The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK is one of the largest employers in the world, providing healthcare services to over 60 million people across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. As the NHS continues to face staff shortages amid rising demand, overseas recruitment has become an increasingly important part of its workforce strategy.
This article will provide an overview of 5 new visa sponsorship job opportunities currently available within the NHS for overseas workers who wish to relocate to the UK. It will cover key details on each role, required qualifications and skills, salary ranges, as well as provide guidance on the visa application process.
Overview of Visa Sponsorship in the NHS
Calling All Nurses, Midwives & Health Pros: NHS Now Sponsoring UK Work Visas
The NHS relies on skilled overseas workers to help fill staffing gaps across medical and healthcare roles. Under the UK’s points-based immigration system, NHS employers can sponsor foreign nationals to come work in the UK by providing them a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
With a valid CoS, overseas applicants can then apply for a Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa. The Health and Care visa offers a faster and cheaper application route for eligible healthcare professionals looking to work in the NHS or the wider health and social care sector.In addition, the NHS provides extensive support to help international recruits transition and settle into their new roles and life in the UK. This includes assistance with accommodation, banking, transportation as well as cultural and language training.
1. Staff Nurse
Staff nurses make up the largest segment of the nursing workforce and provide frontline care across hospital wards and community health settings. They carry out clinical tasks like monitoring patients, administering medications, assisting doctors in procedures, among many others.
The NHS has a high demand for overseas nurses to fill staff nurse vacancies and is actively recruiting candidates from abroad.
Key Details
- Location: Jobs are available across the UK in various NHS hospital trusts and community providers. Popular locations include London, Manchester, Birmingham, among others.
- Salary: Starting salary is typically between £25,655 to £31,534 per year. With experience, nurses can progress to higher pay bands.
- Qualifications: Must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Nursing and hold full registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
- English Proficiency: Score of 7 in IELTS exam (or equivalent) is needed to meet visa requirements.
Visa Application Process
Overseas nurses looking to work as a staff nurse can apply for a Health and Care Worker visa which enables faster processing. Key steps include:
- Receive a job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an NHS employer
- Book and pass the NMC’s Test of Competence exam
- Submit visa application along with required documents
- Attend visa appointment to provide biometrics
- Travel to the UK once visa application is approved
The NHS employer will provide support with booking exams, obtaining NMC registration, as well as relocation to the UK.
2. Theatre Nurse
Operating theatre nurses work alongside surgeons and anesthetists to provide care during surgical procedures. This involves preparing patients for surgery, handling surgical instruments, monitoring patients’ conditions during operations, and coordinating the theatre team.There is high demand within the NHS for experienced overseas nurses to join theatre teams across the country’s hospitals.
Key Details
- Location: Jobs located in hospitals nationwide
- Salary: Starts from £25,655 rising up to £31,534
- Qualifications: Nursing degree, registered with NMC, prior experience in theatre preferred
- English Proficiency: IELTS score of 7 required
Visa Application Process
The process to obtain a visa as an overseas theatre nurse is the same as for a staff nurse:
- Obtain job offer and CoS from NHS employer
- Pass NMC’s Test of Competence exam
- Apply for Health and Care Worker visa
- Get biometrics taken at visa appointment
- Relocate to the UK after visa approval
Support will be provided with NMC registration, OSCE training, and moving to the UK.
3. Mental Health Nurse
Mental health nurses care for patients with mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and more.
Their role includes assessing patient needs, providing therapies, administering medications, and assisting in crisis intervention. There are increasing vacancies within NHS mental health services for overseas nurses to join community-based teams or inpatient psychiatric units.
Key Details
- Location: Jobs situated nationwide in mental health trusts and community services
- Salary: Starts from £25,655 up to £31,534
- Qualifications: Nursing degree, NMC registered, prior mental health experience
- English Proficiency: IELTS score of 7
Visa Application Process
International nurses can obtain a sponsored Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa to work within NHS mental health services by following these key steps:
- Obtain job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship from NHS trust
- Pass NMC’s Test of Competence exam
- Submit visa application with supporting documents
- Attend biometric appointment at visa application center
- Relocate to the UK after visa is approved
Support will be provided for NMC registration, finding accommodation, and transitioning into the new role.
4. Learning Disability Nurse
Learning disability nurses provide specialist care and support for individuals with learning disabilities, autism or other neurodiverse conditions. Their role focuses on enhancing health, wellbeing and independence through person-centered care plans.The NHS has ongoing demand for overseas learning disability nurses as it continues expanding community-based health services.
Key Details
- Location: Jobs situated within community learning disability teams nationwide
- Salary: Starting from £25,655 up to £31,534
- Qualifications: Nursing degree, NMC registration, experience with learning disabilities
- English Proficiency: IELTS score of 7 required
Visa Application Process
International learning disability nurses can secure a sponsored visa to work in the NHS through:
- Obtaining job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship from NHS employer
- Passing NMC’s Test of Competence exam
- Applying for a Health and Care Worker visa
- Providing biometrics at visa appointment
- Relocating to the UK after visa approval
Support will be offered with NMC registration, finding accommodation, adjusting to the new role and life in the UK.
5. Midwife
NHS midwives provide care and support for women and their babies throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. This includes delivering babies, running antenatal and postnatal clinics, conducting home visits, and more. There are increasing midwife shortages within NHS maternity services making overseas recruitment a priority. Experienced international midwives are encouraged to apply.
Key Details
- Location: Jobs situated in maternity units of hospitals nationwide
- Salary: Starts at £25,655 up to £31,534
- Qualifications: Midwifery qualification, registered with NMC
- English Proficiency: IELTS score of 7
Visa Application Process
Overseas midwives can obtain visa sponsorship from NHS employers by:
- Receiving a job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship
- Passing NMC’s Test of Competence exam
- Applying for a Health and Care Worker visa
- Attending biometric appointment at visa application center
- Relocating to the UK after visa approval
Support will be offered with NMC registration, finding suitable accommodation, adjusting to life in the UK and the new NHS role.
Guidance on Applying for an NHS Visa Sponsorship Job
If you are an overseas nurse, midwife or other healthcare professional interested in relocating to the UK to work in the NHS, here is some guidance on applying for visa sponsorship roles:
Finding Job Vacancies
- Search on NHS Jobs website – central portal listing available roles across NHS
- Look on individual NHS trust websites
- Register with approved NHS recruitment agencies
- Search job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn etc.
Meeting Visa Requirements
- Confirm you meet eligibility criteria for Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa
- Start process to register with relevant regulatory body (e.g. NMC)
- Book English language test (e.g. IELTS) to prove proficiency level
- Research accommodation options in locations you wish to work
Preparing Your Application
- Carefully review job description and person specification
- Tailor cover letter and CV to demonstrate you meet requirements
- Address essential criteria from person specification in application
- Highlight relevant nursing experience and specialist skills
Attending Interviews
- Prepare answers to common NHS interview questions beforehand
- Review your knowledge on NHS structure, values and nursing best practices
- Be prepared to discuss scenarios and examples from your prior experience
- Ask questions to show interest in role and learn more about support offered
Obtaining Visa Sponsorship
- Once job offer received, submit documents so employer can apply for CoS
- Use CoS to apply for Health and Care Worker visa through UK Visas and Immigration
- Proactively communicate with NHS employer regarding start date, NMC registration etc
- Take IELTS exam if needed and pass NMC’s Test of Competence after arriving in UK
Conclusion
Overseas nurses play a vital role in helping the NHS meet rising patient demand and fill staff vacancies across hospital and community settings. If you are looking to relocate abroad for a rewarding nursing career, the NHS offers exciting visa sponsorship opportunities to work within one of the world’s most renowned public healthcare systems.
With extensive support provided for professional registration, relocation and settling into UK life, the NHS aims to ensure international nurses have a smooth transition so they can focus on providing exceptional, compassionate care. So whether you dream of living in bustling London, making weekend trips across Europe or just desire a chance to progress your nursing career, apply today for one of thousands of visa sponsorship jobs open to overseas nurses in the NHS!
Related Articles
- How to Move to the UK as a Nurse, Midwife or Doctor in 2024: This article provides a step-by-step guide on the eligibility criteria, visa process, registration requirements, and other aspects of relocating to the UK as a healthcare worker.
- Securing an NHS Job in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide: This article offers an overview of the NHS recruitment outlook, hiring timelines, and interview tips for 2024, as well as advice on how to prepare for 2025 and beyond.
- Good News for Health and Care Worker Visa Holders: Care Workers Can Bring Dependents to the UK in 2024: This article explains the recent rule change that allows care workers who hold the Health and Care Worker visa to bring their family members to the UK, and provides updated guidance on how to apply.
