NHS Visa Sponsorship for Overseas Nurses – 2026 UK
Offered by National Health Service (NHS)
Rolling — no deadline
Open to internationally qualified nurses seeking a UK role; NHS trusts sponsor the Skilled Worker / Health and Care visa, cover visa fees, provide relocation support and a competitive salary.
Overview
The UK National Health Service (NHS) continues to recruit qualified overseas nurses through the Skilled Worker – Health and Care Worker route. Most NHS Trusts in England, as well as health boards in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, hold Home Office sponsor licences and regularly issue Certificates of Sponsorship for nursing positions.
Who can apply
- Nurses who hold a qualification recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
- Candidates who have passed, or are progressing towards, the NMC Test of Competence (CBT and OSCE).
- Applicants who meet the English language requirement (IELTS, OET or an accepted alternative).
- Those who have secured a formal job offer from an NHS Trust or health board that is licensed to sponsor under the Skilled Worker / Health and Care Worker route.
What is covered
- Sponsorship of the Skilled Worker / Health and Care Worker visa, with many trusts covering or reimbursing the OSCE fee.
- Structured OSCE preparation and pre‑ceptorship after arrival.
- Relocation assistance such as accommodation advice, bank‑account set‑up and settling‑in support.
- Competitive Agenda for Change salary (Band 5 and above) which meets the visa salary threshold.
Participating trusts (selected)
- London & South East: Barts Health, Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare, UCL Hospitals, Royal Surrey.
- Midlands & North: Manchester University, University Hospitals Birmingham, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Nottingham University Hospitals, University Hospitals of Leicester.
- Others: Devon Partnership, United Lincolnshire Hospitals, Great Western Hospitals, NHS Lothian, Welsh Local Health Boards, etc.
Application process
Nurses should monitor vacancies on the NHS Jobs portal and individual trust career pages, apply directly, and follow the sponsor’s guidance through the offer, Certificate of Sponsorship issuance and visa application.
How to apply
- Ensure you meet NMC registration requirements (complete CBT, prepare for OSCE).
- Search for nursing vacancies on the NHS Jobs website or on the specific Trust’s career page; filter for roles that mention sponsorship.
- Submit a tailored CV and cover letter highlighting clinical experience, NMC progress and English test results.
- If shortlisted, the Trust will issue a formal job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Apply for the Skilled Worker / Health and Care Worker visa using the CoS; many trusts will help with the application and may reimburse OSCE fees.
- Upon arrival, attend the Trust’s induction, OSCE preparation (if needed) and pre‑ceptorship programme.
What you will need
- CV or résumé
- Cover letter
- Language test result
- Passport or ID
- Other
Eligibility notes
Applicants must obtain NMC registration (including CBT and OSCE), meet English language standards, secure a sponsored job offer from an NHS Trust or health board, and satisfy the minimum salary threshold for the Health and Care Worker route.
Details can change without notice. Confirm everything on the organisation's own page before you apply — see our disclaimer. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.