Do I need NMC registration before applying?

Most trusts will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship once you have passed the CBT (Computer-Based Test). You then sit the OSCE in the UK, typically within 3 months of arrival, with the trust often covering fees and providing prep.

What is the minimum salary for a sponsored nurse?

Nurses are on the immigration salary list, so the threshold is reduced. NHS Band 5 (£28,407 from April 2024) clears the threshold in all UK regions. Agency, bank and zero-hour contracts do not qualify for sponsorship.

Does the Health and Care Worker visa let my family come with me?

Yes — partners and children under 18 can apply as dependants. Dependants are also exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge under this route.

Which English test do I need?

Either IELTS Academic (7.0 in each band) or OET (B in each section). The OET is generally considered easier for clinicians because the content is healthcare-specific.

Nursing Jobs in the UK With Visa Sponsorship

NHS and care-sector nursing roles open to overseas applicants under the Health and Care Worker visa.

4 verified sponsored roles live today

SOC 2231

Trainee Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Manor View Practice • Bushey Medical Centre, London Road, Bushey, Hertfordshire WD23 2NN, United Kingdom

Nurse Specialist - Lung Cancer

Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust • Truro

£39,959 – £48,117

Deputy Associate Director of Nursing

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust • Harrogate District Hospital, Lancaster Park Road, Harrogate, HG2 7SX, United Kingdom

£66,582 – £77,368

Research Nurse (Paediatric)

Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust • Royal Cornwall Hospital, The Knowledge Spa, Truro, TR1 3HD, United Kingdom

About nurses sponsorship in the UK

Nursing is the largest sponsored occupation in the UK. NHS trusts, mental health trusts, community providers and the independent care sector hold Worker sponsor licences specifically because they cannot fill nursing rotas from the domestic labour market.

Nurses qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa — a faster, cheaper version of the Skilled Worker route with no Immigration Health Surcharge and discounted application fees. Salary thresholds are reduced for nurses on the immigration salary list, and Band 5 NHS posts comfortably clear the threshold.

You will need NMC registration before starting work. Many trusts run sponsored OSCE preparation programmes and cover NMC fees as part of the relocation package. The roles below are all from sponsor-licensed employers verified against the Home Office Register.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need NMC registration before applying?: Most trusts will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship once you have passed the CBT (Computer-Based Test). You then sit the OSCE in the UK, typically within 3 months of arrival, with the trust often covering fees and providing prep.
What is the minimum salary for a sponsored nurse?: Nurses are on the immigration salary list, so the threshold is reduced. NHS Band 5 (£28,407 from April 2024) clears the threshold in all UK regions. Agency, bank and zero-hour contracts do not qualify for sponsorship.
Does the Health and Care Worker visa let my family come with me?: Yes — partners and children under 18 can apply as dependants. Dependants are also exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge under this route.
Which English test do I need?: Either IELTS Academic (7.0 in each band) or OET (B in each section). The OET is generally considered easier for clinicians because the content is healthcare-specific.

Other sponsored roles

Sponsorship guides

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