Healthcare · Nurses
Internationally trained nurses are in high demand across the NHS and private healthcare. We explain the Health and Care Worker visa, what your employer needs to provide, and how to prepare a complete application.
- Main visa
- Health and Care Worker
- Regulator
- NMC (Nursing & Midwifery Council)
- Typical decision
- About 3 weeks
- Health surcharge
- Exempt on this route
Overview
How nurses come to work in the UK.
Most internationally trained nurses come to the UK on the Health and Care Worker visa. It is a version of the Skilled Worker visa for eligible roles with the NHS, NHS suppliers and adult social care providers.
To use it, you need a job offer from an employer approved by the Home Office, and that employer must give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You also need to be registered with, or on your way to registering with, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Why this route
Benefits of the Health and Care Worker visa.
Lower visa fee
Application fees on this route are lower than on the standard Skilled Worker visa.
No health surcharge
You and your dependants are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Faster decisions
Applications are usually decided within about three weeks from outside the UK.
Bring your family
Nurses can usually bring a partner and children as dependants.
Path to settlement
Time on this route can count towards settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
Career progression
Start at NHS Band 5 once registered, with clear routes to specialist and senior roles.
Eligibility
What you need.
- 01A job offer for an eligible nursing or midwifery role
- 02A Certificate of Sponsorship from a Home Office approved employer
- 03NMC registration, or a plan to complete it after arrival (pre-registration roles)
- 04English language at the level the NMC requires
- 05A salary that meets the rules for your role
Pay
Salary and NHS bands.
Most NHS nursing jobs are paid using the Agenda for Change pay bands. Newly registered nurses usually start at Band 5. Before you pass your OSCE and get your NMC PIN, you may be employed on a pre-registration salary.
| Stage | Typical role | Usual band |
|---|---|---|
| Before NMC registration | Pre-registration nurse (awaiting OSCE) | Band 3 or 4 |
| Newly registered | Staff nurse | Band 5 |
| Experienced | Senior or specialist nurse | Band 6 |
| Advanced | Advanced practitioner or ward manager | Band 7 and above |
Roles
Nursing roles you can be sponsored for.
- Staff nurse
- Adult nurse
- Mental health nurse
- Children's nurse
- Learning disability nurse
- Midwife
- Theatre nurse
- Critical care nurse
- District nurse
- Practice nurse
- Health visitor
Typical duties include assessing and monitoring patients, giving medication and treatment, working with doctors and therapists, supporting families, and supervising junior staff.
Process
From job offer to arrival.
- 1
Start your NMC application
Check your qualifications are eligible and begin the NMC process for nurses trained outside the UK.
- 2
Pass English and the CBT
Meet the English requirement (IELTS Academic or OET) and pass the computer-based test, which you can usually take in your home country.
- 3
Secure a sponsored job
Get an offer from an approved employer, who assigns your Certificate of Sponsorship.
- 4
Apply for your visa
Submit your Health and Care Worker application online and attend your biometrics appointment.
- 5
Arrive and take the OSCE
Your employer books your practical OSCE exam, usually within your first few months.
- 6
Receive your NMC PIN
Once registered, you work as a registered nurse and move onto the right pay band.
Documents
What to prepare.
- Valid passport
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- NMC decision letter or registration evidence
- English language test results (IELTS Academic or OET)
- Nursing qualifications and transcripts
- Tuberculosis test results, if you are from a listed country
- Criminal record certificate from countries you have lived in
- Documents for dependants, such as marriage and birth certificates
Register your interest
Tell us about your nursing career.
Share a few details and we will explain your next steps for registration and the visa. We are not a recruitment agency and do not charge for this initial review.
FAQ
Common questions.
Cannot find your answer? Email replies@myimmigration.uk or message us on WhatsApp.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. On the Health and Care Worker visa, nurses can usually bring a partner and dependent children. Each person makes their own application linked to yours.
Do I have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?
No. Health and Care Worker visa holders and their dependants are exempt from the surcharge.
What if I do not pass the OSCE first time?
You can usually resit. Your employer and the NMC will explain the timeline, and your employment terms should set out what happens in the meantime.
Can you find me a nursing job?
We are not a recruitment agency. We help you understand the visa and registration process and prepare your application once you have an offer.
Contact us
Talk to us about working as a nurse in 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
