Overseas Trained Nurses Needed in UK

On 15th October 2015, UK government announced that Nurses will be added to the government’s shortage occupation list on an interim basis. This means that nurses from outside the EEA that apply to work in the UK will have their applications for nursing posts prioritised. 

UK Tier 2 Work Permits are available now for overseas trained nurses. This could include qualified nurses from any country as long as they meet the UK NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) requirements.

Hospitals and Nursing Homes are paying generous salaries and allowances to Nurses, as they desperately need staff. UK hospital salaries start at around £25,000 per annum and Nursing Homes pay up to £30,000 per annum.

In order for an overseas trained nurse to work as a nurse in the UK, they must achieve a minimum IELTS score of 7.00 in all bands and pass the NMC Part 1 online test.  We advise clients to prepare for these exams as they will for any other exams as it is not uncommon for people to fail at their first attempt. Read IELTS study guides or attend classes, as this is not an easy English test. There is no point in applying or sending a CV to me for a UK nursing job unless you have scored 7.00 in ALL bands.

This is a window of opportunity for nurses who want to work in the UK and it will not stay open for long.

I have received hundreds of emails from nurses all over the world asking about the process for working in the UK, including queries about free CNA training.

Here is a summary of what to do if you are an overseas nurse and want to work in the UK as a qualified registered nurse without the need to study here for a nursing degree:

1.            You must be a registered nurse in your own country (surprising how many enquiries I receive from non-nurses or care workers) For Ghanaian registered nurses I mean Diploma or Degree holders and not certificate holders. If you’re still looking to become a nurse so that you can work in the UK, visit https://academicpartnerships.uta.edu/programs/nursing.aspx.

2.            You must have at least 12 months post qualification experience.

3.            You must obtain an overall band score of 7.00 or more – in all categories – on an Academic IELTS English exam (no exceptions).

4.            You should register online with the NMC

5.            Pass the first stage online test (CBT). In conjunction with our partner training provider, you may be offered an on-line CBT training programme if needed.

Upon achieving the required IELTS scores, you will then be able to make preparations for the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s Computer Based Test (CBT) and later the NMC Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Please note that the OSCE will take place in the UK. No documents are required to be submitted to the UK NMC until you have passed the CBT.

We have a number of Tier 2 Sponsors (employers) who are prepared to offer jobs and issue Certificate of sponsorships that will aid your visa application to the UK once you are able to achieve the required IELTS scores and pass the CBT test.

Please note that most of the Tier 2 Sponsors (employers) may pay for or advance a loan to cover part or all of your costs which may include your flight tickets and in any case you only have to pay for the CBT while you are in Ghana and the rest once you are in UK.

If you are a nurse and want to work in the UK, email your CV and IELTS results to get started.

The writer is Daniel Koi, a Solicitor with Kilic and Kilic Solicitors in UK. He specialises in all categories of UK Immigration law, with a focus on the needs of high net worth individuals, and business leaders. He is also able to advise businesses, churches or individuals who want to invest or set up branches in the UK.

You may contact him on mobile or WhatsApp on 00447944976161, Landline 0044208 888 8341 or email Daniel@kilicandkilic.com. You can also visit their website www.kilicandkilic.com.