How to Migrate to the UK as a Nurse (Step-by-Step Guide for 2026)

How to Migrate to the UK as a Nurse (Step-by-Step Guide for 2026)

Migrating to the UK as a nurse is a structured process. In simple terms, you need (1) English proof, (2) NMC registration steps (CBT + OSCE), (3) a UK job offer with sponsorship, and (4) a Health and Care Worker visa. Once you arrive, you complete OSCE in the UK and then receive your NMC PIN (your registration number), which unlocks full Band 5 nurse roles.

Step 1: Confirm You’re Eligible (Your Nursing Background Matters)

Before anything else, check that you:

• Are a qualified nurse in your home country (degree/diploma as required there)

• Hold an active nursing registration/license (where applicable)

• Can provide education and identity documents required by the UK regulator (NMC)

The UK nursing regulator is the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC). Your main goal is to join the NMC register.

Step 2: Meet the English Language Requirement (IELTS or OET)

English proof is one of the first big milestones. The NMC accepts specific English tests and rules, and they also explain when “recent practice in English” may apply in certain cases. Always follow the NMC’s official English language requirements page so you don’t waste time or money on the wrong test type or score format. (Nursing and Midwifery Council)

Tip: Many nurses plan this first because English scores are often needed for both the NMC journey and employer onboarding.

Step 3: Start Your NMC Online Application (International Route)

Create your NMC Online account and begin your “internationally trained applicant” process. You’ll upload and submit information such as:

• Passport/ID

• Nursing qualification details (transcripts/marksheets)

• Professional registration details (license verification)

• Employment history (if asked)

• Health and character declarations (as required)

Budget planning: The NMC itself publishes a clear total cost and fee breakdown for application + tests + registration. The total can be £1,170 (more if resits happen), with a typical breakdown: £140 evaluation fee + £83 CBT + £794 OSCE + £153 final registration fee. (Nursing and Midwifery Council)

This transparency helps you plan your finances before committing.

Step 4: Prepare for the NMC Test of Competence (CBT + OSCE)

To work as a UK-registered nurse, internationally trained applicants usually complete the NMC Test of Competence (ToC):

1. CBT (Computer Based Test)

2. OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination)

4A: Pass the CBT (Computer-Based Test)

The CBT is delivered via Pearson VUE test centres available in many countries, so you can often take CBT from your home country. (Pearson VUE)

From the NMC’s published fee breakdown, the CBT cost is shown as £83. (Nursing and Midwifery Council)

Preparation strategy (practical):

• Study UK-based clinical guidelines and fundamentals of safe nursing care

• Practice numeracy and medication calculations

• Do mock tests under timed conditions

4B: Pass the OSCE (Practical Exam in the UK)

The OSCE is the hands-on clinical exam. The NMC confirms the OSCE fee is £794, with a reduced resit fee of £397 if you only need to resit 7 or fewer stations. (Nursing and Midwifery Council)

Important: OSCE is completed in the UK, and employers commonly support OSCE preparation once you arrive.

Step 5: Secure a UK Nursing Job Offer With Sponsorship (CoS)

To legally work in the UK, you need a job offer from a licensed sponsor (often an NHS Trust or an approved healthcare employer). Your employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which you need for your visa.

NHS Employers guidance highlights that employers must ensure certain NMC steps are met before applying for CoS—commonly including passing the CBT and meeting other initial requirements. (NHS Employers)

Where to apply:

• NHS jobs portals and Trust websites

• Approved UK recruitment programmes (ensure ethical recruitment)

• Reputable employers who clearly explain OSCE support and onboarding

Step 6: Apply for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa

Most nurses come via the Health and Care Worker visa (a Skilled Worker route designed for health roles).

Key benefits you should know

• You do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) under this visa route (this is a major cost saving). (gov.uk)

• You still pay the visa application fee. The government lists typical fees as £304 (up to 3 years) or £590 (more than 3 years). (gov.uk)

Salary rules (very important)

Salary thresholds and “going rate” rules apply, and these rules can change. The UK government notes you’ll usually need to be paid at least £31,300 per year or the job’s ‘going rate’ (whichever is higher) (with role-specific tables). (gov.uk)
NHS Employers also publishes guidance on salary thresholds and how they interact with NHS pay scales and timing of rule changes. (NHS Employers)

Practical advice: Don’t guess your eligibility—confirm the role code and salary rules with your employer and the official government pages.

Step 7: Arrive in the UK and Start as a Pre-Registered Nurse (Usually Band 4)

Many internationally recruited nurses begin working while preparing for OSCE, often in a pre-registration capacity (commonly aligned to Band 4 roles) until they pass OSCE and receive the NMC PIN.

NHS Employers guidance notes that candidates typically must take their first OSCE attempt within 12 weeks of the employment start date on the CoS, and registration should be achieved within an expected timeframe (often referenced as within months). (NHS Employers)

Step 8: Pass OSCE, Complete Final NMC Checks, and Get Your NMC PIN

Once you pass OSCE and submit the remaining evidence, you pay the final NMC registration fee (listed as £153 in the official NMC cost breakdown). (Nursing and Midwifery Council)

After approval, you receive your NMC PIN—this is the point where you are fully eligible for registered nurse roles (typically Band 5 in the NHS, depending on the employer).

Step 9: Career Growth After Moving to the UK

After registration, nurses can grow into:

• Band 5 Staff Nurse → Band 6 Senior/Charge Nurse

• Specialist tracks (ICU, ER, OT, Oncology, Dialysis)

• Education, quality, safeguarding, leadership roles

• Advanced practice routes (depending on UK pathway and eligibility)

Best growth hack: Choose a specialty early (ICU/ER/OT/Dialysis) and collect UK-based competencies + internal training.

FAQs (Quick Answers)

How long does the process take?
It depends on English test readiness, CBT scheduling, employer timelines, and OSCE booking. Many candidates plan in phases: English + CBT first, then job + visa + OSCE.

Do I need an agent?
Not mandatory. You can apply directly to employers. If you use a recruiter, use ethical, transparent channels and avoid anyone demanding illegal fees.

What is the total NMC cost?
The NMC publishes the total application + test + registration cost (commonly £1,170, excluding resits). (Nursing and Midwifery Council)