Nursing Pathway to the UK.

The United Kingdom has a long-standing shortage of registered nurses, making it one of the most welcoming destinations for international nursing talent. The pathway is regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and supported by the Health and Care Worker visa route operated by UK Visas and Immigration.

The journey typically follows five stages:

1. Eligibility check & self-assessment with the NMC
2. English language test (IELTS Academic or OET)
3. Computer-Based Test of Competence (CBT)
4. Secure a UK employer & Certificate of Sponsorship
5. Health and Care Worker visa + OSCE in the UK

Every nurse working in the UK must be on the NMC register. As an internationally trained nurse you'll apply through the NMC's overseas route, which verifies your qualification, registration in your home country, and good standing.

• Create an NMC online account and complete the self-assessment.
• Submit your qualification, transcripts, and a Certificate of Current Professional Status from each country you've practised in.
• Pay the eligibility and application fees.
• Once approved, you'll be invited to sit the Test of Competence (CBT + OSCE).

The NMC accepts two English language tests:

• IELTS Academic — overall band 7.0, with at least 7.0 in listening, reading and speaking, and 6.5 in writing.
• OET (Nursing) — grade B in listening, reading and speaking, and grade C+ in writing.

Results from up to two test sittings within six months can be combined, provided no individual score falls below the minimum.

The CBT is a multiple-choice exam taken at a Pearson VUE test centre in your home country. It has two parts:

• Part A — numeracy (drug calculations)
• Part B — clinical questions aligned with NMC standards

You can re-sit up to three times in a 12-month window. Passing the CBT is what unlocks the UK job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship.

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination is taken at an approved UK university (e.g. Oxford Brookes, Northampton, Ulster). It assesses your clinical skills across simulated patient scenarios and is normally booked by your sponsoring employer within 12 weeks of arrival in the UK.

Most NHS trusts and private providers fund the OSCE and provide paid preparation time while you work as a pre-registration nurse.

The Health and Care Worker visa is the dedicated route for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals. Compared with the standard Skilled Worker visa it offers:

• Reduced visa fees
• Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge
• Faster processing (often within 3 weeks)
• Eligibility for dependants (spouse and children)
• A route to Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years

You'll need a Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved UK employer, proof of English, and evidence of funds (often covered by the employer).

UK employers actively recruit internationally trained nurses across the NHS, private hospitals, and adult social care. Gobblex matches eligible nurses with sponsoring employers, prepares you for interviews, and supports the visa and relocation process end-to-end.

Ready to start? Get in touch with our healthcare team for a free eligibility check.

Most nurses complete the pathway in 6 to 12 months. Indicative costs (subject to change):

• NMC eligibility & application fees — around £140 + £153
• IELTS / OET — £180–£350 per sitting
• CBT — around £83
• OSCE — around £794 (usually employer-funded)
• Health and Care Worker visa — from £284 (3-year)

Do I need UK experience to apply? No. Newly qualified nurses with the required home-country registration can apply through the overseas route.

Can I bring my family? Yes. The Health and Care Worker visa allows dependants, who can work and study in the UK.

Does Gobblex charge nurses? No. Like all reputable UK recruiters, our service to candidates is free — we are paid by the employer.