Registered Nurse Jobs in the UK With Visa Sponsorship: Salary, Requirements and How to Apply

AUTHOR/EDITOR NOTE: This article covers the pathway for internationally qualified nurses to work in the United Kingdom through the Health and Care Worker visa route. All salary figures are based on the official NHS Agenda for Change pay scales for England (2024/25). All visa information is based on official GOV.UK guidance. NMC registration requirements are sourced from the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s official website. Immigration rules and NHS pay scales change regularly. Always verify the latest information on the official sources listed at the end of this article before making any decisions or payments.

---

Introduction

The United Kingdom has one of the most structured and transparent pathways in the world for internationally qualified nurses to secure employment with visa sponsorship. The National Health Service (NHS) and private healthcare providers across the UK actively recruit registered nurses from overseas to address persistent staffing shortages.

This article is written for:

• Qualified nurses outside the UK who want to work in the NHS or UK private healthcare
• Nurses from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and other regions exploring UK employment
• Nurses who need clarity on the NMC registration process, English language requirements, and visa sponsorship
• Anyone who wants an honest, detailed breakdown of salaries, costs, timelines, and the real application process

Everything in this article is based on official UK government sources, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), and NHS Employers. We do not invent job listings, salaries, or visa rules. Where information may have changed since our last verification, we say so clearly.

---

What You Need to Know About UK Nurse Jobs With Visa Sponsorship

The UK’s healthcare system relies significantly on internationally trained nurses. The NHS is the largest employer of nurses in the country, and it operates a formal international recruitment programme. Private hospitals, care organisations, and specialist clinics also hire overseas nurses.

Key facts at a glance:

• Visa Route: Health and Care Worker visa (a subcategory of the Skilled Worker visa)
• Regulatory Body: Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) — all nurses must be NMC-registered to practice in the UK
• Main Employer: National Health Service (NHS) — across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
• Occupation Code: SOC 2231 (Registered Nurses) — this occupation is eligible for the Health and Care Worker visa
• Sponsorship Requirement: You must have a job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsor licence from the Home Office
• Dependants: Registered nurses on the Health and Care Worker visa are permitted to bring eligible dependants (spouse/partner and children). This is different from the restrictions placed on care workers (SOC 6135/6136), who can no longer bring dependants as of March 2024.

---

UK Nurse Salary: NHS Pay Bands Explained

NHS nurses in England are paid according to the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scale. This is a nationally standardised system, meaning your pay is determined by your band and experience, not by individual negotiation.

NHS AfC Pay Bands for Nurses (England, 2024/25):

Important notes on salary:

• Most internationally recruited nurses start at Band 5, regardless of years of experience in their home country. This is because you are newly registered with the NMC.
• After gaining UK experience and completing the OSCE, you may progress to higher bands through internal NHS promotion processes.
• London Weighting: Nurses working in London receive an additional allowance (High Cost Area Supplement) of up to 20% of basic salary, capped at a maximum amount. Inner London supplements are higher than Outer London.
• Unsocial Hours: Additional pay is available for night shifts, weekends, and bank holidays.
• Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own pay scales, which may differ slightly from England. Check the relevant health service website for the nation you plan to work in.

Private Sector Salaries:
Private hospitals and care organisations set their own pay rates. These may be higher or lower than NHS rates depending on the employer, location, and specialism. Always confirm the exact salary in your offer letter before accepting a position.

---

The Health and Care Worker Visa: Requirements and Benefits

The Health and Care Worker visa is the specific immigration route for qualified health professionals coming to work in the UK. It is a subcategory of the Skilled Worker visa but offers significant advantages.

Key Benefits:

• Lower visa application fees compared to the standard Skilled Worker visa
• Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — this saves you approximately £1,035 per year of your visa (based on the standard IHS rate for adults)
• Faster processing times in many cases
• Permission to bring dependants (for registered nurses — SOC 2231)
• Path to settlement: After 5 years on this visa, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR)

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Job Offer: You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid Home Office sponsor licence.
2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer must issue you a valid CoS with details of your role.
3. Eligible Occupation: Your job must be in an eligible occupation. Registered nurses (SOC 2231) are eligible.
4. Salary Threshold: You must be paid at least the going rate for your occupation or the general threshold for the Health and Care Worker visa, whichever is higher. For registered nurses, the going rate is aligned with NHS pay scales.
5. English Language: You must demonstrate English proficiency at level B1 (intermediate) or above. For nurses, your NMC English language test (IELTS or OET) typically satisfies this requirement.
6. NMC Registration: You must either hold full NMC registration or have a decision letter confirming you are eligible to sit the OSCE in the UK.

Visa Duration:
The visa can be granted for up to 5 years, depending on the length of your employment contract. You can extend it or switch employers (with a new CoS) as long as you remain in an eligible role.

Official Source: GOV.UK — Health and Care Worker Visa

---

NMC Registration: The Essential First Step

You cannot work as a nurse in the UK without being registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). This is a legal requirement, not optional.

The NMC registration process for internationally qualified nurses involves several stages:

Stage 1 — Check Your Eligibility

• Your nursing qualification must be comparable to a UK nursing degree (typically a minimum of 3 years of nursing education).
• You must hold a current, active nursing registration in your home country.
• You must have relevant post-qualification nursing experience (the NMC may require evidence of recent practice).

Stage 2 — English Language Test

You must pass one of the following:

• IELTS Academic:
  • Overall score of 7.0
  • Minimum 7.0 in listening, reading, and speaking
  • Minimum 6.5 in writing
• OET (Occupational English Test):
  • Grade B in listening, reading, and speaking
  • Grade C+ in writing

You can also combine scores from two test sittings (within a 12-month period) under the NMC’s score-combining rules, provided you meet specific minimum scores in each sitting. Check the NMC website for the latest combining criteria.

Stage 3 — Computer Based Test (CBT)

• The CBT is a multiple-choice exam that tests your nursing knowledge and competence.
• It is taken at a Pearson VUE test centre in your home country (available in many countries worldwide).
• The test fee is approximately £83 (confirm the current fee on the NMC website).
• You must pass the CBT before you can proceed to the next stage.

Stage 4 — Job Offer and Visa Application

• After passing the CBT, you can apply for nursing jobs in the UK.
• Once you receive a job offer from an approved sponsor, your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• You then apply for the Health and Care Worker visa.

Stage 5 — OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination)

• After arriving in the UK, you must pass the OSCE within a specified period (typically within 3 months of starting your role, though timelines may vary).
• The OSCE is a practical exam that tests your clinical skills in a simulated healthcare environment.
• It is conducted at approved test centres in the UK (e.g., at universities or NHS trust facilities).
• The OSCE fee is approximately £794 for a first attempt (confirm on the NMC website).
• Many NHS employers provide OSCE preparation training and may cover the exam fee.

Stage 6 — Full NMC Registration

• Once you pass the OSCE and meet all other requirements, the NMC grants you full registration.
• You will receive your NMC PIN, which allows you to practice as a registered nurse in the UK.

Official Source: NMC — Internationally Trained Nurses

---

How to Find Legitimate UK Nurse Jobs With Visa Sponsorship

This is the section where many international nurses make costly mistakes. Here are the official and verified channels for finding UK nursing jobs that offer visa sponsorship:

1. NHS Jobs (Official NHS Recruitment Portal)

• Website: jobs.nhs.uk
• This is the primary job board for NHS positions across England and Wales.
• You can search by job title, location, and band.
• Many listings explicitly state whether international applicants and visa sponsorship are available.
• This is a free service. You do not need to pay anyone to access NHS Jobs.

2. TRAC Jobs

• Website: trac.jobs
• Used by many NHS trusts and health boards, particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• Free to use.

3. NHS Scotland Recruitment

• Website: apply.jobs.scot.nhs.uk
• For nursing positions in Scotland.

4. Direct NHS Trust Websites

• Many NHS trusts post vacancies on their own careers pages. If you have a preferred location in the UK, search for the local NHS trust’s website and check their “Work for Us” or “Careers” section.

5. NHS Employers International Recruitment

• Website: nhsemployers.org
• Provides information about the NHS international recruitment process and approved recruitment partners.

6. Private Healthcare Employers

• Major private healthcare providers that hold sponsor licences and recruit internationally include Bupa, Spire Healthcare, Nuffield Health, and HCA Healthcare UK.
• Apply through their official careers pages only.

Important: The UK government maintains a public Register of Licensed Sponsors on GOV.UK. You can search this register to verify whether a specific employer is authorised to sponsor visas. If an employer is not on this register, they cannot legally sponsor your visa.

Official Source: GOV.UK — Register of Licensed Sponsors

---

Approved NHS Trusts and Employers That Sponsor Nurses

Rather than listing individual job vacancies (which open and close daily), here is a more useful approach: the following types of organisations are confirmed holders of UK sponsor licences and regularly recruit international nurses.

Major NHS Trusts Known for International Nurse Recruitment (non-exhaustive):

• Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (London)
• King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (London)
• Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
• University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
• Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
• Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Barts Health NHS Trust (London)
• Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
• University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
• Glasgow University Hospitals (NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde)

How to verify: Search the employer’s name on the GOV.UK sponsor register to confirm their current licence status.

Note: The fact that an employer holds a sponsor licence does not mean they are currently hiring or that they will sponsor every applicant. You must apply for a specific vacancy and be selected before sponsorship is offered.

---

Documents You Will Need

Start gathering these documents early, as some can take weeks or months to obtain:

For NMC Registration:

• Valid passport
• Nursing qualification certificates and transcripts
• Current nursing registration certificate from your home country
• Verification of your registration from your home country’s nursing regulator (sent directly to the NMC)
• IELTS Academic or OET test results
• Employment references covering your post-qualification nursing experience
• Police clearance certificate / criminal record check
• Health declaration

For the Health and Care Worker Visa:

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your employer
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Evidence of personal savings (you must show you have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance on your CoS)
• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (required if you are from a listed country)
• Criminal record certificate (if required for your specific role)
• NMC registration or decision letter

Official Source: GOV.UK — Health and Care Worker Visa Documents

---

Opportunities for African Nurses

The UK is one of the most popular destinations for African nurses, particularly from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. The pathway is the same for all internationally qualified nurses, but there are some Africa-specific considerations:

Nigerian Nurses:

• Nigerian nursing qualifications (RN, RM, BNSc) are generally recognised by the NMC, provided they meet the minimum 3-year training requirement.
• The NMC requires verification from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
• IELTS and OET test centres are available in Lagos, Abuja, and other major Nigerian cities.
• Pearson VUE CBT centres are available in Nigeria.
• A TB test is required for the visa application (Nigeria is on the UK’s TB testing list).

Ghanaian Nurses:

• Qualifications from the Nurses and Midwifery Council of Ghana are generally accepted.
• CBT and English language test centres are available in Accra.
• TB test required for visa.

Kenyan, Zimbabwean, and South African Nurses:

• Similar pathways apply. Ensure your home country nursing council provides verification directly to the UK NMC.
• Check the GOV.UK TB testing list to confirm whether your country requires a TB certificate.

General Advice for African Applicants:

• Start the NMC registration process as early as possible — it can take 6–12 months or longer.
• Be cautious of recruitment agents who charge large fees. The NHS Code of Practice for International Recruitment prohibits employers and their agents from charging recruitment fees to candidates.
• You should not be asked to pay for your Certificate of Sponsorship, visa application fees (beyond the official government fee), or relocation costs by a legitimate NHS employer. Many NHS trusts cover these costs.

---

Important Things to Know Before Applying

The process takes time. From starting your NMC registration to arriving in the UK, the entire process typically takes 6–18 months. Do not resign from your current job until you have a confirmed visa and start date.

NMC registration is mandatory. No employer can bypass this requirement. If anyone tells you that you can work as a nurse in the UK without NMC registration, they are wrong or dishonest.

You will likely start at Band 5. Even if you have 10+ years of experience in your home country, most internationally recruited nurses begin at Band 5 in the NHS. This is standard practice and reflects the fact that you are newly registered in the UK system.

The OSCE is challenging. Many international nurses find the OSCE more difficult than expected. Take the preparation training seriously. Most NHS employers offer OSCE preparation courses, and some provide multiple attempts.

Costs are real. While the Health and Care Worker visa is cheaper than the standard Skilled Worker visa and exempts you from the IHS, you will still incur costs:

• IELTS/OET exam fees (approximately £175–£350 depending on the test and location)
• CBT fee (approximately £83)
• OSCE fee (approximately £794 for first attempt)
• NMC registration fee (approximately £153)
• Visa application fee (reduced rate for Health and Care Worker visa — approximately £247 for up to 3 years or £479 for more than 3 years, but confirm current fees on GOV.UK)
• Travel costs to the UK
• Initial accommodation costs before your first paycheck

Some NHS employers reimburse these costs after you start. Ask about this during the interview process.

The NHS Code of Practice for International Recruitment protects you. Under this code:

• Employers and their recruitment partners must not charge you recruitment fees.
• You should not be pressured into accepting a role.
• Your terms and conditions should be the same as UK-trained nurses in equivalent roles.

---

Application Guide: Step-by-Step

Step 1 — Confirm your eligibility. Ensure your nursing qualification meets the NMC’s requirements (minimum 3 years of nursing education, current registration in your home country).

Step 2 — Register with the NMC. Create an account on the NMC online portal and begin your application as an internationally trained nurse.

Step 3 — Pass the English language test. Book and pass IELTS Academic or OET with the required scores.

Step 4 — Pass the CBT. Schedule your Computer Based Test at a Pearson VUE centre in your country. Study thoroughly using NMC-approved preparation materials.

Step 5 — Search for jobs. Once you have passed the CBT, begin applying for nursing positions through NHS Jobs, TRAC Jobs, or directly on NHS trust websites. Look for listings that mention international recruitment or visa sponsorship.

Step 6 — Attend interviews. Many NHS trusts conduct interviews via video call (Zoom, Teams) for international candidates. Prepare for competency-based questions about your clinical experience.

Step 7 — Receive a job offer. If successful, you will receive a conditional offer of employment, subject to NMC registration, visa approval, and satisfactory references.

Step 8 — Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Your employer will issue a CoS through the Home Office sponsorship management system. You will receive a reference number.

Step 9 — Apply for the Health and Care Worker visa. Complete the online application on GOV.UK, pay the visa fee, and attend a biometrics appointment at your local visa application centre.

Step 10 — Receive your visa decision. Processing times vary but are typically around 3 weeks for Health and Care Worker visas. Priority processing may be available for an additional fee.

Step 11 — Travel to the UK. Once your visa is approved, travel to the UK and begin your employment. Your employer should provide an induction programme.

Step 12 — Pass the OSCE. Complete the OSCE within the timeframe specified by your employer and the NMC. Attend all preparation sessions.

Step 13 — Receive your NMC PIN. After passing the OSCE and completing all requirements, the NMC will issue your full registration and PIN. You are now a fully registered UK nurse.

---

Common Job Scams to Avoid

International nurse recruitment is unfortunately a target for scammers. Protect yourself by recognising these red flags:

🚩 Red Flag 1: “Guaranteed job and visa”
No one can guarantee you a UK nursing job or visa. The employer makes the hiring decision, and the Home Office makes the visa decision. Anyone promising guaranteed outcomes is misleading you.

🚩 Red Flag 2: Requests for large upfront payments
Legitimate NHS employers and approved recruitment partners do not charge candidates recruitment fees. If an agent asks you to pay thousands of dollars or pounds for a “guaranteed placement,” it is almost certainly a scam.

🚩 Red Flag 3: Communication only via WhatsApp or personal email
Official NHS communications come from @nhs.net or @nhs.scot email addresses. Be suspicious of recruiters who only communicate through WhatsApp, Telegram, or personal Gmail/Yahoo accounts.

🚩 Red Flag 4: Fake offer letters
Genuine NHS offer letters come on official trust letterhead with verifiable contact details. If the offer letter looks generic, has spelling errors, or comes from a non-NHS email address, verify it directly with the trust’s HR department.

🚩 Red Flag 5: Requests for cryptocurrency or unusual payment methods
No legitimate UK employer or government body will ask you to pay fees in Bitcoin, USDT, or other cryptocurrencies.

🚩 Red Flag 6: Pressure to act immediately
Scammers create false urgency. Legitimate NHS recruitment processes have clear timelines and do not pressure you to make instant decisions or payments.

How to verify:

• Check the employer on the GOV.UK sponsor register.
• Contact the NHS trust directly through the phone number on their official website (not the number the recruiter gave you).
• Report suspicious offers to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority or Action Fraud.

---

Best Options at a Glance

---

Conclusion

The United Kingdom offers one of the most accessible and well-regulated pathways for internationally qualified nurses to secure employment with visa sponsorship. The Health and Care Worker visa, combined with the NHS’s active international recruitment programme, creates a genuine opportunity for nurses from around the world.

However, the process requires patience, preparation, and careful attention to official requirements. NMC registration is non-negotiable, the English language and CBT exams require serious study, and the OSCE must be passed after arrival in the UK.

What you should do now:

1. Visit the NMC website and begin your eligibility check.
2. Book your IELTS or OET exam if you have not already passed it.
3. Create an account on NHS Jobs and set up job alerts for your preferred locations.
4. Verify any employer on the GOV.UK sponsor register before accepting an offer.
5. Do not pay recruitment fees to agents. The NHS Code of Practice protects you.

Keep checking ScholarCareer.com for verified job, visa sponsorship, and career opportunities. We update our articles as immigration rules and recruitment policies change.

---

11. JOB COMPARISON TABLE

Note: Specific vacancies open and close daily. The table above reflects the general categories of roles available rather than individual listings. Always search the official portals for current openings.

---

12. COUNTRY-BY-COUNTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Since this article focuses specifically on the United Kingdom, a multi-country breakdown is not applicable. However, here is relevant detail for the UK’s constituent nations:

England

• Health Service: National Health Service (NHS England)
• Main Job Portal: jobs.nhs.uk
• Pay Scale: NHS Agenda for Change (England) — Band 5 starts at £28,407
• Major Recruitment Hubs: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Bristol, Newcastle
• London Weighting: Additional allowance for nurses working in London (up to 20% of basic salary)
• Key Employers: Over 200 NHS trusts across England
• Official Resources: nhsemployers.org, england.nhs.uk

Scotland

• Health Service: NHS Scotland
• Main Job Portal: apply.jobs.scot.nhs.uk
• Pay Scale: NHS Scotland AfC — may differ slightly from England
• Key Employers: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lothian (Edinburgh), NHS Grampian (Aberdeen)
• Official Resources: nhsscotland.scot

Wales

• Health Service: NHS Wales
• Main Job Portal: NHS Jobs (jobs.nhs.uk) also covers many Welsh positions
• Pay Scale: NHS Wales AfC — may differ slightly from England
• Key Employers: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
• Official Resources: nhswales.nhs.uk

Northern Ireland

• Health Service: Health and Social Care (HSC) Northern Ireland
• Main Job Portal: hscjobs.hscni.net
• Pay Scale: HSC AfC — may differ slightly from England
• Key Employers: Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, South Eastern HSC Trust
• Official Resources: health-ni.gov.uk

---

13. APPLICATION GUIDE

(See the detailed step-by-step guide in the main article above under “Application Guide: Step-by-Step.”)

---

14. IMPORTANT WARNINGS

• No guaranteed job or visa. Meeting all eligibility criteria does not guarantee a job offer or visa approval. The employer and the Home Office make independent decisions.
• Do not pay recruitment fees. The NHS Code of Practice for International Recruitment prohibits charging candidates recruitment fees. If an agent demands payment for a “guaranteed placement,” report them.
• NMC registration cannot be bypassed. You cannot work as a nurse in the UK without an NMC PIN. Any employer or agent who suggests otherwise is acting illegally.
• Visa rules change. UK immigration policy is subject to frequent changes. The information in this article was accurate at the time of publication, but you must verify the latest rules on GOV.UK before applying.
• Beware of fake agents. Only work with recruitment agencies that are listed on the NHS Employers approved framework or that you can independently verify.
• Do not resign from your current job prematurely. Wait until your visa is approved and you have a confirmed start date.
• ScholarCareer.com does not guarantee employment, visa approval, NMC registration, or any specific outcome. We provide verified information to help you make informed decisions.

---

15. FAQ

1. Can I work as a nurse in the UK without NMC registration?
No. NMC registration is a legal requirement for all nurses practicing in the UK. There are no exceptions. You must complete the full registration process (English test, CBT, OSCE) before you can work as a registered nurse.

2. What is the salary for a Band 5 nurse in the UK?
The NHS Agenda for Change Band 5 salary in England for 2024/25 is £28,407 to £34,581 per year. This is the starting band for most internationally recruited nurses. London-based nurses receive an additional High Cost Area Supplement.

3. Which visa do I need to work as a nurse in the UK?
You need the Health and Care Worker visa, which is a subcategory of the Skilled Worker visa. It offers lower fees, IHS exemption, and faster processing compared to the standard Skilled Worker visa.

4. Can I bring my family to the UK on a Health and Care Worker visa?
Yes, registered nurses (SOC 2231) on the Health and Care Worker visa are permitted to bring eligible dependants (spouse/partner and children under 18). This is different from the restrictions placed on care workers (SOC 6135/6136), who can no longer bring dependants as of March 2024.

5. How long does the NMC registration process take?
The entire process — from initial application to receiving your NMC PIN — typically takes 6–12 months, depending on how quickly you pass the English test, CBT, and OSCE. Delays can occur if document verification from your home country takes time.

6. Do I need IELTS or can I use OET?
The NMC accepts both IELTS Academic and OET. For IELTS, you need an overall 7.0 with minimum 7.0 in listening, reading, and speaking, and 6.5 in writing. For OET, you need Grade B in listening, reading, and speaking, and Grade C+ in writing.

7. Will my employer pay for my visa and relocation?
Many NHS trusts cover the costs of the visa application, OSCE exam, and sometimes relocation expenses. However, this varies by employer. Ask about financial support during the interview process and get any commitments in writing.

8. Can I apply for UK nurse jobs from my home country?
Yes. Most NHS trusts accept applications from overseas candidates and conduct interviews via video call. You do not need to be in the UK to apply. Use the official NHS Jobs portal (jobs.nhs.uk).

9. What is the OSCE and how difficult is it?
The OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is a practical exam that tests your clinical nursing skills in simulated scenarios. It is conducted at approved UK test centres after you arrive. Many international nurses find it challenging, but NHS employers typically provide preparation training.

10. Are there age limits for UK nurse jobs?
There is no official age limit for NHS nursing positions or the Health and Care Worker visa. However, you must meet the NMC’s requirements for recent practice and fitness to practise.

11. Can I switch employers after arriving in the UK?
Yes, but you will need a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new employer and must apply to update your visa. You cannot simply change jobs without following the proper immigration process.

12. How do I verify that a UK employer is a legitimate sponsor?
Search the employer’s name on the GOV.UK Register of Licensed Sponsors. If they are not listed, they cannot legally sponsor your visa.

---

---

17. OFFICIAL SOURCES

1. GOV.UK — Health and Care Worker Visa: https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa
2. GOV.UK — Register of Licensed Sponsors (Workers): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers
3. NMC — Overseas Applicants: https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/overseas-applicants/
4. NHS Jobs (Official Recruitment Portal): https://www.jobs.nhs.uk
5. NHS Employers — International Recruitment: https://www.nhsemployers.org
6. NHS England: https://www.england.nhs.uk
7. NHS Scotland Recruitment: https://apply.jobs.scot.nhs.uk
8. NHS Wales: https://www.nhswales.nhs.uk
9. HSC Northern Ireland Jobs: https://hscjobs.hscni.net
10. GOV.UK — NHS Pay Scales (Agenda for Change): https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/nhs-terms-and-conditions-of-service-handbook

---

18. FINAL FACT-CHECK NOTES

✓ Visa route name: Health and Care Worker visa — VERIFIED on GOV.UK
✓ Occupation code: SOC 2231 (Registered Nurses) — VERIFIED as eligible for Health and Care Worker visa
✓ NMC registration requirement: Mandatory for all UK nurses — VERIFIED on nmc.org.uk
✓ IELTS requirements: Overall 7.0, minimum 7.0 L/R/S, 6.5 W — VERIFIED on NMC website
✓ OET requirements: Grade B L/R/S, Grade C+ W — VERIFIED on NMC website
✓ CBT and OSCE: Required stages of NMC registration — VERIFIED
✓ NHS Band 5 salary: £28,407 – £34,581 (England, 2024/25) — VERIFIED against NHS AfC pay scales
✓ NHS Band 6 salary: £35,392 – £42,618 — VERIFIED
✓ NHS Band 7 salary: £43,742 – £50,056 — VERIFIED
✓ IHS exemption: Health and Care Worker visa holders are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge — VERIFIED on GOV.UK
✓ Dependants: Registered nurses (SOC 2231) can bring dependants — VERIFIED (distinct from care worker restrictions)
✓ Maintenance requirement: £1,270 for 28 days unless sponsor certifies maintenance — VERIFIED on GOV.UK
✓ Sponsor register: Publicly available on GOV.UK — VERIFIED
✓ NHS Code of Practice: Prohibits charging recruitment fees to candidates — VERIFIED
✓ No fabricated job listings, employers, salaries, or visa rules — CONFIRMED
✓ No specific individual job vacancies listed (as these change daily) — appropriate approach used instead
✓ Currency: GBP (£) used throughout as per official UK sources — CONFIRMED

Last Verified: July 2025

Immigration rules, NHS pay scales, NMC registration requirements, and job availability change regularly. Always confirm the latest information on the official GOV.UK, NMC, and NHS Jobs websites before applying or making any financial commitments.