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If you’re a nurse trained outside the UK and want to work in the British health system with employer visa sponsorship, this practical guide walks you through the routes, the paperwork (including NMC registration), where to find sponsored roles, salary and eligibility rules, common pitfalls, and an action checklist to get moving.
Quick summary (the headlines)
- The main visa routes for nurses are the Health and Care Worker visa (a sub-type of the Skilled Worker visa) and the Skilled Worker visa. Both require a UK employer to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). gov.uk+1
- From 22 July 2025, the UK raised the general Skilled Worker minimum salary threshold to £41,700 for most new applications — but there are lower thresholds or “going rates” for specific health occupation codes and region adjustments that employers may be able to use. Always check the going rate for the specific nursing role. gov.uk+1
- International recruitment programmes run by NHS trusts and private recruiters continue to be a major route into the UK — many advertise roles with visa sponsorship, pre-arrival support, and NMC exam help. rbht.nhs.uk+1
Why the UK still recruits nurses from overseas
The NHS and social care employers regularly recruit internationally to fill vacancies, improve staffing flexibility, and bring in specialist skills. NHS trusts and many large employers run international recruitment programmes that help with sponsorship, travel, and the NMC registration pathway — making them a common route for overseas-trained nurses. NHS Employers+1
Which visa should you apply for?
Health and Care Worker visa (sub-type of Skilled Worker)
- Designed for qualified medical professionals (nurses, doctors, allied health professionals) working for the NHS, an NHS supplier, or in adult social care. It often has advantages such as reduced visa fees and faster processing in some cases. You must have a sponsoring employer and a valid Certificate of Sponsorship. gov.uk+1
Skilled Worker visa
- More general but used when the Health and Care option doesn’t apply. Salary rules and going-rate checks still apply. From July 2025 the standard minimum salary was raised to £41,700 for most new applications — but some listed health roles can use lower regional thresholds (see the government “immigration salary list”). gov.uk+1
Must-do: Get NMC registration (before or alongside job search)
To work as a nurse in the UK you must be on the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register. The overseas pathway usually means:
- Check eligibility and submit an NMC application (documents, qualification verification). nmc.org.uk
- English language evidence — accepted tests are typically IELTS Academic or OET and you must meet NMC scores. nmc.org.uk
- Test of Competence (ToC) — two parts: the CBT (computer-based test) and the OSCE (practical exam, normally in the UK). Passing the ToC is required for full registration. Fees apply (NMC fees, exam/booking fees). nmc.org.uk+1
- When your NMC registration is approved, you’ll get an NMC reference and can be issued a job offer and sponsorship more easily. Many employers will support preparation for CBT/OSCE and help with booking. NHS Employers+1
Tip: start the NMC pre-application checks and English tests early — they can take weeks to months depending on test availability and document verification.
Where to find nursing jobs that offer visa sponsorship
- Jobs.nhs.uk — many NHS vacancies are explicitly marked as offering sponsorship. Search for “visa sponsorship” or filter by employer. jobs.nhs.uk
- NHS trust international recruitment pages — several trusts run ongoing international recruitment campaigns with full support packages. rbht.nhs.uk+1
- Specialist healthcare recruiters and international nursing programmes — some agencies place nurses with sponsorship and provide pre-arrival training, flights and temporary accommodation. Check reputation and reviews. careers.drakemedox.co.uk
- Professional networks and unions (RCN, professional Facebook/LinkedIn groups) can point to trusted programmes and warn of bad actors. The Royal College of Nursing
Typical package and costs (what employers often cover)
Packages vary widely — examples you’ll see from reputable international recruitment drives:
- Certificate of Sponsorship and visa support (employer arranges CoS).
- Visa fees and sometimes Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) reimbursed or covered by employer (not guaranteed).
- Flight and arrival support, temporary accommodation for first weeks, CBT/OSCE prep courses, and mentorship while you settle. careers.drakemedox.co.uk+1
Salary expectation: depends on the role and Agenda for Change banding for NHS posts. Some sponsored roles start in Bands 5–6 for registered nurses — check job adverts for exact banding and mapped yearly salary. Remember: the Skilled Worker minimum salary rules (including the new thresholds) may influence offers for new hires. gov.uk+1
Employer responsibilities and your rights
- A licensed sponsor must issue a valid CoS and comply with UK immigration rules. Employers who repeatedly breach visa rules can lose their sponsorship licence. The UK has increased scrutiny and penalties on non-compliant employers — so use employers with a clear track record. Reuters
- You are entitled to the UK national minimum wage / applicable NHS pay scale for your banded role. Beware of offers that require illegal deductions (these are red flags). Reuters+1
Step-by-step action plan (checklist)
- Decide target roles and region (NHS banding, hospital, care setting).
- Start NMC pre-application: gather documents, request regulator verification, book English test (IELTS/OET). nmc.org.uk+1
- Prepare and pass CBT (often can be done before travel). pearsonvue.com
- Search for sponsored jobs on jobs.nhs.uk, trust international pages, and reputable recruiters. Apply with CV, cover letter, and copies of NMC evidence where available. jobs.nhs.uk+1
- Accept job offer — employer issues Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Apply for the Health and Care Worker visa / Skilled Worker visa using the CoS. Pay visa fees and IHS (unless waived by employer). gov.uk
- Book OSCE and arrive to complete practical registration steps if required. nmc.org.uk
Common pitfalls & how to avoid them
- Applying to unscrupulous recruiters: verify the employer’s sponsor licence and read reviews. Avoid offers that require large up-front payments for “guaranteed” jobs. Reuters
- Assuming quick registration: NMC processes, test booking, and document verification can take months — plan and start early. nmc.org.uk
- Salary misunderstandings: check whether the offer meets Skilled Worker / Health and Care visa requirements or the listed going rate. If it’s borderline, the employer must justify the rate under the immigration rules. gov.uk+1
Timeline (realistic)
- Fast track (well-prepared candidate + employer support): 3–6 months (if CBT done in advance and OSCE slots available).
- Typical: 6–12 months from starting NMC pre-application to beginning work (varies by exam availability, document verification and visa processing times). Start early and keep employer updated — many trusts will guide you.
Useful official resources (start here)
- UK Government — Health and Care Worker visa (eligibility, how to apply). gov.uk
- UK Government — Skilled Worker visa & immigration salary list (going rates and thresholds). gov.uk+1
- Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) — registration for internationally trained nurses, English language requirements and Test of Competence details. nmc.org.uk+1
- NHS Employers / NHS trust international recruitment pages — up-to-date recruitment programmes and guidance for overseas nurses. NHS Employers+1
Final tips (to stand out)
- Tailor your CV to NHS formats (include registration status, exact qualifications, clinical experience, and clear contact details).
- Highlight English test results, hours of recent practice, and any UK-relevant CPD or specialisms.
- Prepare for behavioural and clinical interview questions (NHS trusts often use competency-based interviews).
- Keep scanned certified copies of your registration, ID and qualification documents ready — employers and NMC will request them.