Requirements for International Nurses to Work in the UK

Be a Fully Qualified, Registered Nurse

• Nursing degree or diploma
• 1 Year of nursing experience
• Registered Nurse License

Prove Your English Language Ability

To prove your English language skills, you will need to clear IELTS or OET:

• Academic IELTS with 6.5 in writing and 7 in remaining areas
• OET with C+ in writing and B in remaining areas

Attend Job Interview

Once you’ve cleared IELTS or OET with the required scores, Global Nurse Force will set up an interview for you via Skype, Zoom or a similar video platform with our clients in the U.K.

NMC Self-Assessment

You’ll need to complete an online self-assessment which will confirm if you are eligible to apply for NMC registration. As part of this assessment, you’ll be asked to confirm that you meet health, good character and English language requirements.

Pass Computer Based Test (CBT)

All nurses in the UK must be registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC). Registration involves a Computer Based Test (CBT), which can be taken in multiple test centers around the world. The test is made up of 120 multiple-choice questions.

NMC Application Assessment

You’ll need to submit a number of documents to the NMC, so they can assess whether you’re a good fit for a nursing role in UK. Once NMC receives all the necessary documents, your application will be assessed by a member of the International Registrations Team.

Submit Documents to Employer

Throughout the recruitment process, you will need to submit various documents to Global Nurse Force, which will be sent on to your employer. These documents ensure you can safely and legally work as a nurse in the UK.

Some of these documents include:

• NHS application form
• A police check from your home country
• Proof of address documents
• References

Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)

In order to apply for your UK work visa, you need a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS). Your NHS Trust acts as your sponsor and will apply for this on your behalf. Your COS will last 3 years, after which you can be re-sponsored. After living in the UK for 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency.

Visa Application

International nurses coming to work in the UK will need to apply for a Tier 2 Visa. Our clients in the U.K. will pay for or reimburse the cost of your visa.

Flight to the UK

Our clients will pay for or reimburse your flight to the UK. On arrival, we will make sure you are picked up at the airport and taken to your initial accommodation. Our support is ongoing.

Once you start your job, we’ll be in regular contact to support you in any way you need.

Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is the second exam required for NMC registration. The OSCE will assess your clinical knowledge and can only be completed in the UK.

The OSCE simulates a clinical environment and patient scenarios which all registered nurses and midwives are likely to encounter when they assess, plan, implement and evaluate care.

Our clients will thoroughly prepare you for the OSCE and pay for the exam.

Receive NMC PIN

Once you pass the OSCE, you’ll be registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council and receive your NMC Personal Identification Number (PIN).

Congratulations! You are now a Registered Nurse in the UK!

About Global Nurse Force

Need nurses? Global Nurse Force is the premiere direct-hire international nursing recruitment specialist. Our innovative international nurse recruitment strategies and solutions can help you build your long-term workforce, reduce dependency on contract labor, and improve patient satisfaction. We have placed thousands of highly skilled nurses at healthcare facilities throughout the UK, Ireland, and USA. Reach out to us to find out how we can help your facility to recruit the best nurses from around the world.