Are you a qualified nurse who wants to work in the UK? Do you need a visa to work in the UK? If so, you might be interested in applying for bank nurse jobs with tier 2 visa sponsorship.
Bank nurses are nurses who work on a flexible basis, filling in shifts when there is a staff shortage or a high demand for care. Bank nurses can work in different settings, such as hospitals, care homes, community services, or private clinics. Bank nurses have the advantage of choosing when and where they want to work, as well as earning competitive rates of pay.
However, not all bank nurse jobs are eligible for tier 2 visa sponsorship. Tier 2 visas are for skilled workers who have a job offer from a UK employer who is licensed to sponsor them. Tier 2 visa sponsorship is subject to certain criteria, such as the minimum salary, the skill level, and the shortage occupation list.
In this article, we will explain what tier 2 visa sponsorship is, how to find bank nurse jobs with tier 2 visa sponsorship, and what the registration process is for overseas nurses who want to work in the UK.
What is Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship?
Tier 2 visa sponsorship is a type of work visa that allows skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland to work in the UK. Tier 2 visa sponsorship has four categories: general, intra-company transfer, minister of religion, and sportsperson. For bank nurse jobs, the most relevant category is tier 2 general.
To apply for a tier 2 general visa, you need to have a job offer from a UK employer who is licensed to sponsor you. The employer will issue you a certificate of sponsorship (CoS), which is a unique reference number that confirms your eligibility for the visa. You also need to meet other requirements, such as:
1. Having a minimum salary of £20,800 per year or the appropriate rate for the job, whichever is higher. For bank nurse jobs, the appropriate rate is £15.00 – £25.00 per hour, depending on the location, experience, and qualification of the nurse.
2. Having a level of English language proficiency equivalent to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You can prove your English language ability by taking a test from an approved provider or by having a degree taught in English.
3.Having enough funds to support yourself and any dependents in the UK. You need to have at least £945 in your bank account for 90 days before you apply, unless your sponsor can certify that they will support you financially.
4.Having a valid tuberculosis (TB) test result if you are from a country where TB is prevalent.
5.Paying the immigration health surcharge, which is £624 per year for adults and £470 per year for children under 18. This gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS) while you are in the UK.
The tier 2 general visa is valid for up to five years, or the duration of your job offer, whichever is shorter. You can extend your visa for another five years, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and your sponsor still needs you. You can also switch employers, as long as your new employer is also a licensed sponsor and can issue you a new CoS. You can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or permanent residency after you have lived and worked in the UK for five years, as long as you meet the requirements.
How to Find Bank Nurse Jobs with Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship?
Finding bank nurse jobs with tier 2 visa sponsorship can be challenging, as not all employers are willing or able to sponsor overseas nurses. However, there are some ways to increase your chances of finding a suitable job, such as:
1.Searching for jobs on websites that specialize in overseas recruitment, such as Nursing Jobs UK, Nursing Personnel, or Medacs Healthcare. These websites can help you find bank nurse jobs with tier 2 visa sponsorship, as well as provide guidance and support throughout the application process.
2.Searching for jobs on the NHS Jobs website, which is the official recruitment website for the NHS. You can filter your search by keywords, such as “bank nurse”, “tier 2”, or “sponsorship”. You can also create an account and set up email alerts for new vacancies that match your criteria.
3.Searching for jobs on the Find a job website, which is the official job search service of the UK government. You can filter your search by location, salary, hours, and contract type. You can also register and upload your CV to apply for jobs online.
Contacting employers directly and expressing your interest in working for them. You can find a list of employers who are licensed to sponsor tier 2 visas on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website. You can also use social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, to network with potential employers and recruiters.
What is the Registration Process for Overseas Nurses who want to Work in the UK?
Before you can work as a bank nurse in the UK, you need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which is the regulatory body for nurses and midwives in the UK. The NMC requires applicants who trained outside the UK to demonstrate that they are capable of practising safely and effectively, taking into account their qualification, training, and experience. The registration process consists of the following steps:
1.Completing the NMC online application and paying the application fee of £140. You will need to provide evidence of your identity, qualification, registration, and practice.
2.Completing the Test of Competence (ToC), which is a two-part test that assesses your knowledge and skills as a nurse. The first part is a computer-based test (CBT) that you can take in a test centre in your home country. The second part is an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) that you can take in the UK after you have received your CoS and applied for your visa. You will need to pay the test fees of £130 for the CBT and £794 for the OSCE.
3.Completing the English language test, if you have not done so already. You will need to achieve a minimum score of 7.0 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic or a minimum grade of B in the Occupational English Test (OET) Nursing. You will need to pay the test fees of £195 for the IELTS or £315 for the OET.
4.Submitting your health and character declarations, which confirm that you are fit to practise and have no criminal convictions or disciplinary actions against you. You will also need to provide a police certificate from every country where you have lived for more than six months in the last five years.
5.Receiving your NMC registration and paying the registration fee of £120. You will also need to pay an annual retention fee of £120 to maintain your registration.
The registration process can take several months to complete, depending on the availability of the tests and the processing time of the NMC. You can find more information and guidance on the NMC website.
Conclusion
Working as a bank nurse in the UK can be a rewarding and flexible career option for overseas nurses who want to gain experience and earn a competitive salary. However, finding bank nurse jobs with tier 2 visa sponsorship can be challenging, as not all employers are licensed or willing to sponsor overseas nurses. Therefore, it is important to do your research, prepare your application, and register with the NMC before you can start working in the UK. We hope this article has given you some useful information and tips on how to find and apply for bank nurse jobs with tier 2 visa sponsorship in 2023/24. Good luck with your job search and visa application.
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