TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is a brand of Educational Testing Service. This test measures the English language ability of non-UK residents that are willing to study studies in there. IELTS or International English Language Testing System is conducted to check proficiency over the English language. It is an international standardized test that is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English. IELTS started operation in 1989.
New Guidelines
Previously, doctors and nurses, dentists and midwives went through a rigorous process before stepping on into the United Kingdom for studying medicine. This included giving TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for getting Tier 2 (General) Visa.
However, now, according to the new rules, doctors, nurses, dentists, and midwives who are applying for Tier 2 (General) visas for the UK are not required to sit for TOEFL or IELTS. Only the Occupational English Test (OET) scores are required.
As per to the UK government, the Home Office has also streamlined English language testing by ensuring doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives that have qualified for English language test recognized by the relevant professional body.
OET curriculum is made in a way, so that it meets the specific English language requirements of the UK healthcare sector. This test checks the grip over the English language of aspiring medical professionals that are willing to register and practice in UK. Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment (CBLA) hosts OET. Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment CEO, Sujata Stead said that they are making sure that hospitals and other medical buildings in the UK, with the help of this rule, will now have required manpower without hassling. The changes will start from October 1.
How to Get Tier 2 UK Work Visa?
For getting Tier 2 work visa, you have to get visa sponsorship from your employer. You need to produce your salary information and OET is must for proving your English proficiency. You need to show your travel history of the last 5 years’. You need to provide a criminal record certificate from any country that you have lived in for a period of 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
You can apply for the work visa 3 months prior of starting your UK voyage. If you are applying from outside the UK, then you have to pay £610 or if you wish to extend your work visa, then you have to pay £704. For all your dependent persons, you have to pay £610 per person and £704 per person for visa extension or switch.