Moving to the UK from the Philippines: Complete Guide 2026
What you need to know
- •Health and Care Worker visa is the dominant route for Filipino nationals.
- •TB test is mandatory at an IOM-approved clinic before applying.
- •DFA apostille required since the Philippines joined the Hague Convention in 2019.
- •NBI clearance is the required police certificate. Apply online.
- •Filipino nurses must register with the NMC (CBT and OSCE exams).
- •Health and Care Worker visa has reduced fees and no IHS.
Filipino nationals are one of the most important groups in the UK healthcare workforce. The Health and Care Worker visa is the dominant route, with thousands of Filipino nurses and care workers arriving in the UK each year. This guide covers the country-specific requirements including document apostille through the DFA, NBI clearance, TB testing, and the practical steps for settling in the UK.
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Most Common Visa Routes for Filipino Nationals
Health and Care Worker Visa
The Health and Care Worker visa is by far the most popular route for Filipinos. The Philippines has a long tradition of training healthcare professionals who work abroad, and the UK NHS actively recruits Filipino nurses, care assistants, and other medical staff. This visa is a variant of the Skilled Worker visa with significant cost advantages:
- Reduced visa fee: £284 (compared to £719+ for a standard Skilled Worker visa)
- No Immigration Health Surcharge: You and your dependants are exempt from the IHS
- Lower salary threshold: The minimum salary for health and care roles is lower than the general Skilled Worker threshold
You need a Certificate of Sponsorship from an NHS trust, care home, or other eligible health and care employer with a sponsor licence.
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Registration
If you are a nurse or midwife, you must register with the NMC before you can practise in the UK. The registration process involves:
- Apply to the NMC. Submit your qualifications, professional registration from the Philippines (PRC licence), and employment history.
- Computer Based Test (CBT). Pass the CBT, which tests nursing knowledge. Test centres operate in Manila and Cebu. Many applicants take this before applying for the visa.
- Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). This practical exam is taken in the UK after arrival. It tests clinical skills across several stations. Your employer usually arranges and sometimes funds preparation.
Many UK employers handle the recruitment process end-to-end, including visa sponsorship, flight costs, and accommodation on arrival. Be cautious of recruitment agencies that charge excessive fees — legitimate UK NHS recruitment should not cost you money upfront.
Skilled Worker Visa (Non-Healthcare)
The standard Skilled Worker visa is used by Filipino nationals in IT, engineering, hospitality, and other sectors. The salary threshold is £38,700 or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher (with some exceptions).
Student and Spouse Visas
The Student visa and Spouse visa are also used by Filipino nationals. For spouse applications, the UK-based partner must meet the £29,000 financial requirement.
Philippine Document Requirements
DFA Apostille
The Philippines joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 14 May 2019. Philippine documents for UK visa applications are now apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA):
- Get the document authenticated. Certain documents must first be authenticated by the relevant agency (e.g., PSA for birth/marriage certificates, PRC for professional licences, school for educational documents).
- Submit to DFA for apostille. Bring the authenticated document to a DFA consular office. The DFA affixes an apostille stamp or certificate. Processing typically takes 1 to 5 working days at DFA offices in Manila, Cebu, and other locations.
- Translation. Most Philippine official documents are in English, so translation is usually not required. Documents in Filipino may need a certified English translation.
NBI Clearance
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance is the police certificate required for UK visa applications:
- Register and apply online at the NBI website.
- Pay the fee (approximately ₱155).
- Attend an NBI branch for biometric capture (fingerprints and photograph).
- If there is no "hit" (no match with criminal records), the clearance is issued within 1 to 3 days.
- If there is a hit (common with common names), additional verification takes 2 to 4 weeks. This does not mean you have a criminal record — it just means your name matches someone in the database.
PSA Documents
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) issues official copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other civil registry documents. Order these through the PSA website or at a PSA outlet. PSA documents are the version accepted for apostille and international use.
TB Test Requirement
The Philippines is on the Home Office's mandatory TB testing list. You must get a certificate from an IOM-approved clinic before applying for any visa longer than 6 months. Approved clinics operate in Manila and Cebu. The test involves a chest X-ray and costs approximately ₱4,500–6,000. Results are usually available within 2 to 5 working days. The certificate is valid for 6 months.
English Language Requirement
Despite English being widely spoken in the Philippines and an official language, the Philippines is not on the Home Office list of majority English-speaking countries. You must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) unless you hold a degree taught in English from a recognised institution.
Many Filipino applicants, particularly nurses with Philippine nursing degrees, can use their degree as proof of English ability without taking a separate SELT. Check the GOV.UK recognised degree list to confirm. IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic are available in Manila, Cebu, and other cities if a test is required.
VFS Global in the Philippines
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After completing your online application on GOV.UK, book a biometric appointment at:
- Manila: The main visa application centre with full services including priority processing.
- Cebu: Satellite centre with biometric collection.
Processing Times from the Philippines
- Health and Care Worker visa: 3 to 8 weeks (standard), 5 working days (priority)
- Skilled Worker visa: 3 to 8 weeks (standard)
- Student visa: 3 to 6 weeks
- Spouse visa: 12 to 24 weeks
Employer-sponsored healthcare workers often benefit from batch processing, which can be faster. Check with your employer about their expected timeline.
Costs in Philippine Pesos (PHP)
Approximate costs as of early 2026 (£1 ≈ ₱73):
- Health and Care Worker visa fee: £284 (₱20,700)
- Skilled Worker visa fee: £719–£1,420 (₱52,500–103,700)
- Student visa fee: £490 (₱35,800)
- Spouse visa fee: £1,846 (₱134,800)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035/year (₱75,600/year) — waived for Health and Care Workers
- TB test: ₱4,500–6,000
- NBI clearance: ₱155
- DFA apostille: ₱100 per document
- NMC registration (if nurse): approximately £140 (₱10,200) plus CBT fee ₱10,000–15,000 and OSCE fee £794 (₱58,000)
See our UK visa fees guide for a full breakdown of all visa categories.
Common Issues for Filipino Applicants
- Unethical recruitment agencies. Be wary of agencies that charge large upfront fees for healthcare recruitment. Under UK rules, employers should not pass recruitment costs on to workers. If an agency asks for payment of more than a nominal amount, this may indicate an unethical practice. Research the agency and check if the UK employer is NHS or a registered care provider.
- NMC registration delays. The OSCE exam in the UK has limited slots and waiting times can be significant. If your employer does not arrange your OSCE promptly, you cannot practise as a registered nurse (you may work as a healthcare assistant in the interim).
- Name discrepancies. Filipino documents often use different name formats (middle name as mother's maiden name, suffixes like Jr./Sr./III). Ensure consistency across your passport, PSA documents, and visa application. If names differ, provide a sworn affidavit explaining the discrepancy.
- Dual intent concerns. Some Filipino visitor visa applications are refused on the grounds of suspected immigration intent. If you have previously been refused a visitor visa, address this in your work or study visa application. See our visa refusal guide.
- Financial evidence for student visas. If your sponsor is an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker), provide their employment contract, bank statements from the country of employment, and proof of remittance to the Philippines.
Practical Tips for Moving from the Philippines
Flights
There are no direct flights from Manila to London as of 2026 (Philippine Airlines previously operated this route). Most flights connect via the Gulf (Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha, Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong, or Singapore Airlines via Singapore). Total journey time is typically 15 to 20 hours.
Filipino Community in the UK
The UK has a growing Filipino community of over 200,000 people, with the majority working in healthcare. Major concentrations are in London (particularly Hammersmith, Kensington, and Southwark), the Midlands (due to NHS hospitals), and across the country wherever NHS trusts have recruited Filipino staff. Filipino community organisations, churches (particularly Catholic parishes), and professional networks provide strong support for new arrivals.
Balikbayan Box and Shipping
Many Filipinos use Balikbayan box services (in reverse) to ship belongings to the UK. Several companies offer door-to-door sea freight from the Philippines. Transit time is typically 6 to 10 weeks. For the Transfer of Residence relief from UK customs duty, ensure you can demonstrate you have owned your personal belongings for at least 6 months.
First Steps After Arrival
- Collect your BRP or set up your eVisa.
- Report to your employer and begin induction.
- Apply for a National Insurance number.
- Register with a GP.
- Open a bank account (many employers help arrange this).
Path to Settlement and Citizenship
Health and Care Worker and Skilled Worker visa holders can apply for ILR after 5 years. You must pass the Life in the UK test and meet the B1 English requirement. After ILR, you can apply for British citizenship after 12 months.
The Philippines allows dual citizenship under Republic Act 9225 (Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act). Filipino nationals who naturalise as British citizens can retain or reacquire their Philippine citizenship.
Next Steps
If you are a healthcare worker, confirm your employer's sponsorship and start the NMC process early. Get your DFA-apostilled documents and NBI clearance in order. Book your TB test.
For official information, visit GOV.UK.
Related guides:
This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get a personalised document checklist and eligibility check — free.