Pathway to the UK for Internationally Educated Nurses and Midwives
The process for an international nurse to work in the UK involves several steps to meet the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and to secure the necessary visas. The is the regulatory body for nurses, midwives, and nursing associates in the UK. Its primary role is to protect the public by ensuring that these professionals are competent, qualified, and meet high standards of practice. Here's a detailed pathway:
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Determine Eligibility
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Before starting the process, an international nurse/midwife needs to ensure they meet the basic eligibility criteria to register as a nurse/midwife in the UK:
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Registered Nurse: You must be a registered nurse in your home country with relevant qualifications.
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English Language Proficiency: You need to demonstrate proficiency in English through either:
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IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with a score of at least 7.0 in reading, listening, and speaking, and 6.5 in writing.
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OET (Occupational English Test) for nursing with a score of B in reading, listening, and speaking, and C+ in writing.
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In some cases, other qualifications or country-specific criteria may be accepted, such as nursing/midwifery degrees taught and examined in English.
2. Submit Qualification and Identity Verification to NMC
After ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria, you need to create an account on the NMC Online Portal. The main steps include:
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Application for Verification: You submit your nursing/midwifery qualification documents and professional registration details for verification. This includes:
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A transcript of training.
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Evidence of your license/registration from your home country.
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Assessment Fee: You pay a fee (around £140) for the assessment of your documents.
3. Pass a Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Once your documents are verified, you must take a CBT test. This test assesses your theoretical nursing knowledge and competence. It’s usually done at a Pearson VUE test center, and consists of multiple-choice questions focused on professional nursing standards in the UK.
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Fee for CBT: Around £83.
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Study resources: The NMC offers guidance on topics for the CBT, which include patient care, ethics, safety, and regulations.
4. Secure an Offer of Employment (with Sponsorship)
After passing the CBT, you need to find a nursing job in the UK. Many UK employers, such as hospitals within the NHS (National Health Service), offer positions to international nurses and provide Certificate of Sponsorship (COS). This certificate is essential for applying for a visa.
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Once you have passed your English Language Test and CBT, our team at NWL Overseas Recruitment can support you in securing your UK job. You must submit your CV via chelwest.overseasnwl@nhs.net
5. Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa (previously Tier 2)
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Once you have been interviewed by one of our employers and have received a job offer and COS, we will then support you to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa (previously known as Tier 2 General Visa). Requirements include:
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Proof of job offer: The COS from the employer.
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Visa fee: The visa typically costs around £284 for up to three years
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TB Test: If you are coming from a country where tuberculosis is prevalent, you need to take a TB test.
6. Travel to the UK
Once your visa is granted, you can travel to the UK. Upon arrival, you can begin working as a pre-registered nurse/midwife under supervision while you prepare for the next exam.
7. Pass the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
After arriving in the UK, you need to complete the OSCE exam within 12 weeks of starting employment. The OSCE is a practical exam that assesses your clinical skills through scenarios based on real-life situations.
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OSCE Fee: Around £794.
Many employers cover the OSCE exam cost and provide support for preparing for it.
The OSCE is held at approved test centers in the UK (e.g., Oxford Brookes University, University of Northampton).
8. Complete Registration with NMC
After passing the OSCE, you will complete the registration process with the NMC. This involves:
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Final Registration Fee: £153.
Once your registration is complete, you will receive your NMC Pin, which allows you to work as a registered nurse/midwife in the UK.
9. Begin Working as a Registered Nurse
After receiving your NMC Pin, you are officially a registered nurse/midwife in the UK. You will begin working as a qualified nurse in your chosen role.