ABOUT THIS PAGE
Learn how your General Practitioner (GP) practice can recruit international healthcare workers. This is a guide for GP practices in Scotland and primary care employers.
What this guide is for
NHS Education for Scotland (NES) has worked in partnership with Scotland’s Migration Service to develop a new resource for GP practices in Scotland.
The GP Practice Visa Sponsorship Guide (learn.nes.nhs.scot) offers a step-by-step overview of applying for a sponsor licence, which is a key requirement for employing healthcare professionals through the Health and Care visa route.
The guide aims to simplify the sponsorship process and help GP practices make informed decisions about international recruitment.
Why international recruitment matters
International recruitment can be a complex process, but it is vital for building and maintaining a resilient workforce. Scotland’s Migration Service provides a range of practical support to help you navigate the UK immigration system.
How Scotland’s Migration Service can support you
Scotland’s Migration Service provides a range of practical support to help you navigate the UK immigration system.
Other support available
Since it began, Scotland’s Migration Service has supported employers across many sectors, including health and social care. We provide clear guidance on immigration processes and access to free expert legal advice.
One-to-one support
Free advice from an immigration lawyer
If you need one-to-one immigration advice for your GP Practice, you can book a free appointment with an immigration lawyer from Scotland’s Migration Service.
Training and events
Free webinars
NES and Scotland’s Migration Service hosted a free webinar about how to recruit international health workers on 28 May 2025. The session covered the sponsor licence application process and practical advice on sponsoring healthcare workers.
View the Sponsoring international medical graduates in your GP Practice webinar.