Nurse Visa Route

Eligibility requirements

• 1Job offer from an NHS trust, private hospital or CQC-registered care provider
• 2Registered Nurse qualification (equivalent to UK RN standard)
• 3NMC (Nursing & Midwifery Council) registration or eligibility to register
• 4Minimum salary of £31,625 or the going rate for your band, whichever is higher
• 5English language: IELTS Academic 7.0 (each band) or OET Grade B for NMC registration
• 6No serious criminal convictions; TB test certificate if arriving from a listed country

Document checklist

• Valid passport (must be valid for duration of visa)
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from employer
• NMC registration certificate or interim evidence of application
• English language test certificate (IELTS/OET)
• Tuberculosis test certificate (if applicable)
• Criminal record certificate
• Bank statements showing £1,270 (unless exempt by sponsor)
• Completed online visa application form and fee payment receipt

Step-by-step process

1. 1

   Secure a job offer from a UK employer on the Home Office's sponsor register

2. 2

   Request a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer

3. 3

   Pass your NMC Computer-Based Test (CBT) and arrange an OSCE if required

4. 4

   Gather all required documents including English language proof

5. 5

   Apply online at GOV.UK, pay the visa fee (£284 reduced rate) and Immigration Health Surcharge

6. 6

   Attend a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) biometrics appointment

7. 7

   Receive your decision — typically within 3 weeks for out-of-country applications