Registered nurses remain one of the clearest routes to a sponsored job in the UK. NHS trusts, private hospitals and some care groups recruit internationally educated nurses on the Health and Care Worker visa, a version of the Skilled Worker visa with lower fees and no Immigration Health Surcharge.
Pay
Newly registered NHS nurses start on Agenda for Change Band 5, which begins at about £31,000 a year in most of England, with extra “high cost area” pay in and around London. Experienced and specialist nurses move up to Band 6 and above.
Read also: Civil and Structural Engineer Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship
How to register with the NMC
- Eligibility check and application with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
- English language: IELTS Academic 7.0 overall (6.5 in writing) or OET grade B (C+ in writing), or other accepted evidence.
- Computer-Based Test (CBT): a theory test you can take in your home country.
- OSCE: a practical exam taken in the UK, usually after you arrive. Employers often pay for it and provide training.
The visa
Your employer must be a licensed sponsor and give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Nurses can bring partners and children as dependants, and after five years you can usually apply for settlement (ILR).
2026 rules in brief: since 22 July 2025, most Skilled Worker jobs must be at graduate level (RQF 6) and pay at least £41,700 a year or the occupation’s “going rate”, whichever is higher. Some roles have lower rates, such as new entrants, Health and Care roles, and jobs on the Temporary Shortage List, which runs until at least the end of 2026. Always check the current figures on GOV.UK before you apply.
Where to find jobs
- NHS Jobs: filter for roles that mention visa sponsorship.
- NHS trust international recruitment pages, which often run campaigns with CBT/OSCE support.
- Large private hospital groups.
Watch for scams: the NHS does not charge recruitment fees. Be careful with “agents” who ask you to pay for a CoS, which is illegal.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as a nurse?
No. Health and Care Worker visa holders and their dependants are exempt from the surcharge.
Can I take the CBT in Nigeria?
Yes. The NMC CBT is available at Pearson VUE test centres in many countries, including Nigeria.
How long until I can apply for settlement?
Usually after five years on the route, subject to the rules in force when you apply.
Information checked in October 2026. Immigration rules change often, so always confirm the latest requirements on the official government website before applying or paying any fees.
