Registered nurses are in high demand in the United Kingdom and are currently on the Shortage Occupations List. Nurses (2231) are needed in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with the National Health Service (NHS) hiring from overseas to close the skills shortage gap. Once you are registered and can work as a UK nurse from overseas, there is nursing jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship in 2024.
Why work as a UK nurse from overseas?
The National Health Service (NHS) is the largest employer in the UK with over 1 million healthcare professionals, many of which are recruited international nurses. The problem the UK faces like many countries around the world, it is not training enough nurses and are expected to have an estimated shortage of 140,000 by 2030. The benefit for international nurses that come to the UK, is that this opens up many career development paths such as management and beyond.
Latest figures for the Health and Care Worker visa show the top nationalities in 2023, although not all arrivals came to work as a UK nurse, it gives us an insight on where UK healthcare professionals apply from. Indian nationals made up the most of new arrivals in 2023 with over 38,866 an increase of 76% on 2022. Nigerian nationals were second highest on 26,715 and Zimbabweans on 21,130. Overall, there was 143,990 health care professionals who arrived on this visa in 2023. These 3 nationalities together contributed around 60% alone.
NMC UK registration for overseas nurses
To work as a UK nurse, you must register with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC). The application process can be completed online where you follow a step by step process. This includes tasks such as uploading documents, paying a fee and taking exams. There is only 1 national register in the UK so you can work in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. The registration process is separate from your visa application which you should apply for after your visa has been accepted.
The total cost of registering with the NMC is around £1,300 as of January 2024, this includes registration fees and sitting all exams. You should give yourselves around 6 months to register and pass all tests before applying for your visa.
Nursing visas UK
If you are an overseas nurse seeking employment opportunities in the UK, the Health and Care Worker visa is the most popular. Although, there are other UK work permits for nurses available depending on your personal circumstances.
Health and Care Worker
The most common visa for working as an international nurse in the UK is the Health and Care Worker visa. The visa is designed for healthcare professionals and offers advantageous terms compared to other work visas.
Requirements include that your occupation must be on the Shortage Occupations List and you must obtain job sponsorship from overseas from an approved employer, such as the NHS. Other eligibility factors include your salary must meet the minimum threshold for that occupation and you must pass the IELTS English language test.
The application fee for this visa in 2024 is £284 for up to three years, or £551 for more than three years to a maximum of five years. After this time, you can apply for this visa again or apply to settle in the UK through “indefinite leave to remain”.
An advantage of the Health and Care Worker visa is that you are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This includes your dependants such as partner and children.
UK Ancestry Visa
The UK Ancestry visa is a route that is available to nurses who are Commonwealth citizens and have at least one grandparent born in the UK. 56 countries are currently Commonwealth members who represent a population of over 2.5 billion people across all continents.
Requirements for the UK Ancestry visa do not include job sponsorship, meaning you can move to the UK before you obtain a nursing job. This is a great advantage as you can apply from the UK allowing employers to interview you face to face.
The application fee for this visa is £637 and allows you to live and work in the UK for five years. After this time, you can apply for this visa again or apply to settle in the UK through “indefinite leave to remain”.
You will have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for the UK ancestry visa, which is currently £1,035. If you are applying for a 2-year visa you will have to pay £1,035 each year, therefore you will have to pay a total of £2,070.
British National Overseas Visa (Hong Kong)
The British National Overseas visa, known informally as the Hong Kong visa, is a popular non sponsorship pathway for Hongkongers. More than 120,000 Hong Kong nationals have moved to the UK on this visa since it was created in 2021.
To be eligible for this visa you must be a citizen of Hong Kong who registered as a British national before July 1997. You are allowed to add immediate family members to this visa which allows you to stay for up to five years. After this time, you can apply to settle in the UK through “indefinite leave to remain”.
The cost for the British National Overseas visa is £180 for two years and six months, or £250 for five years. You will have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for the UK ancestry visa, which is currently £1,035. If you are applying for a 5-year visa you will have to pay £1,035 each year, therefore you will have to pay a total of £5,175.
Graduate Visa
Already studying nursing in the UK for a nursing degree? The Graduate visa is a popular way for students to remain in the UK after they have graduated. This visa is sometimes known as a Post-Study Work visa or PSW UK visa.
To be eligible you must have recently graduated from an UK eligible university with at least a bachelors degree. You must still live in the UK and the course at least 12 months long.
The application fee for the Graduate visa is £822 and allows you to live and work in the UK without job sponsorship. You can stay for up to two years after a bachelors degrees or three years with a PHD or doctoral degree.
Youth Mobility Scheme (Working Holiday Visa)
The Youth Mobility Scheme otherwise known as a Working Holiday is a great opportunity to live and work in the UK as a young person. The visa lasts for two years and allows you to work for employers that one day may sponsor you.
Requirements for the Youth Mobility Scheme include being from an eligible country and being aged between 18-30. Although from January 31 2024, some nationalities age limits will be increased to 18-35.
The application fee is £298 and you must have at least £2,530 in your bank account as savings.
India Young Professionals Scheme
The India Young Professionals Scheme is a new scheme that was introduced in 2023, it allows young Indian graduates to live and work in the UK. The visa lasts for two years and allows you to work for potential employers who might pay for a longer term work visa to keep you.
To be eligible, you must be an Indian national who has graduated with a bachelors degree and be aged between 18-30. You must not have been in the UK before on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
The application fee is £259 and you must have at least £2,530 of savings as proof of funds in your bank account. You can only apply for this scheme once. Afterwards, you will have to switch on to another visa such as the Skilled Worker visa.
How to apply for a nursing job in the UK?
Finding a job as a nurse in the UK is similar to any other occupation, although a role within the National Health Service you have to apply directly. Finding a job in the NHS can be a relatively simple process, but it helps to be flexible with your job role and which region of the UK you want to work in. The NHS Careers website is the best place to find vacant job roles, you will have to create a profile before applying for jobs.
If you need visa sponsorship for your nursing role, you must earn at least £20,960. Although, average salaries for nurses in the UK is much higher. This applies to all four countries of the UK, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
We do not recommend using agencies.
Career path when you work as a UK nurse
Entry level graduates or overseas applicants will most likely enter the NHS as a Band 5 nurse, this is to gain experience working in a British hospital. As of April 2023, the starting salary for a nurse in band 5 is £27,055 in England & Wales, after 4 years this increases to £32,934. In Scotland, the starting salary is £28,384 in which after 4 years increases to £30,329. This does not include extra pay for working unsociable hours such as weekends and night shifts.
You will also be entitled to a minimum of 27 paid holidays per year alongside 8 bank holidays, if you work a bank holiday you will be entitled to extra pay. Maternity with the NHS includes 2 months full pay guaranteed, 7 months of at least half pay and an option for another 3 months unpaid without effecting your career.
Documentation for your UK nursing visa
Documentation will vary depending on the nursing work visa you have chosen and your personal circumstances.
Certificate of Sponsorship
If you applied for a visa that requires you to be sponsored by an employer such as the NHS, you will need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The Health and Care Worker visa requires CoS.
A Certificate of Sponsorship is a document and reference number that proves you are eligible for the chosen visa, which is created by the employer. You then use this document when you are applying for your work visa. The certificate is valid for three months after acceptance.
IELTS Certificate
Depending on your nursing work visa for the UK, you may have to sit a IELTS or SELT exam. Passing this exam will prove that you can speak, read, write and understand English to the required standard. Check our our IELTS planning page for more information.
If you are a citizen of any of the below nations, you are exempt from proving your English language requirement. Students are also exempt if you achieved a bachelor’s degree or higher in an English taught course.
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- the Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Jamaica
- Malta
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- USA
Can I bring my family?
All popular UK nursing visas currently allow family members to join the main applicant in the UK, they are known as “dependants”. You don’t have to be a permanent resident or have an Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK to bring your family members. The cost for each dependant is £1846 as of January 2024.
Dependants over 18 can work full time in any profession throughout with no restrictions. The length of time allowed to stay is the same as the main applicants work visa.
Can nursing lead to British citizenship?
Yes, the first step to becoming a British citizen is being granted a visa that contributes towards the 5 year requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
There are 3 main stages to being granted British citizenship.
- Live and Work in the UK for 5 years on a work visa
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- Apply for Naturalisation/British citizenship
Latest Visa News
Homes for Rent in the UK [2024]
Homes for rent in the UK in 2024 can be a difficult process when you are new to the country. When you move to the UK for work, you are most likely to rent in the beginning. In 2023, net migration in to the UK was 672,000 with many newcomers moving to popular cities such […]
Immigration Salary List UK (ISL) [2024]
The Immigration Salary List (ISL) will replace the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) in the United Kingdom from the 4th of April 2024. The ISL contains 23 occupations that are most in demand in the UK for 2024, the list will be updated on an annual basis. There is some changes from the SOL including eligibility […]
UK Visa Types – UK Immigration [2024]
If you are planning on moving to the United Kingdom for long term work or to complete a degree, then you will need a visa before you arrive. There are many UK visa types that allow you to work and study, some do not require any sponsorship. Each visa has different requirements in order for […]
Shortage Occupation List UK – Skilled Worker Visa [2024]
The Shortage Occupation List UK 2024 is a list that highlights job roles that there are in demand across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom is currently looking internationally to help fill vacancies in various roles such scientists, engineers, IT professionals and the construction trades. The UK government announced in late 2023, […]
Youth Mobility Visa UK 2024 [Updated]
The Youth Mobility visa UK is a working holiday scheme that allows young people to work in the UK without job sponsorship. This visa is a popular one as it allows you to travel around the UK whilst gaining work experience for two years. You do not have to be sponsored by an employer, meet […]
How to work as a UK nurse from overseas [2024]
Registered nurses are in high demand in the United Kingdom and are currently on the Shortage Occupations List. Nurses (2231) are needed in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with the National Health Service (NHS) hiring from overseas to close the skills shortage gap. Once you are registered and can work as a UK nurse […]
India Young Professionals Scheme 2024
The India Young Professionals Scheme was launched in early 2023. It became the best visa option for young Indians that want to live and work in the United Kingdom. The scheme is ideal as it allows young people to live and work for two years without job sponsorship. This allows time for you to find […]
What is the Skilled Worker Visa UK?
The Skilled Worker Visa UK is the main pathway for skilled workers looking to move to the United Kingdom. The visa is the second most popular for long-term immigration and attracts expertise in different industries around the world. The visa has been designed to make it easier for people who are qualified in chosen occupations […]
Moving to UK – How to Immigrate to the UK
Moving to another country is a big decision but can be a huge opportunity to improve your life. The United Kingdom is a popular choice for skilled workers with over 1.2 million skilled people moving here in 2023, this is more than Canada and Australia. Most people immigrate to the UK for the British culture, […]
Top 13 Skilled Jobs needed in the UK for 2024
The United Kingdom like many countries around the world, is going all out to attract skilled workers to help fill vacancies in many industries. The UK is looking to fill jobs of the future such as computer science and artificial intelligence, these industries amongst others are expected to increase over the next five years. With […]
6 UK Cities Best in the World to Live 2024
London, Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Leeds were voted 6 UK cities best in the world to live. They were named in the annual World’s Best Cities Report for 2024 by Resonance. London ranked the highest at number one, not only for the UK but the world. Scotland’s biggest city Glasgow came in at #61 […]
UK Visa Processing Times Applications
The United Kingdom offers multiple types of visa options including work visas, study visas and visitor visas. UK visa processing times will vary between visa types and this needs to be taken in to consideration when you begin your application. Planning your move such as gathering documentation, booking flights and finding accommodation are tasks that […]
UK Visa Fees Increase from October 2023
The United Kingdom government has raised fees for certain visas from October following an announcement in July this year. Work visas and student visas have both risen with the amount varying depending on your personal circumstances and length of stay. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announce that UK visa fees are increasing to partially fund […]
UK Sponsorship Visas for Care Workers 2024
Care workers looking to move to the UK to live and work are currently in high demand. Out of all the UK sponsorship visas for care workers, the Health and Care Worker visa is the most popular pathway to live and work in the United Kingdom. You will need to have a valid visa and […]
What is the High Potential Individual Visa?
The High Potential Individual visa was created in 2022 to attract recently graduated international students to the UK. It allows international graduates from selected universities to come and live and work in the UK for two years. You must have graduated in the last five years. Students must have graduated from a selected international university […]
Study in the UK – Pathway to Immigration
Are you looking to study in the UK for a bachelors degree or maybe a masters or doctorate? The UK offers a world-class education which leads to great career opportunities and therefor sponsorship by employers looking to retain your expertise in the United Kingdom. A well-planned study strategy can lead to a long-term work visa […]
Work as a Nurse in the UK
Interested in moving abroad to work as a nurse in the UK? The idea of continuing your career overseas can seem overwhelming at first. You will need to have a valid visa and sponsorship from an employer such as the National Health Service (NHS). Most nurses who qualify for a visa from outside the UK […]
UK amongst the most attractive destinations for foreign entrepreneurs in 2023
Entrepreneurial talent are in demand around the world, with an increasing amount of countries offering start-up or innovation style visas to attract them. Entrepreneurs are important as they play a pivotal role in creating jobs, attracting investment and economic growth for the economy. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) measure the attractiveness of […]
UK Youth Mobility Scheme for Canadian Nationals
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is a great opportunity to work and travel in the UK, it allows young people from Canada to live and explore around the country for up to three years. The UK recently negotiated a trade deal with the Canadian government which includes making it easier for young adults to live […]
Most popular ways to immigrate to the UK from Africa
Choosing to emigrate to the United Kingdom can be a life-changing but exciting decision. Not only does it have the worlds 6th largest economy, but is known for its diverse culture, sport and scenery. The UK more than ever is looking for skilled workers across the African continent to help fill skill shortages in sectors […]
Demand for Skilled Workers in the UK 2024 – Skilled Occupations List
The UK government has announced upcoming additions of multiple occupations to the Shortage Occupations List. These changes are expected to be introduced before the end of 2023 and will include occupations from the construction and fishing sectors. You will apply through the Skilled Worker visa. Separately, the Skilled Worker Occupations List contains more job roles […]
What is the UK Graduate Visa?
“Photo by Chris Boland” The Graduate Visa or Post-Study Work was created in 2021 to attract students to stay in the UK after they graduate. It allows foreign nationals to stay in the UK for at least 2 years to live and work once they graduate from a British university. The advantage of a Graduate […]
UK Youth Mobility Scheme for Australia and New Zealand Nationals
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is a great opportunity to work and travel in the UK, it allows young people from Australia and New Zealand to live and explore around the country for up to three years. The UK recently negotiated a trade deal with the Australia and New Zealand governments which includes making it […]
Most popular ways to immigrate to the UK from India
The UK welcomed over 1.2 million new arrivals in the year ending March 2023, most of which on long-term immigration visas. Indian nationals made up the largest group in terms of Work visas and Study visas, both around 30%. The UK is home to one of the largest Indian diasporas in the world, over 1.8 […]
UK net migration hits record high of 606,000
According to recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the country’s total population grew by 606,000 in the year ending March 2023. This means for the first time ever, an estimated 1.2 million people arrived in the UK for long-term immigration. 164,000 more people arrived in 2022 than in 2021, mainly due to […]
What are language test requirements for UK immigration?
You may be required to submit proof that you have a minimum standard of the English language when you apply for a UK work visa. This requirement will depend on which type of visa you have applied for, whether you will be working or studying, and how long you plan to stay in the UK. […]
How to immigrate to the UK as a nurse in 2023
Health professionals are in high demand in the UK and even has its own visa, the Health and Care Worker visa. The UK government has set a target for 50,000 more nurses by 2024 in England alone, one of the ways to do this is to attract international talent. The National Health Service (NHS) is […]
UK breaks record with over 679,00 international students in 2022
The UK attracts thousands of international students each year, thanks to its world-class universities and work opportunities. Keep reading to discover some of the top reasons to consider moving to the UK to study. New data from Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) shows the UK now has a international student population of 679,970 as of […]
First ballot for the UK India Professionals Scheme
The United Kingdom’s newest visa will launch on Tuesday 28th February 2023, the long-awaited India Professionals Scheme. This visa will be the easiest way for young Indians to live and work in the UK, for up to two years. This visa is a good way to settle in the UK before applying for longer term […]
UK Job Vacancies and Pay Febuary 2023
On February 2023, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released its latest monthly report on employment in the UK. The report shows a near all time high of employment in the UK with increasing salaries. If you are interested in filling one of these vacancies and want to move to the UK, check out our […]
Best Cities to Work and Live in the UK in 2023
The United Kingdom has long been the world-famous place to work and live in due to the huge number of opportunities it offers in terms of career and life. Since it is among the top economies in the world, those looking for a high living standard with excellent employment opportunities find it the perfect spot. […]
How to get sponsored by an employer in the UK
When companies in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are unable to find qualified workers living in the United Kingdom, they look worldwide to help fill those skill shortages. To be eligible for skilled work sponsorship in the United Kingdom, you need to qualify for a relevant job on a UK occupations list, after this […]
What salary can I earn in the UK in 2023?
how much can you earn in the UK? The UK is a high-income economy, but how much do you need to earn for a comfortable life? When you think of moving to the UK, the first thing that comes to your mind is how much salary you will earn. From April 2023 the minimum hourly […]
How much money do you need to move to the UK?
How much does it cost to move to the UK? The amount of money to save when planning a move to the UK will vary from person to person, having your finances planned correctly is one of the most important aspects of moving to the UK. How much is a visa? Do I have to […]
UK Immigration – Visa processing times – November 2023
How long will it take to process my UK Visa Appplication? The UK is a top destination for many talented people around the world, looking to work or study and build a new life. Skilled immigration benefits the UK economy whilst providing a better opportunity for individuals born abroad. The immigration system in the UK […]
Why study in the UK – Top 10 Reasons
Why study in the UK? The UK attracts thousands of international students each year, thanks to its world-class universities and work opportunities after graduation. In 2023, over 486,107 people chose the UK to further their higher education and increase their job chances. The most common nationality to arrive in the UK to study in 2023 […]
Can I bring my family to the UK on a work visa?
If you are looking to bring your family members to the UK, or you hope to join your family in the UK, then this article will explore your options. Several visas allow family members to join the main applicant in the UK, they are known as “dependants”. You don’t have to be a permanent resident […]
Working Holiday Visa UK
If you are thinking about applying for a working holiday visa in the UK, then you have found the right place. This visa is the easiest way for young people to live and work in the UK temporarily. The visa is formally knows as the Youth Mobility Visa and is available to citizens of participating […]
Flying to Birmingham
Birmingham Airport (BHX) Birmingham Airport serves more than 400 direct or one stop destinations globally with 50 airlines and was the UK’s seventh busiest airport in 2020 with the highest percentage of business travellers after London Heathrow. Just 10km from the centre of Birmingham the airport is connected by rail, road and bus, in 10 […]
Flying to London
The five major airports that service London are Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and London City. They all differ in size, location, destinations they service and airlines they work with, and it’s important to know which one works best for you when deciding where to fly to. Many visitors to the UK may assume Heathrow is the best airport to fly […]