The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK has a high demand for qualified overseas workers to fill staff shortages across medical and healthcare roles. An ethical international recruitment model is being implemented to hire nurses, doctors and other health professionals from abroad. This article provides comprehensive information on the new visa sponsorship job opportunities available within the NHS for overseas candidates in 2024. It covers the application process step-by-step, eligibility criteria for different roles, available support, and tips to successfully secure a position.
New Visa Sponsorship Job Opportunities in NHS
The NHS advertises over 25,000 vacancies every month for over 350 different clinical, medical and healthcare roles. Here are 5 key areas with new visa sponsorship job opportunities:
1. Nurses
There is a high demand for qualified nurses as the NHS aims to increase nursing supply via ethical international recruitment. Overseas candidates can apply for permanent and temporary nursing roles across diverse specialities.
2. Doctors
The NHS welcomes overseas doctors and has introduced the Medical Training Initiative (MTI) scheme to enable international medical graduates to work and train in the UK for up to 2 years.
3. Allied Health Professionals
Jobs are available for radiographers, podiatrists, paramedics, physiotherapists and other allied health specialists under the Skilled Worker visa route.
4. Healthcare Scientists
Opportunities exist for biomedical scientists, clinical scientists, and technicians under the Skilled Worker visa.
5. Adult Social Care Roles
The Health and Care visa allows applicants to work in eligible adult social care roles in England. Jobs include care workers, senior care workers, registered managers, and occupational therapists.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Here is the typical process to apply for visa sponsorship jobs in the NHS as an overseas candidate:
1. Check Role Eligibility
Confirm that the job you are applying for is eligible under the Skilled Worker visa route or Health and Care visa. Refer to the Home Office website for detailed eligibility criteria.
2. Review Job Advert
Carefully review the job advert on NHS Jobs to check the qualifications, skills, experience required along with salary offered.
3. Submit Application
Submit your application on NHS Jobs along with supporting documents like qualifications, English language test results, references etc.
4. Attend Interview
If shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview by the NHS trust. Interviews are typically conducted via video call for overseas applicants.
5. Obtain Job Offer
If selected, the NHS trust will send you a conditional job offer letter and apply for visa sponsorship.
6. Apply for Visa
Once you receive the Certificate of Sponsorship from the NHS trust, apply for your Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa.
Visa Application Eligibility
To qualify for visa sponsorship from NHS, overseas applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria:
• Qualifications
Hold relevant medical, nursing or healthcare qualification and work experience as per job requirements.
• English Language
Meet minimum English language proficiency like IELTS, OET scores stipulated by regulatory bodies for certain roles.
• Salary Threshold
Eligible for minimum salary of £20,480 per annum or higher based on the role.
• GMC Registration
Doctors require GMC registration with a license to practice. Nurses need NMC registration.
• Certificate of Sponsorship
Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the sponsoring NHS trust.
Support Available for Overseas Recruits
The NHS provides extensive support to help overseas recruits transition smoothly:
• Relocation Support
Welcome pack, airport pickup, temporary accommodation, shopping vouchers and local orientation are offered.
• Financial Support
Some NHS trusts provide financial support towards initial rent and living costs.
• OSCE Training
Intensive training to prepare nurses for the NMC’s Objective Structured Clinical Examination.
• Pastoral Care
Peer networks, social events, counselling and wellbeing resources are arranged.
• Career Development
Workshops, training courses, further education support and research opportunities.
Tips for Securing an NHS Job
Follow these top tips to strengthen your NHS job application and secure visa sponsorship:
• Research Trusts
Identify NHS trusts relevant to your speciality and review their international recruitment initiatives.
• Follow Timelines
Account for long application processing times of 3-6 months on average.
• Showcase Skills
Tailor your CV, application and interview answers to highlight your abilities as per NHS requirements.
• Undertake IELTS/OET
Achieve the English language score stipulated for your profession even if not mandatory for all roles.
• Ask Questions
Clarify queries regarding relocation, pastoral support, career development and OSCE training.
Conclusion
As the NHS ramps up international recruitment, ample new visa sponsorship job opportunities for overseas workers are opening up in 2024 across nursing, medical and allied healthcare professions. By following the step-by-step application process, meeting the visa eligibility criteria, utilizing the support channels and tips provided, you can successfully secure a position and transition into the UK’s world-class public healthcare system.
Also Read:
How to Find and Apply for UK Visa Sponsorship Jobs – A Guide for Foreign Workers
How to Get an NHS Job Offer in 2024 If You Are From a Red List Country
High-Demand Caregiver Jobs Now Available in the UK with Visa Sponsorship
How to Work as a Bank Nurse in the UK with Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship
How to Move to the UK as a Nurse, Midwife or Doctor in 2024
Secure Your Future: Visa Opportunities for Working, Training or Gaining Recognition as a Nurse
How to Apply for Student, Graduate and Experienced Hire Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the UK
Free Overseas Nurses Recruitment and OSCE Preparation
