The new "Tier 2" comprises of skilled personnel with a job offer such as doctors, nurses, dentists, teachers, and engineers. This therefore changes in particular the status of training positions as a doctor or a dentist, making them labour categories needing a work permit instead of an exemption not needing a work permit. The continuation of training status is currently set-aside for graduates of UK universities only.

As of 19 June 2006 a new application form is now compulsory for Tier 2 work permit applications for Postgraduate Doctors and Dentists. Until that time, an exemption was approved for all dental and medical graduates working in "training positions" associated with their field. From now on all non-EEA residents and those who have not graduated from a UK university must apply for work permits and visas in accordance with standard immigration guidelines.

All applications for doctors and dentists wishing to fill training posts within the NHS in the Foundation Programme, Senior House Officer, GP Registrar or Specialist Registrar level must use the new PD1 form. Positions as Specialist Registrar arranged before 7th March and which commence before 4th August 2006 will be upheld, but any attempt at renewal will be subject to the new policy at the end of the initial period.

Career grade posts are unaffected and candidates of that type should carry on using the WP1 form.

These alterations will not put a stop to overseas doctors and dentists from training in the UK. Doctors and dentists currently in the UK will be able to go on with their training here, if they have appropriate posts organised, but will now be deemed as in employment, instead of in training. They will also have the same rights as other migrant workers, e.g. Work permit holders are able to submit an application for settlement in the UK after 5 years.