Health Care: Nurses
Skilled nurses are needed in the UK by the NHS, and recruitment of migrant nurses is filling some of the void. Nurses from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa are given weighted consideration.
A skilled nurse must first apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). NMC's Overseas Nursing Programme (ONP) registration is for non-EU migrant nurses. There are education requirements as well as English language requirements. The International English Language Test must be passed with a 7.0 score out of 9 possible in the listening and reading section, the writing section, and 7.0 overall. A 20-day protected learning program is then begun. Supervised practice may also be required. The protected learning program helps nurses who are otherwise qualified to acclimate to the procedures, laws, and culture of the UK. This is vital to the accurate interpretation of doctor's orders and drug administration, among other things.
The next step is to secure a work permit or HSMP visa.
The HSMP visa, or the new Tier 1 Visa, is usually the best choice for nurses who are citizens of non-EU countries and who do not have a job offer, but who have specific skills for specific nursing categories. These categories, in addition to midwives, are:
- Audiology
- Sleep/respiratory physiology
- Neurophysiology
- Cardiac physiology
- Operating theatre nursing
- Clinical radiology
- Pathology
- Critical care
This option requires a minimum of 75 points to gain entry. These points are derived from information given in five areas: qualification, age, previous earnings, UK work experience, and UK qualifications. This visa will be good for two years, after which the nurse can apply for an additional three years. After five years the nurse can be eligible for applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (Permanent Residency).
Non-EU citizens who have a job offer can seek the Work Permit through their employer. The employer must make the application and in most cases prove that the position has been advertised and cannot be filled by a citizen from an EU country.
Citizens of EU or EEA countries may apply for jobs in the UK. There are varying methods and requirements for applying depending on the specific country from which the migrant is coming.