How to Work and Immigrate to the UK as a Nurse?

Step 3. Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Registration

Nurses work under the supervision of the Nursing and Midwifery Council in the UK. A valid nursing council certificate from your current nursing board and documentation of your nursing qualifications are required for NMC registration. 

You might also need to take a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in the UK. Taking these exams ensures that your nursing qualifications meet UK nursing standards. 

Step 4. Find a Job

To immigrate to the UK as a nurse and start working, you’ll need to find a job. Indeed, NHS Jobs, Totaljobs, and Reed are good places to start your job search. Professional recruitment agencies like HCL Healthcare, Pulse Nursing, and Your World Healthcare often specialize in healthcare placements. To find the best UK nursing jobs, check various sources.

Step 5. Visa Application and Entry Clearance

Once you’ve been registered with the NMC, you’ll be able to apply for a visa in the UK. Tier 2 (General) visas are appropriate for most nurses. In addition to providing you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS), your employer will assist you in applying for a visa. You can enter the UK once your visa has been approved. 

The process is as follows:

1. You receive a COS from your UK employer outlining your job details.
2. Online applications must have a photocopy of the COS, a passport, and proof of language proficiency.
3. You must go to a biometrics appointment to get your fingerprints and a photo taken.
4. The UK government’s website provides estimated processing times for your application.
5. Your passport will get stamped with a visa vignette once approved.

Step 6. Post-Arrival Requirements

In the UK, post-arrival requirements for nurses include:

• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). The BRP must be collected within 10 days of obtaining your official residence status.
• Supervised Practice (OSCE). To ensure that your nursing skills are up to UK standards, complete the OSCE.
• Induction and Orientation. Get familiar with local healthcare procedures by participating in hospital orientation.
• NMC Registration. Stay current with continuing professional development (CPD) requirements and maintain your NMC registration.
• Settle and Accommodation. Get settled in your new home, understand the tax and healthcare systems, and secure housing.
• Professional Networking. Become a member of nursing associations and build professional networks.
• Cultural Adaptation. Engage with local communities and make friends to support your adjustment to a foreign country.

Step 7. Settle in the UK

To settle in the UK, start by 

• Choosing a suitable housing option within your budget.
• For financial management, open a local bank account.
• Become familiar with the UK tax system and National Health Service (NHS) to gain access to healthcare.
• Make sure you are aware of any legal requirements.
• Becoming involved in the local community will help you adapt and integrate smoothly.

Step 8. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

To immigrate to the UK as a nurse, you must continue professional development (CPD), fostering continuous skill development and expanding knowledge. NMC mandates continuing professional development, which includes workshops, courses, and reflective practice. Through continuing professional development, Nurses must stay current on healthcare advances, guidelines, and regulations. The NMC requires CPD compliance to maintain registration, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to quality patient care and professional development.

What are the Requirements to Work as a Nurse in the UK?

In the UK, nursing requirements vary by nationality. The following general principles apply to eligibility:

• Nursing Degree. An approved institution in your home country should award you a nursing degree, usually a BA.
• Work Experience. You must have at least one year of nursing experience, which UK officials will verify.
• Language Proficiency. Unless exempt due to being from an English-speaking country or completing your course in English, pass an English proficiency test like the IELTS or OET.
• Registration with NMC. Registration with the NMC, including procedure and exams after arrival.

Nurses Salary in the UK 

It depends on a nurse’s location and experience to determine the salary. The starting salary for new nurses (Band 5) is £24,907 to £30,615 a year, while the starting salary for experienced nurses is £31,365 to £37,890 a year or more. Earnings can be even higher for specialists. Because of the higher cost of living in London and the southeast, salaries are higher.