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Frequently Asked Questions

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FAQs for IMG GPs

Please browse through the questions below for more information on the International Medical Graduate Rural GP Programme.

  • Applications are only accepted through the online application system.  Please ensure you have all your documentation on hand before paying the application fee. The application fee and the online application should be completed at the same time.

  • Notarisation is the process of getting your medical degree and degree transcript signed by a notary public. It helps prevent fraud by ensuring individuals authenticate their documents before they can be used. If you are registered with the Irish Medical Council, you will have had your documents authenticated as part of that process. You are not required to get your degree or degree transcript notarised if you are registered with the Irish Medical Council.

  • A degree transcript has a detailed record of all the subjects you have studied with your scores in the form of marks or grades given by the university where you completed your medical degree. A degree transcript is usually issued by your university's academic registrar or registry department (or equivalent).

  • A certificate of current professional status is also known as a letter of good standing or validation of registration. You can request a letter of good standing or validation of your registration from the registering body in the country where you are currently registered.

  • If you are working in Ireland you can request a certificate of current professional status with your Irish Medical Council online account. View further information on the Medical Council website.

  • You should request a letter of good standing or validation of your registration from the registering body in the country where you are currently working.

  • You are not required to submit an IELTS if you are registered with the IMC. The IMC will request you do this if, necessary, prior to registration.

  • We require that you provide proof of medical indemnity for the last three years of work, as a GP. Some countries do not require GPs to have medical indemnity. If this is the case for you, then as an alternative, please provide letters from your previous employers as proof of your three years' GP experience. 

    The letter from your previous employer must:

    1. be on headed paper with the contact details of the employer clearly stated.
    2. state where you worked, including the address, your dates of employment.
    3. state your role and responsibilities. 
    4. the letter should be dated, signed and stamped.
  • No; this can be experience gained from any country but it must be specific GP experience in a GP practice setting.

  • It will take at least two to three months to process your application. It can take longer if you are not registered with the Irish Medical Council and/or you are currently living outside Ireland.

  • Yes, you are required to be registered with the IMC before commencing work in Ireland. We advise that you apply for IMC registration if you have not done so already. More infomration can be found on the Irish Medical Council website.

  • No, you will be employed by the GP practice where you will be working for the duration of your participation on the programme (two years).

  • No, please ensure that your permission / work permit is in place for your duration of stay in Ireland. View further information on work permits.

  • The programme makes the final decision about which practice the IMG GP is placed.

  • For the duration of the two-year programme, yes you do.

  • Unfortunately, your internship does not count towards your GP experience. Candidates require a minimum of three years' GP experience in a GP setting to be considered for the programme.

  • Yes, any medical training that has been completed from your internship onwards, will count towards your postgraduate experience. Candidates require a minimum of three months in general medicine and three months of paediatric experience.

  • The qualification is Membership of the Irish College of General Practitioners (MICGP), which enables you to apply for specialist registration with the Irish Medical Council.