PLAB 1 Visa for UK: All Documents & Cover Letter

Applying for your PLAB 1 visa can feel like a daunting task, especially when it’s your first time navigating international travel for exams. But take a deep breath—you’re not alone. Thousands of international medical graduates (IMGs) go through this every year, and most succeed with proper planning.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to confidently apply for a UK visa for PLAB 1, including the documents required, tips to strengthen your application, and a sample cover letter.

By the end, you’ll be fully prepared to submit your PLAB 1 visa UK application and move one step closer to becoming a doctor in the NHS.

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Can I get a UK visa for PLAB 1?

Yes, absolutely! As long as you’re eligible and have booked your PLAB 1 exam in the UK—usually after passing IELTS or OET—you can go ahead and apply for a UK visitor visa.

The key is knowing exactly when to apply and what documents you’ll need, especially a strong and detailed cover letter. Don’t worry—everything you need is explained below.

Once your visa is sorted, it’s important to create your own personalised study plan for PLAB 1. Try not to blindly follow those generic “3-month study plans”—everyone’s learning pace is different.

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When to Apply for PLAB UK Visa?

You can apply for your UK visa as early as 3 months before your intended travel date.

For example, if your PLAB 1 exam is scheduled for 1st March and you plan to arrive in the UK a few days before that, say around 25th February, you can submit your visa application as early as 25th November.

It’s best not to delay—UK visa processing can take several weeks, and last-minute applications add unnecessary stress. Apply as early as you can within that 3-month window.

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Types of UK Visa for PLAB Exam

The correct visa to apply for PLAB exams is the Standard Visitor Visa. This short-term visa allows you to visit the UK for up to six months. It is suitable for:

• Sitting the PLAB 1 test in the UK (if the location is within the UK)
• Attending GMC-related activities (e.g., future PLAB 2 or ID check, though not needed for PLAB 1)
• Participating in observer roles or short-term clinical attachments (optional but uncommon at this stage)

If your PLAB 1 exam centre is in your home country or elsewhere outside the UK, you don’t need a UK visa. However, if you’ve booked PLAB 1 in the UK (which is increasingly common in limited months), you must apply for this visitor visa in advance.

The PLAB 1 visa is non-extendable and does not allow work, including paid or unpaid roles in the NHS.

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Making PLAB 1 Visa Application

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Documents Required for PLAB 1 Visa Application

Applying for a PLAB visa is a paperwork-heavy process, but entirely manageable with the right checklist. Here’s what you typically need to submit for your PLAB 1 visa UK application.

Document Type	Details
Valid Passport	Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date
Visa Application Form	Filled out online via the UK government website
PLAB 1 Booking Proof	Email or letter from GMC confirming your PLAB 1 seat
Cover Letter	Explains your travel purpose and plans (sample below)
Bank Statements	Last 6 months, showing sufficient funds for travel and stay
Employment Letter	If working, a letter from your employer with leave approval
University Letter	If studying, include an enrolment confirmation letter
Accommodation Booking	Hotel reservation or host invitation letter
Flight Quotation	Tentative travel itinerary (do not buy tickets before approval)
Ties to Home Country	Property ownership, family, education, or work contracts
Photograph	Passport-sized photo per UK visa guidelines
TB Test (if required)	Only if you’re from a country listed by the UKVI

Let’s take a closer look at why each one matters and how to present it effectively.

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Valid Passport

This is a basic requirement. Your passport should:

• Be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of travel
• Have at least one blank page for visa stamping
• Show consistency in personal details across all documents

Check the expiry date carefully—expired or soon-to-expire passports often lead to immediate rejections.

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Visa Application Form

You need to fill this out online at the UK government visa website. During the application, you will:

• Select “General Visitor” as your reason for visit
• Specify “To sit the PLAB 1 examination conducted by the GMC” under purpose
• Mention travel dates (arrive at least 3–4 days before PLAB 1 date)

Be honest and consistent. Any discrepancy with your documents may raise red flags.

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PLAB 1 Booking Confirmation

The GMC sends a confirmation email when you book your PLAB 1 exam. This email includes:

• Your exam date
• Venue (if in the UK)
• Your GMC reference number

Print the email or save it as a PDF. This is your core document to justify your travel.

How to Save Your GMC Booking as a PDF File

You’ll need to upload your PLAB 1 booking confirmation as part of your visa application. Thankfully, saving it as a PDF is super simple.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open your GMC booking confirmation page in your browser.
2. Press Ctrl + P (or Cmd + P on Mac) to open the print menu.
3. Under the Destination or Printer, select “Save as PDF.”
4. Click Save and choose where you want to store the file.

That’s it! Now you’ve got a neat, shareable copy of your booking confirmation ready to upload.

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Bank Statements

You need to prove you have enough money to:

• Travel to and from the UK
• Stay for the duration (3–7 days is typical)
• Cover accommodation, food, and transport

Usually, £1,500–£2,000 is sufficient for a short PLAB 1 trip. Statements must be:

• In your name
• From a recognized bank
• Covering at least 6 recent months

If someone else is sponsoring your trip (e.g., a parent), include a sponsorship letter and their bank statements instead.

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Cover Letter for PLAB 1 Visa

A well-written cover letter helps tie your entire visa application together. It should clearly and briefly explain:

• Who you are (full name, nationality, GMC reference)
• Why you’re visiting (to attend PLAB 1)
• Travel and accommodation plans
• How you’re funding your trip
• Assurance that you’ll return home after the exam

This document makes your case more human. Visa officers often have limited time—your letter helps them understand your intent at a glance.

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Accommodation Booking

You can either:

• Book a hotel with free cancellation
• Stay with a friend or family member (include their utility bill and a signed letter)

Booking.com or Airbnb options work fine for short stays. Always ensure the address and dates match your application form.

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Flight Itinerary

You don’t need to buy flight tickets upfront. Instead:

• Search for flights on airline or travel sites
• Choose tentative dates around your exam
• Save the booking summary (not confirmation of payment)

Visa officers just want to see you have a clear plan.

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Employment or University Letter

These documents show you have responsibilities to return to:

• Employment: Letter stating your job title, salary, leave approval, and joining date
• University: Enrolment certificate with expected graduation date

This builds your case for strong home country ties, a major deciding factor in visitor visas.

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Ties to Home Country

Your visa is more likely to be approved if you show you’re not planning to overstay. Include evidence such as:

• Family photos or dependents
• Ownership of property
• Ongoing educational commitments
• Medical obligations or local employment

The stronger your ties, the more comfortable the visa officer feels about your return.

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TB Test (If Applicable)

Only applicants from certain countries need this. You’ll be informed during the application process. The test must be done at an approved clinic, and the certificate is valid for 6 months.

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Tips to Strengthen Your PLAB 1 Visa Application

These small steps can significantly improve your chances:

• Consistency: Double-check that your name, dates, and travel purpose match across all documents.
• Clarity: Your cover letter should be easy to understand and not overly long.
• Proof of Return: Whether it’s a job, family, or university, show why you will return.
• Stay Short-Term: Avoid showing intent to stay long (PLAB 1 is usually 3–7 days in the UK).
• Avoid Red Flags: Large unexplained deposits, mismatched addresses, or unclear bank records can weaken your application.

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How Long Does PLAB 1 Visa Take After Biometrics?

In most cases, the visa is processed and returned within 3 to 6 weeks.

But mine? It took 12 weeks. I completely panicked and even considered cancelling and reapplying. So my advice: apply early—as soon as that 3-month window opens.

If you’re tight on time, look into Priority or Super Priority services if they’re available in your country.

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What to Do if Your Visa Is Delayed?

Waiting for a visa decision can be nerve-wracking—especially when your PLAB 1 exam date is approaching. If your application is significantly delayed and you’re running out of time, here’s what you can do:

• You cannot apply for two UK visas at the same time. So if you’ve already submitted one, you’ll need to cancel it first before reapplying.
• If your travel timeline is tight and you absolutely need the visa quickly, your best option is to withdraw your current application and submit a new one using the Priority service (if available in your country).

This approach may cost more, but it significantly shortens processing time and could be the difference between making it to your exam—or not. Always double-check availability and timelines for Priority or Super Priority visas in your region before taking action.

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How to Prove You’ll Return After the Exam (And Why Your Cover Letter Matters)

When you apply for your PLAB 1 visa, one of the most important things you need to prove is that you’ll return to your home country after the exam. This is a key reason why many visa applications get refused—so don’t take it lightly.

Here’s how you can show strong evidence that you have no intention of overstaying in the UK:

Documents That Strengthen Your Case

• Ties to Your Country
  Show proof that you have responsibilities or reasons to come back—like family, property, or ongoing studies.
• Job and Income
  If you’re employed, include your salary slips and an employment letter. This shows you have a job waiting for you.
• Bank Savings
  Try to show at least 4 times the total cost of your trip (e.g., if your PLAB trip costs ₹80,000, show ₹3–4 lakhs in your account).
• Sponsor Letter
  If a parent, sibling, or spouse is funding your trip, include a sponsor letter and their financial documents.
• Invitation Letter (Optional)
  If you’re staying with a family member in the UK, their signed invitation letter and proof of address can help.

Things You Can Include — But Only If You’re Sure

Some applicants include these, but they’re not essential—and in some cases, they may even raise red flags if not done carefully.

• Hotel or Family Accommodation Bookings
  Only include this if it matches your cover letter and dates exactly. Don’t overcommit.
• Flight Tickets
  You don’t need to buy actual tickets before getting your visa. If you must, go for refundable or at least get a quotation.
  (Personally, I waited and booked my flight after getting the visa—it was for the very next day!)

Please, Don’t Ignore the Cover Letter

I really can’t stress this enough: a good cover letter can make or break your visa application.

Many people treat it like an optional formality, but it’s the one place where you can explain your situation in your own words. A strong, clear, and honest letter helps the visa officer understand your purpose—and gives context to your documents.

If you want your PLAB 1 visa approved, don’t skip the cover letter.

My Honest Experience

I’m a pretty skeptical person. I had my share of struggles—especially with booking my PLAB 1 slot. The dates I hoped for were gone, and new ones announced by GMC were a whole year later. It was stressful.

But getting the visa became a turning point—and it started with doing the basics right: preparing clear documents, writing a genuine cover letter, and showing that I had every reason to return home after the exam.

You can do the same.

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I Uploaded 54 Documents for My PLAB 1 Visa (Yes, Really!)

I’ll admit it—I was desperate to get my PLAB 1 visa. So in full panic mode, I went overboard and uploaded 54 documents with my application.
I know it sounds excessive (and kind of ridiculous), but I just didn’t want to leave anything to chance.

Looking back, not all of them were necessary. But some turned out to be very helpful. Below is the full list I submitted—important ones are highlighted, especially if you’re applying for the first time and aren’t sure what to include.

List of Documents I Submitted for PLAB 1 Visa

Basic Identification

• My Passport
• Copy of my National ID (Aadhaar card for Indian applicants)
• Personal affidavit stating my purpose and commitment to return

PLAB-Related Documents

• PLAB 1 Booking Confirmation (from GMC)
• A letter from the GMC confirming arrangements (auto-included with booking)

Academic Documents

• High School (10th) Certificate
• Secondary School (12th) Certificate
• MBBS Degree and Transcript
• NEET PG Application (to explain the 6-month study gap after MBBS)

Medical Registration

• My DMC (Delhi Medical Council) registration

Employment Proof

• Joining letter from the hospital where I worked

Home Country Ties

• Copy of my mother’s National ID
• Utility bill (gas) as evidence of permanent address in India

Accommodation in the UK

• Invitation letter from my brother
• His documents:
  • Passport
  • Residence permit
  • Utility bills
  • 6-month bank statement

Finances

• My own 6-month bank statement
• Documents from my sponsor (mother):
  • Letter of support
  • Affidavit of financial support
  • Her 6-month bank statement

Vaccination Documents

• COVID-19 vaccination proof (2 doses + booster)

Miscellaneous but Relevant

• A PDF explanation:
  “Why I was unable to book PLAB 1 in India”
  (This helped justify my reason for choosing a UK test centre)

So, Was It Worth It?

Honestly? Yes and no.

Uploading 54 documents might have been excessive—but in the end, my visa was approved. It wasn’t because of the number of documents, but because I:

• Had a clear cover letter
• Showed strong intent to return
• Provided consistent and relevant financial and personal documents

If you’re applying soon, don’t worry about uploading dozens of files like I did. Just focus on the important ones—and make sure everything you submit supports your story.

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Invitation Letter Format

If you’re staying with a family member or friend in the UK, you’ll need an invitation letter for your PLAB 1 visa. It doesn’t have to be complicated—but it must be signed by the person inviting you.

The letter should include:

• Their full name and address
• Your name and passport details
• Dates of your stay
• A statement confirming they’re hosting you
• Their signature and contact details

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Biometrics for PLAB 1 Visa – What to Expect and What to Carry

Once you’ve submitted your PLAB 1 visa application online, the next step is to attend your biometrics appointment. This is usually done at a VFS Global or TLScontact centre, depending on your country.

Before your appointment, you’ll be given two options:

• Upload all your documents yourself via the online portal
• Choose a scanning service at the visa centre, where they’ll upload documents for you (extra fee applies)

Let’s break down the biometrics so you know exactly what to expect.

What to Carry on the Day of Biometrics?

I went in with a full bag—originals, photocopies, the whole stack. But in reality, only three things were required:

• Printed visa application form
• Valid passport
• Appointment confirmation letter

That’s it. Everything else stayed in my bag. So keep it simple, but do bring your other documents just in case they’re requested.

Trouble Logging into VFS?

If you’re applying from India (or any country using VFS Global), and you:

• Forgot your VFS login ID
• Lost your confirmation email
• Can’t access your appointment dashboard

Don’t worry. Just go back to your UKVI email—you’ll find a direct link to your appointment dashboard there. Use that to re-download your appointment letter or access the VFS portal.

At the Counter – What to Say

When the VFS official asks about your stay duration, keep it simple and truthful:

“I’ve applied for a 6-month PLAB 1 visa.”

Avoid giving specific stay durations like “10 days” or “2 weeks”—it may create confusion if your return plan changes.

What Happens During the Appointment?

Here’s a quick step-by-step of what to expect:

1. Arrive at the UK Visa Center early, with all required documents.
2. Security Check – They’ll review your passport and appointment letter.
3. Token Issued – Head to the counter and answer a few basic questions.
4. Biometrics Process – They’ll take:
   • A photo of your face
   • Fingerprint scans (usually both thumbs and four fingers)
   • Eye scan (iris photo)

It’s usually quick and straightforward, but delays can happen depending on the crowd.

If you’re applying from India, VFS Global offers a range of optional services to make the process smoother. Some are genuinely useful—SMS updates, courier return of your passport, and form-filling assistance. Others, like the Premium Lounge, are not necessary but might help if you want to avoid long queues.

Below is a breakdown of some commonly used services for Indian applicants:

Recommended VFS Services for PLAB 1 Visa (India)

Service	Amount (INR)
Courier Fees	704
Convenience Fee	650
Courier Assurance (incl. Courier)	880
Premium Lounge	3200
Form Filling	2200
SMS Updates	352
Prime Time Appointment	2990
Prime Time Passport Collection	616
Hold at Location	704
Printout Service	30
Two-Way Courier Charges	1628
Walk-In Without Appointment	4500

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FAQs