Medical Training Initiative

A government authorised scheme allowing doctors from low and middle income countries to undertake anaesthesia training within the NHS for a maximum of 24 months.

MTI scheme closure

Following a review of the Medical Training Initiative (MTI), NHS England has decided that the current model is no longer consistently meeting its objectives and is therefore beginning the process of winding down this programme. This means that we can no longer accept new applications to the MTI scheme as of 31 March 2026.

The College will continue supporting all MTI doctors already on the scheme in anaesthesia/Intensive Care/Pain Medicine, to complete their MTI placements as planned. 

Applications already received by the College and in progress before 12:00 noon on 31 March 2026 will continue to be processed. The deadline to complete all required steps in the College application process including the AoMRC application process is the end of the day 30 June 2026.

For more information about the timeline for closure of the MTI scheme and FAQs, please visit the AoMRC website. 

Update on Immigration Health Surcharge reimbursement launch 

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is paid at the point of visa application that enables access to the NHS for most non-EEA nationals applying for temporary leave to enter or remain in the UK.
 
In May, The Prime Minister announced that Health and Care staff would be exempt from the IHS and in August this year Home Office and DHSC launched the Health and Care Visa which exempted applicants from the IHS. The new reimbursement scheme covers staff such as cleaners, care workers and porters and their dependents who are outside the scope for the Health and Care Visa but who work in health and Social Care.  
 
You are eligible if:

  • you are a non-tier 2 visa holder who has paid the Immigration Health Surcharge; or
  • you have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS); and
  • you have worked in health or social care role for at least an average of 16 hours per week since 31 March 2020


The AoMRC has created a process with the NHS Business Services Authority that will enable you to receive a refund for any payments paid since 31/03/2020 towards your IHS. To make a claim for your IHS and your dependents, you will need to complete a  survey 

Please note that the refund will automatically go into the account from which the IHS was paid.  If that account has been closed, the AoMRC has advised that no change can be made until the payment has been attempted to that account and failed, and then new account details will be accepted.

If there are any queries on this subject, please address them to IHSrefund@aomrc.org.uk

 

Further information

MTI - applicant information
Detailed information about the application process for the MTI placement.

MTI - information for Trusts
Essential information for NHS Trusts interested in hosting International Medical Graduates through the MTI scheme

MTI Leadership Group
Medical Training Initiative (MTI) Leadership Group