Information for overseas nurses
Nurses trained outside the UK and EEA
Anyone wanting to work in the UK as a nurse must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), however this does not provide the right to work in the UK.
You can apply to be on the NMC Register, providing you meet their standards. They will compare the training in your country with that required in the UK.
The requirements for registration are different for nurses who trained in the UK and EEA to those who trained outside the UK and EEA.
The only route to registration for all nurses trained outside the UK and EEA with the NMC is through the Overseas Nurses Programme (ONP). All applicants who apply for registration are required to meet the NMC minimum requirements and undertake all or part of the ONP.
The ONP is a compulsory 20-day period of protected learning and, where appropriate, a period of supervised practice. Individuals must have a sponsor (your employer) in order to enter the UK to complete an ONP, which will lead to employment as a registered nurse.
EEA nationals who have trained outside the EEA will not be eligible for automatic recognition of their qualification under the EU Directives as they have not trained within an EU member state. Further information is available from the NMC website.
All applications to join the NMC nurses part of the Register from individuals who trained outside the UK and EEA must include evidence of completion of theInternational English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. You must complete the academic version of the IELTS test and achieve:
- At least 7.0 in the listening and reading section.1.
- At least 7.0 in the writing and speaking sections.
- An overall average score of 7 (out of a possible 9)
The NMC will not consider applicants who score lower than this standard.
Overseas-trained nurses holding EC Treaty Rights who have had their qualification recognised in another EU member state and have practised in the EU/EEA for three years, will continue to be processed through the EU route.
Nurses trained in the EEA
Nurses who trained in the EEA must also meet the standards of the NMC before they can be considered for registration. The NMC will compare the training in your country with that required in the UK. Where there are significant differences between the two, the NMC will detail these and you will be invited to make up the differences either through a period of adaptation or through an aptitude test to demonstrate professional knowledge.
The NMC will not require evidence of your ability to communicate in English for the purposes of registration. However, NHS organisations may require you to take and pass a written test to assess your proficiency in the English language to ensure that you can communicate in English effectively.
Nurses who trained in the EEA who are not EEA nationals may be required to undertake all or part of the Overseas Nurses Programme (ONP). The ONP is a compulsory 20-day period of protected learning and where appropriate, a period of supervised practice.
For information on EEA registration, see the NMC website.
FAQs
Which immigration route will I need to use?
If you are not a British citizen, or a national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) you will need a visa and may need entry clearance before you travel to the UK. To obtain a visa or entry clearance you will need to meet all the requirements of the UK Border Agency which is responsible for the immigration process into the UK.
A national from outside the EEA seeking entry to, or permission to remain in, the UK for the purpose of employment will need to meet the requirements of tier 2 of the points-based system. This is the new system which has replaced the previous work permit routes.
Will I have to take a health check?
All healthcare professionals recruited into the NHS that work directly with patients have to undergo an occupational health medical check before starting employment. This will include:
- Clinical history and examination
- Blood testing for hepatitis B & C
- Declaration about the health status of all candidates
- A chest x-ray for TB
Where do I look for job vacancies in the NHS?
All NHS organisations in England (and Wales) advertise their vacancies on theNHS Jobs website
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has published some guidance for nurses and healthcare assistants on the international and European recruitment of nurses. It includes advice on good recruitment and employment practice, information on the regulation of nurses in the UK, support available for nurses and details of useful contacts and resources.
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