Healthcare · Registration guide
A clear guide for internationally trained nurses and midwives: how NMC registration works, which English tests are accepted, and how your career and residence can grow in the UK.
- Regulator
- Nursing & Midwifery Council
- Tests
- CBT then OSCE
- English
- IELTS Academic or OET
- Visa
- Health and Care Worker
Why the UK
Why nurses choose the UK.
High demand
The NHS and private providers recruit internationally trained nurses every year.
Structured pay
Agenda for Change bands give clear, published pay and annual progression.
Training and growth
Funded training, specialist roles and routes into advanced practice.
Family friendly
Nurses can usually bring a partner and children with them.
Free healthcare
Health and Care Worker visa holders are exempt from the health surcharge.
Long-term future
Time on the visa can lead to settlement and British citizenship.
Registration
NMC registration in five stages.
- 1
Eligibility and self-assessment
Create an NMC account and confirm your qualification and practice experience meet the requirements.
- 2
English language evidence
Provide accepted test results, or evidence that you trained or practised in English where allowed.
- 3
Computer-based test (CBT)
Pass the multiple-choice Test of Competence part 1, usually taken at a test centre in your home country.
- 4
Application and documents
Upload qualifications, identity, character and health declarations for assessment.
- 5
OSCE practical exam
Pass the Objective Structured Clinical Examination in the UK, then receive your NMC PIN.
English tests
Accepted English language tests.
| Test | What it is | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | General academic English test | Widely available. Scores must meet the NMC minimum in each skill. |
| OET | Occupational English Test for healthcare | Uses real clinical scenarios, so many nurses find it more relevant. |
Documents
Documents for NMC and visa.
- Passport and identity documents
- Nursing or midwifery qualification certificates and transcripts
- Registration certificate from your home country regulator
- Evidence of recent practice hours
- English language test results
- Police clearance certificates
- CBT result and, after arrival, OSCE result
Your future
From visa to settlement.
- 1
Health and Care Worker visa
Usually granted for up to five years and can be extended while you remain in an eligible role.
- 2
Indefinite Leave to Remain
After the qualifying period you may apply to settle in the UK permanently.
- 3
British citizenship
After holding settled status for the required time, you may apply to naturalise as a British citizen.
FAQ
Common questions.
Cannot find your answer? Email replies@myimmigration.uk or message us on WhatsApp.
Can I start working before I pass the OSCE?
Many employers sponsor you in a pre-registration role while you prepare for the OSCE. You work under supervision and move to a registered nurse role once you have your PIN.
How long does NMC registration take?
It depends on how quickly you complete each stage, your English results and document checks. Many nurses take several months from start to OSCE.
Do midwives follow the same process?
Yes. Midwives follow a similar NMC route with tests specific to midwifery.
Contact us
Get guidance on your nursing journey to the UK.
Tell us about your plans and we will get back to you within one business day.
- Call or text+44 7882 503373
- WhatsApp+44 7798 958198
- Emailreplies@myimmigration.uk
- HoursMonday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:30
