International Nurses to Work in the UK | Global Nurse Force (2024)

Be a Fully Qualified, Registered Nurse

  • Nursing degree or diploma
  • 1 Year of nursing experience
  • Registered Nurse License

Prove Your English Language Ability

To prove your English language skills, you will need to clear IELTS or OET:

  • Academic IELTS with 6.5 in writing and 7 in remaining areas
  • OET with C+ in writing and B in remaining areas

Attend Job Interview

Once you’ve cleared IELTS or OET with the required scores, Global Nurse Force will set up an interview for you via Skype, Zoom or a similar video platform with our clients in the U.K.

NMC Self-Assessment

You’ll need to complete an online self-assessment which will confirm if you are eligible to apply for NMC registration. As part of this assessment, you’ll be asked to confirm that you meet health, good character and English language requirements.

Pass Computer Based Test (CBT)

All nurses in the UK must be registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC). Registration involves a Computer Based Test (CBT), which can be taken in multiple testcenters around the world. The test is made up of 120 multiple-choice questions.

NMCApplication Assessment

You’ll need to submita number ofdocuments to the NMC, so they can assess whether you’re a good fit for a nursing role in UK. Once NMC receives all the necessary documents, your application will be assessed by a member of the International Registrations Team.

Submit Documents to Employer

Throughout the recruitment process, you will need to submit various documents to Global Nurse Force, which will be sent on to your employer. These documents ensure you can safely and legally work as a nurse in the UK.

Some of these documents include:

  • NHS application form
  • A police check from your home country
  • Proof of address documents
  • References

Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)

In order to apply for your UK work visa, you need a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS). Your NHS Trust acts as your sponsor and will apply for this on your behalf. Your COS will last 3 years, after which you can be re-sponsored. After living in the UK for 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency.

Visa Application

International nurses coming to work in the UK will need to apply for a Tier 2 Visa. Our clients in the U.K. will pay for or reimburse the cost of your visa.

Flight to the UK

Our clients will pay for or reimburse your flight to the UK. On arrival, we will make sure you are picked up at the airport and taken to your initial accommodation. Our support is ongoing.

Once you start your job, we’ll be in regular contact to support you in any way you need.

Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is the second exam required for NMC registration. The OSCE will assess your clinical knowledge and can only be completed in the UK.

The OSCE simulates a clinical environment and patient scenarios which all registered nurses and midwives are likely to encounter when they assess, plan, implement and evaluate care.

Our clients will thoroughly prepare you for the OSCE and pay for the exam.

Receive NMC PIN

Once you pass the OSCE, you’ll be registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council and receive your NMC Personal Identification Number (PIN).

Congratulations! You are now a Registered Nurse in the UK!

About Global Nurse Force

Need nurses? Global Nurse Force is the premiere direct-hire international nursing recruitment specialist. Our innovative international nurse recruitment strategies and solutions can help you build your long-term workforce, reduce dependency on contract labor, and improve patient satisfaction. We have placed thousands of highly skilled nurses at healthcare facilities throughout the UK, Ireland, and USA.Reach out to usto find out how we can help your facility to recruit the best nurses from around the world.

Requirements for International Nurses to Work in the UK

International Nurses to Work in the UK | Global Nurse Force (2024)

FAQs

International Nurses to Work in the UK | Global Nurse Force? ›

The NHS is the largest single employer in the UK, and we are proud that our workforce is extremely diverse – just like our patients. The NHS has always benefited from overseas recruitment and from nurses coming from other countries to live and work in England.

Can international nurses work in the UK? ›

The NHS is the largest single employer in the UK, and we are proud that our workforce is extremely diverse – just like our patients. The NHS has always benefited from overseas recruitment and from nurses coming from other countries to live and work in England.

How do I move to the UK to work as a nurse? ›

First you'll have to check your eligibility to work in England, followed by a language test. If you are eligible, you can apply for a role. You'll be interviewed and employed directly by the NHS trust you apply to, and they will support you with your Health and Care Visa application and the move over to England.

How do I become a nurse in the UK from the US? ›

Here is an overview of the steps you need to follow to be able to practice as a UK Nurse:
  1. Self-assess your eligibility. ...
  2. Apply to the NMC. ...
  3. Complete your 'Test of Competency (ToC)' ...
  4. Apply and obtain a visa. ...
  5. Complete your NMC registration. ...
  6. Undertake your 'adaptation period' ...
  7. The last step: Work as a UK Nurse!
Jun 23, 2023

Can I work in UK as a nurse without IELTS? ›

Yes, you can work in the UK as a nurse without IELTS. You will need to have your Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration number and, if you are applying for a job with an employer that is registered with the NMC, they will ask you to provide them with this information.

Is the UK still recruiting international nurses? ›

We will continue international recruitment, of course, they're very valued parts of our teams, but not at that amount.” She said focus and investment needed to be placed in future on boosting the domestic supply of nurses and retaining existing staff, and pointed to the ambitions in the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan.

What agency recruits nurses from overseas in the UK? ›

As a leading international nursing recruitment agency, WESolutions is that partner. Working alongside NHS Trusts, private hospitals and care homes, we've helped thousands of international nurses relocate to the UK over the years.

What are the requirements for foreign nurses to work in the UK? ›

How to be a UK Nurse: The Ultimate Guide for Overseas Nurses in...
  • STEP 1: Complete the NMC Eligibility Assessment. ...
  • STEP 2: TAKE THE RECOGNISED EXAMINATION. ...
  • Step 3: Take the Computer based test. ...
  • Step 4: Complete your Registration Application. ...
  • Step 5: Search and apply for the job.
Mar 7, 2023

Which nurse is in high demand in UK? ›

Social Care. Social care is a clear contender for a UK nursing specialisation in highest demand. According to Skills For Care research, there are a staggering 150,000 vacancies in social care, especially home care practitioners that include nursing assistants, home health aides and care home staff.

Which city in UK is best to work as a nurse? ›

London is a great place to live and work for Nurses, there is a high demand for nurses in the capital, also there is state of the art equipment and facilities present in hospitals in London.

Is it better to be a nurse in UK or USA? ›

Are there differences in salary and benefits between the UK and the USA? Yes, there are differences. Nurses in the USA generally have higher salaries, but the cost of living and benefits can vary.

Is UK in need of nurses? ›

If we add the number of job vacancies to the number of filled roles (35,000), the total number of NHS available jobs is 397,000, making the demand for nursing role all time high at 11.8%. The number will increase the demand for the UK visa for nurses 2024.

What is the age limit for nurses in UK? ›

Am I too old to train? There is no upper age limit to start nurse training but you should discuss any concerns that you might have about your suitability for training with the universities offering courses. Use our course finder to get a list.

Which country is best for nurses without IELTS? ›

Canada provides nursing vacancies in Canada without IELTS. Canada offers nursing jobs in Canada to candidates that have skills and experience to work in hospitals. It has definitive steps, rules, and procedures that every nurse has to follow to immigrate to work and live in Canada.

Which country is easiest to work as a nurse? ›

New Zealand

New Zealand is considered the easiest country for nurses to work.

How much do international nurses earn in the UK? ›

Average International SOS Nurse yearly pay in the United Kingdom is approximately £39,156, which is 20% above the national average.

Can nurses get work permit UK? ›

The UK Nurse Visa is a type of work permit for qualified nurses. It allows them to work in the UK in the NHS, an NHS partner, or adult social care. This visa falls under the Health and Care Worker visa category, created in August 2020 to bring more healthcare workers to the UK.

How much do foreign nurses earn in the UK? ›

Overseas nurse salaries

If we look at the Overseas nurse salary statistics in United Kingdom as of April 3, 2024, the represented employee makes £37,978; to be more precise pay rate is £3,165 per month, £730 per week, or £18.76 per hour.

What are the requirements to be a nurse in UK? ›

Entry requirements

You'll usually need: 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science. 2 or 3 A levels, including a science, or a level 3 diploma or access to higher education in health, science or nursing.

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