Are you a nurse who wants to immigrate to the UK? You have made the right choice because the UK needs skilled, experienced nurses and welcomes them wholeheartedly. Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare system in any nation, and the UK is no exception.
Whether you just recently concluded your nursing education or have been a practicing nurse with several years of experience in another country, immigrating to the UK as a nurse can open up a wide range of opportunities for you.
This article sets the foundation for you on what you need to know about immigrating to the UK as a nurse.
In your career as a nurse, contributing positively to patients’ lives in an environment outside your home country can be one of the most rewarding aspects of immigrating to the UK and working in the UK healthcare system. If this is you, you must go through the following:
Check Your Eligibility Status
Ensure you meet the fundamental requirements to immigrate to the UK as a nurse. These requirements include:
- A nursing degree or a diploma in nursing
- Registration as a nurse in your home country
- An official certificate of recommendation from your current nursing regulatory body stating that you are qualified.
English Language Proficiency
To immigrate to the UK as a nurse, you must be proficient in your use of the English language at a minimum of B1 level. The common tests are:
International English Language Test System (IELTS): IELTS scores of at least 7.0 in each area, with a minimum of 7.0 overall.
Occupational English Test (OET): A minimum score of B is required in each subset.
Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Registration
Nurses in the UK work under the supervision and regulation of the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council. So, to immigrate to the UK as a nurse, a valid nursing council certificate from your current nursing board and documentation of your nursing qualifications are required for Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration. You might also need to take a Computer Based Test (CBT) and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in the UK. Taking these exams ensures that your nursing qualifications meet UK nursing standards.
Get a Job Placement
You need to secure a job to immigrate to the UK as a nurse and start working. Professional recruitment agencies like Pulse Nursing, HCL Healthcare, and Your World Healthcare often specialize in healthcare job placements. Check out several job search sources to find a suitable nursing job in the UK.
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Visa Application and UK Entry Clearance
Once you have been registered with the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), you will be able to apply for a UK visa. The Tier 2 or general visa is appropriate for a person immigrating to the UK as a nurse. At this point, your employer will assist you in applying for the UK visa and provide you with a Certificate Of Sponsorship (COS). Once your visa is approved, you can proceed to the UK.
Upon arrival to the UK, there are requirements needed as a nurse. They include:
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): The Biometric Residence Permit must be collected within 10 days of obtaining your official residence status.
- Practice supervision: To ensure your nursing skills meet the UK nursing standard, complete the Computer Based Test (CBT) and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a practical exam comprising several stations based on clinical skills and scenarios. When completing the Computer Based Test (CBT) Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), you will need to provide the following:
- Evidence of health
- Evidence of character
- Professional indemnity arrangement
- Pay registration fee
Also, the documents required include:
- Passport (with proof of any change of name)
- Birth Certificate
- Qualification Certificate (Transcript from the school where you had your nursing training)
- Employment Certificate/Verification
- Registration Certificates from the country or countries you are registered
- Full police clearance from any country you have lived in for the last 10 years.
- You will be asked to print, complete, and return a registration verification form to accompany your training transcript and provide a good health declaration from your occupation health department.
- Confirm evidence of your English Language proficiency: Your original certificate from the International English Language Test System (IELTS) or the Occupational English Test (OET). Ensure your account can be accessed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to verify your results.
Conclusion
It can be a significant step forward in advancing your career when you immigrate to the UK as a nurse. So, if immigrating to the UK as a nurse is a dream for you, it can be turned into a reality in your nursing career, just with the right knowledge of the qualifications and skills required. It will also be a hitch-free ride when you are guided on how to do it.
