State of the UK IMG Pathway 2026
Each summer we publish a source-linked snapshot of how the UK IMG pathway is changing — from PLAB throughput to first NHS post outcomes. This 2026 edition is a skeleton released alongside the source methodology; individual sections are filled in as the GMC, NHS Digital and UK Government publish the underlying data.
Scope and method
This report tracks a small number of load-bearing indicators for the UK IMG pathway. Each figure is drawn from a public GMC, NHS Digital or UK Government release. Where an authoritative number is not yet published, we mark the cell as 'not yet reported' rather than infer.
Data appendix: coming with the first full release.
PLAB throughput
PLAB 1 candidate volumes, pass rates and Manchester (PLAB 2) sitting capacity are the biggest determinants of how long the pathway takes end-to-end. This section will summarise the GMC's annual PLAB report and Manchester capacity changes.
Data appendix: coming with the first full release.
English language evidence
Mix of IELTS Academic vs OET Medicine among successful GMC applicants, and the share exempted via approved employer references or nationality-based routes.
Data appendix: coming with the first full release.
EPIC verification
Reported turnaround from EPIC application to GMC-ready report, and common causes of delay by source medical school region.
Data appendix: coming with the first full release.
GMC decisions
Application-to-decision times, share of full vs provisional registrations, and reasons for refusal disclosed in the GMC's transparency releases.
Data appendix: coming with the first full release.
NHS employment
First-post outcomes for newly registered IMGs — trust, specialty band and time-to-shift — using NHS Digital workforce statistics and NHS Jobs disclosure where available.
Data appendix: coming with the first full release.
Official sources
Every fact above should be confirmed against the controlling source before you act on it.