FAQs for Non-EU GPs applying to the non-EU Rural GP programme

Why must my medical degree and degree transcript be notarised?

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.

What is a degree transcript?

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).

What is a certificate of good standing from a medical regulatory body?

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.

I am registered with the Irish Medical Council, what do I do?

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.

I am registered with the Irish Medical Council but I am not working in Ireland?

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.

Am I required to submit an IELTS (Irish English Language Test) if I'm already practicing in Ireland?

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.

Do I need to provide medical indemnity documents for previous years' work on application?

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 3 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. 

Does the three years GP experience have to be gained in Ireland?

No; this can be experience gained from any country but must be specific GP experience in a GP practice setting.

How long is the application process, ie, application to starting work in a GP practice?

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.

Am I required to register with the Irish Medical Council (IMC)?

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. You can apply for the Non-EU Rural GP programme before or while you are applying for IMC registration. This is the link for the Irish Medical Council.

Will I be employed by the ICGP?

No you will be employed by the GP practice where you will be working for the duration of your participation on the programme (2 years).

Will the ICGP assist me with my work permit for Ireland?

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

Can I choose which practice I work in?

We will discuss available practices with you and try to allocate you to a practice that suits you and your family's needs. If your application is successful, we will ask you to indicate your preference of location in Ireland and we will try our best to find a suitable practice in or near that location.If you are already working in a GP practice in Ireland, that practice may wish apply to the programme.

Am I 'bound' to working in a rural practice?

For the duration of the two-year programme, yes you are. Once you have completed the programme, you can choose to work in a locality of your choosing. You may wish to apply to stay in your current practice. We would hope that you continue to work in rural Ireland.

Would my internship be considered as part of my GP experience?

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.

What qualification do I get once I complete the two- year programme?

Member of the Irish College of General Practitioners (MICGP) and specialist registration with the Irish Medical Council.