be required to provide evidence to your foundation school and employer of your right to work in the UK for the duration of the foundation training programme after you have accepted an offer. A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) can be arranged if you need to apply for a visa.

It is often the case that applicants will accept their offer of a training programme before they begin their application for the appropriate visa.

If you accept an offer and you require sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, you will be sent information about this in May – June, after you have accepted an offer.

Non-urgent advice: Important

Rules and regulations around acquiring the right to work in the UK are subject to change. UKFPO processes may be adapted at any time in accordance with changes to immigration law.

RTW, visas, and sponsorship: further information

Foundation Programme applicants are advised to refer to the dedicated pages on the Medical and Speciality training website to access all information about skilled worker visa sponsorship.