Nurses and the UK Skilled Worker Visa Route: Your Complete Guide

The British social care sector is experiencing one of the largest overseas recruitment drives in history. With increasing demand for qualified nurses, the UK Skilled Worker Visa has become the main pathway for international healthcare professionals seeking employment in the United Kingdom.

At CTC Administration, we specialise in helping nurses navigate the Skilled Worker visa process—ensuring compliance, minimising delays, and supporting both candidates and UK employers.

Why the UK Needs International Nurses

Social care providers continue to face significant workforce shortages. With thousands of vacancies across hospitals and care homes, international recruitment has become essential to maintain high standards of care.

Qualified overseas nurses bring valuable experience and skills to the UK. For many of these workers, the Skilled Worker Visa offers not just a job opportunity, but a secure future with long-term settlement options.

Key Features of the UK Skilled Worker Visa

For skilled workers such as nurses, key features of this immigration route include:

• Visa Validity: Up to five years, renewable.

• Sponsorship: You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor (employer).

• Pathway to Settlement: After 5 years, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the United Kingdom.

• Family Dependants: If you are sponsored as a registered nurse, your partner and children will be able to apply with you.

Eligibility Requirements for Nurses

To qualify under the Skilled Worker Visa route, nurses must meet specific requirements:

• Job offer: From an approved UK sponsor (NHS trust, hospital, or care provider).

• English language proficiency: IELTS (Academic) with a minimum of 7.0 in speaking, reading, and listening, and 6.5 in writing, or OET equivalent.

• NMC registration: Nurses must complete the NMC Computer Based Test (CBT) before arriving in the UK and the OSCE in under 8 months after arrival.

• Health and Police Checks: Tuberculosis test and Police Clearance Certificate, depending on country of residence.

Benefits of the Skilled Worker Visa for Nurses

Choosing the Skilled Worker route comes with a wide range of benefits:

• Guaranteed legal right to live and work in the UK.

• Opportunity to gain permanent residency after 5 years.

• Ability to bring family members to join you.

• Direct access to career progression within the NHS or private healthcare.

• Support with relocation from licensed sponsors and agencies.

Final Thoughts

The UK Skilled Worker Visa route for nurses provides an exceptional opportunity for qualified professionals to build a stable future while contributing to the UK healthcare system.

At CTC Administration, we work closely with both employers and nurses to ensure every application meets the highest standards of compliance and efficiency. To take advantage of our 100% success rate on supported applications reach out to us at info@ctcadministration.com