The foreign verification process for nurses in Nigeria as mandated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) is a structured procedure aimed at verifying and authenticating the qualifications and certifications of nurses trained either locally or abroad, intending to practice in foreign countries. This process is crucial to ensure that the standards of nursing practice are upheld and to facilitate the global mobility of nursing professionals from Nigeria.
The procedure comprises several steps beginning with an online application on the NMCN portal, where applicants select their registration type, input relevant details, and proceed to make the necessary payments. The application process also involves the submission of crucial documents such as copies of licenses, certificates of registration, and a birth certificate or age declaration. These steps are necessary to verify the identity and qualifications of the applicants.
The costs associated with this process include a verification fee, an authentication fee, and an application fee, which are payable online during the application. Moreover, an additional fee is charged for the evaluation of certificates by the Federal Ministry of Education, if handled personally or through an agent.
Furthermore, the process delineated is particularly for those intending to practice in the UK, with a different paper application process advised for those heading to other countries. The NMCN provides a portal for applicants to track the progress of their verification, ensuring transparency and clarity in the process.
Introduction
The foreign verification process for nurses in Nigeria under the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) entails several steps and associated costs. Here’s an essential guide to this process:
Essential Guide
1. Online Application:
– Applicants initiate the process by selecting their registration type, which can be Registered Nurse, Registered Midwives, or Registered Mental Health Nurse on the NMCN online portal.
– Input the registration number and email address, then proceed to the next stage where your name and gender will be displayed.
– Continue by selecting the payment method, entering payment information, and making the required payment of ₦69,000. Following this, an email will be received from NMCN, which guides you to a verification page where you upload your license and other required documents and complete the form. This process is detailed for those going to the UK, and a different paper application process is advised for those going to other countries.
2. Documentation:
– A photocopy of the current license, photocopies of certificates of registration, and a photocopy of the birth certificate or declaration of age are required. A receipt of payment of ₦66,875 made to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria through REMITA is also required.
3. Verification and Authentication Fees:
– The verification fee is ₦66,875, and an additional authentication fee of ₦8,750 is also required.
4. Online License Verification:
– For online license verification, applicants should log in to the NMCN license portal, ensure that their profile information and qualifications are accurate and complete, and have an active license before proceeding.
Costs:
– Verification Fee: ₦66,875
– Authentication Fee: ₦8,750
– Application Fee: ₦6,000 (with an additional ₦5,000 for the evaluation of certificates by the Federal Ministry of Education if you are doing it yourself or through an agent).
– Total Online Application Payment: ₦69,000.
Additional Information:
– The entire process, particularly the online application, is streamlined and requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure all necessary documents and information are correctly submitted.
Foreign verification for nurses in Nigeria with NMCN is a mandatory process that foreign-trained nurses must undergo before they can practice in Nigeria. The process is overseen by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN)
Verification process
The verification process involves three main steps:
1. Verification of Certificate: This step involves verifying the authenticity of the nurse’s certificate. The applicant must submit an application letter stating the purpose and destination of the verification request, a completed verification form, photocopies of certificates of registration, a photocopy of their current license, and a photocopy of their birth certificate or declaration of age. The applicant must also pay a fee of N66,875 to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria through REMITA.
2. Authentication of Certificates: After the verification process is complete, the applicant must authenticate their certificates. This step requires two copies of each of the requirements for verification as stated above and a receipt of payment of N8,750 to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria through REMITA (TSA).
3. Issuance of Letter of Good Standing: After authentication, the applicant must obtain a letter of good standing from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. The applicant must provide original evidence of payment of N8,750 to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria through REMITA (TSA) and the requirements for verification as stated above.
The entire process may take between six to eighteen months. The cost for foreign verification for nurses in Nigeria with NMCN is N66,875 for verification and N8,750 for authentication.
This guide provides a comprehensive outline of the foreign verification process for nurses in Nigeria with the NMCN, including the associated costs and necessary steps involved in the process.
How To Register
To register for foreign verification for nurses in Nigeria with NMCN, you need to follow the steps below:
1. Complete the online application as a foreign-trained nurse on the council portal via this [link]
2. Pay a non-refundable application/examination fee of N45,500 to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria through the payment platform on the portal upon clearance from the council on the acceptance of your foreign certificate.
3. Complete a paper verification of registration/licensure form and send it to the Foreign Nursing Registration Board/Authority who will in turn send it directly to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria. Please collect the form from the Registration Division of the Council.
4. Request your foreign nursing registration board/authority to send a letter of good standing directly to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
5. Request foreign institution(s) to send official academic transcripts of all nursing courses directly to the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
The process may take a minimum of six (6) months and a maximum of eighteen (18) months. The cost for verification is N66,875 while authentication costs N8,750. If you need a letter of good standing from the council, you will also pay N8,750.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) derived from the aforementioned guide on the foreign verification process for nurses in Nigeria with the NMCN:
1. What is the initial step in the foreign verification process for nurses with NMCN?
– The initial step is to select your registration type (Registered Nurse, Registered Midwives, or Registered Mental Health Nurse) on the NMCN online portal, input your registration number and email, and proceed as directed through the online application process.
2. What documents are required for the foreign verification process?
– Required documents include a photocopy of your current license, photocopies of certificates of registration, and a photocopy of your birth certificate or declaration of age.
3. What are the fees associated with the foreign verification process?
– The verification fee is ₦66,875, the authentication fee is ₦8,750, the application fee is ₦6,000 with an additional ₦5,000 for evaluation of certificates, and a total online application payment of ₦69,000 is required.
4. How can I pay the fees for the foreign verification process?
– Payments are made online during the application process via the NMCN online portal, using your card details.
5. How do I complete the online application for foreign verification with NMCN?
– After making the payment, you’ll receive an email from NMCN, which will guide you to a verification page where you will need to upload your license and other required documents and complete the form provided.
6. Is there a different process for nurses going to countries other than the UK?
– Yes, the outlined online process is specifically for those going to the UK. Nurses going to other countries are advised to use the paper application process.
7. Where can I find the revised fees for the foreign verification process?
– The revised schedule of fees, effective from September 1st, 2021, can be found on the NMCN’s official website under the ‘Fees and Charges’ section.
8. Is there a platform to track the verification process?
– Yes, you can track your verification by using the NMCN verification portal.
Conclusion
The foreign verification process administered by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) is a meticulous procedure designed to authenticate the qualifications of Nigerian nurses aspiring to practice abroad. It involves an online application, submission of requisite documents, and payment of specified fees. While the process is streamlined for those heading to the UK, a different approach is advised for other countries. This systematic verification ensures the upholding of professional standards, facilitating the global mobility of Nigerian nurses.
