How do overseas nurses register with the NMC?

Overseas nurses must pass a computer-based test (CBT) and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. The process also requires evidence of your nursing qualification, English language ability, and good character.

Do nurses pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?

No. Nurses on the Health and Care Worker visa are exempt from the IHS. This can save several thousand pounds over the visa period.

What salary do nurses need for the visa?

Nurses on the Health and Care Worker route benefit from a lower salary threshold than the standard Skilled Worker route. NHS Agenda for Change pay scales for qualified nurses generally meet or exceed the minimum requirement.

Can I bring my family to the UK as a nurse?

Yes. You can bring your spouse, partner, and children as dependants. They can generally work without restriction in the UK.

Skilled Worker Visa for Nurses: UK Guide 2026

Overseas nurses can work in the UK through the Health and Care Worker visa, which offers reduced fees and IHS exemption. NMC registration is mandatory, requiring a computer-based test and OSCE. The NHS provides structured career development for international nurses.

The Health and Care Worker Route

Nurses come to the UK through the Health and Care Worker visa, a variant of the Skilled Worker visa with specific benefits:

Reduced application fees compared to the standard Skilled Worker visa.
Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Lower salary threshold.

NHS Trusts, private hospitals, and care providers with a sponsor licence can sponsor overseas nurses.

NMC Registration

Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is mandatory before you can practise as a nurse in the UK. The process involves:

Eligibility check: Confirm your nursing qualification is recognised by the NMC.
English language: Pass an approved English language test (IELTS Academic or OET) with the required scores.
Computer-based test (CBT): A multiple-choice exam covering nursing knowledge. Can be taken at Pearson VUE test centres worldwide.
OSCE: A practical assessment taken in the UK that tests clinical skills, communication, and professional values. Taken at an NMC test centre.
Registration: After passing both tests, apply for NMC registration and receive your PIN.

The entire process can take 3-6 months from start to registration. Many NHS employers support nurses through the process, including paying for OSCE preparation and providing supervised practice.

Salary and Career Progression

NHS nurses are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scale:

Band 5: Newly qualified nurses. Starting salary approximately 29,000 pounds.
Band 6: Specialist nurses and senior staff nurses. Approximately 36,000-44,000 pounds.
Band 7: Ward managers and advanced practitioners. Approximately 44,000-51,000 pounds.
Band 8+: Senior management and consultant nurse roles.

These figures are national rates. London and some other areas have additional high-cost-area supplements. Unsocial hours payments (nights, weekends) are additional. The salary calculation for visa purposes uses your basic pay.

Ethical Recruitment

The UK follows the Code of Practice for International Recruitment of health and social care personnel. This means:

Employers must not charge nurses for their recruitment.
Active recruitment should not target countries on the WHO health workforce safeguard list without government-to-government agreements.
Nurses should receive support with integration, accommodation, and professional development.

Path to Settlement

After 5 years on the Health and Care Worker route, nurses can apply for ILR. Many nurses successfully settle in the UK and go on to British citizenship.

During the 5-year qualifying period, keep tracking your absences and ensure you meet all ILR requirements.

Dependants

You can bring your dependants (spouse/partner and children under 18). They can generally work without restriction in the UK. Note that policy changes have affected dependant rules for some care worker categories; check the latest position.

Next Steps

Start the NMC registration process as early as possible. Book your CBT and prepare for the OSCE. Identify NHS employers with sponsor licences who are actively recruiting overseas nurses.

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