The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom is actively recruiting a large number of international healthcare professionals in 2024, with the added benefit of visa sponsorship. This presents an exciting opportunity for qualified doctors, nurses, health professionals and adult social care workers from around the world to live and work in the UK.
Eligibility for the Health and Care Worker Visa
To work in the NHS, foreign nationals need to obtain a Health and Care Worker visa. To be eligible, you must:
- Be a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor, nurse, paramedic, radiographer, occupational therapist, or in a related role
- Have a job offer from the NHS, an NHS supplier, or in adult social care
- Meet the minimum salary requirement, which varies by role (generally £23,200-£29,000)
- Prove your English language ability through an approved test or qualification
With the Health and Care Worker visa, you can stay in the UK for up to 5 years before needing to extend it. After 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent settlement.
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Streamlined Recruitment Process
The NHS has made the international recruitment process more efficient in order to fill critical staffing shortages across the healthcare system.
Key steps include:
- Passing the Computer Based Test (CBT) – This multiple choice exam tests your professional knowledge and can be taken in your home country.
- Receiving a job offer – NHS employers are actively hiring for roles in nursing, medicine, allied health, healthcare support, and more. Search NHS jobs with visa sponsorship on Indeed.
- Proving your English proficiency – You must demonstrate English language competency through an approved test like IELTS or OET.
- Obtaining your visa – Your sponsoring employer will provide you with a certificate of sponsorship to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa.
- Completing the OSCE in the UK – Once in the UK, you have 12 weeks to take the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) which assesses your clinical skills. You can work during this period.
The NHS provides support throughout this process, from the initial application to getting settled in your new role.
Employers may assist with relocation costs, temporary accommodation, and more.
In-Demand Roles
There are job opportunities across the spectrum of healthcare occupations, but some of the highest demand is for:
- Nurses (adult, pediatric, mental health, disability, midwifery)
- Medical practitioners
- Paramedics
- Occupational therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Radiographers
- Biomedical scientists
- Pharmacy technicians
- Senior care workers
Many of these are on the UK’s shortage occupation list, meaning there are not enough domestic workers to fill vacancies. Qualified international candidates are encouraged to apply.
Attractive Salary & Benefits
NHS pay scales are nationally standardized, transparent, and competitive. For example, newly qualified nurses start at £27,055 (Band 5), progressing up to £40,588 with experience. Specialty doctors earn between £50,373 to £78,759.In addition to salary, NHS employees receive excellent benefits including:
- 27 days of annual leave plus public holidays
- Generous NHS pension scheme
- Maternity/paternity leave
- Paid study leave for career development
- Health and well-being support
- Access to exclusive discounts via NHS staff benefits
Living in the UK
As an international NHS employee, you’ll get to experience life in one of the world’s most diverse and historic countries. From vibrant cities to charming villages and beautiful countryside, there’s something for everyone.
The UK is known for its free public healthcare, excellent schools, efficient public transportation, and relatively safe communities. It’s easy to travel both within the UK and to Europe.
You’ll find thriving multicultural communities, exciting cultural festivals and events, and a wide variety of international cuisines. Many NHS trusts offer staff networks to support overseas employees.
How to Get Started
If you’re a qualified healthcare professional interested in working for the NHS, start by:
- Reviewing the NHS international recruitment information
- Searching for NHS jobs with visa sponsorship
- Contacting NHS employers about vacancies
- Preparing to meet the English language and exam requirements
- Gathering required documents like qualifications, registration, references
The NHS welcomes healthcare workers from all over the world. With visa sponsorship available and a streamlined recruitment process, now is a great time to apply for NHS jobs and advance your career in the UK.
