Moving to the UK as a Nurse: What You Need to Know

The UK continues to welcome qualified nurses from India to fill critical gaps in its healthcare system. For nurses from countries like India or the Philippines, this move may offer not only better pay but also professional development, stability and long-term career opportunities. But migrating to the UK as a nurse is not just about finding a job but also successfully finding sponsorship, completing English language tests and professional registration.

Before you begin this journey here is what you need to know:

Secure a Job Offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship

Before you can launch an eligible UK Health and Care Worker Visa application you must have a confirmed job offer from an employer with a sponsorship licence allowing them to sponsor overseas staff. To prove this, your employer will issue you a certificate of sponsorship (CoS). This document is crucial to your visa application generating a unique reference number linking you to the role you are being sponsored to fill and your licenced employer. Therefore, UKVI will know you have a legitimate offer of employment.

Pass the Computer-Based Test (CBT)

The CBT is the first part of the NMC registration process. It is a multiple-choice test which assesses your theoretical knowledge as a nurse. You can take the CBT before you travel to the UK and it is essential you pass this before proceeding further in the registration and visa process.

Meet the English Language Requirement (IELTS or OET)

To work as a nurse in the UK, you will need to demonstrate a strong command of English. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) currently accepts two tests:

• IELTS Academic: You need at least a 7.0 in reading, listening and speaking with no less than 6.5 in writing.

• OET (Nursing version): Requires a B in reading, listening and speaking with at least a C+ in writing.

These scores are essentially for both NMC registration and the visa application. It is also critical that you have completed your registration with the NMC before you launch your visa application.

Apply for Your Health and Care Worker Visa

Once you have passed the CBT, an approved English test and your employer has issued your Certificate of Sponsorship, you can start to think about applying for your Health and Care Worker Visa. This visa allows you to live and work in the UK for up to five years and brings significant benefits—including lower visa fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Required documentation for this visa typically includes:

• A valid passport

• Your Certificate of Sponsorship

• Proof of English language ability

• TB Test

• Police Clearance Certificate

• Evidence of qualifications and work experience

Using a trusted visa service can help avoid costly errors and make the process more straightforward and stress free.

Arrive in the UK and Sit the OSCE

When you arrive in the UK, you will be classed as a pre-registered nurse. You will then need to complete the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination), which is a practical test assessing your ability to deliver safe and effective care.

Most employers offer support and training to help you prepare for this exam. Once you pass the OSCE, you will be fully registered with the Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC) and can begin practising as a registered nurse in the UK.

Final Thoughts

Migrating from India to the UK as a nurse is a significant step—but with the right guidance and preparation, it’s an achievable goal. At CTC Administration, we’ve helped hundreds of nurses navigate this journey successfully. From paperwork and visa submission to preparing for the OSCE and settling in, our team supports you every step of the way.

Reach out to us today at info@ctcadministration.com to start your journey to the UK.