Complete guide for Indian nurses looking to work in the UK—including eligibility, licensing, required exams, the visa process, and other practical details:
UK Nursing Jobs for Indian Nurses (2025): Eligibility, Salary, Visa & Registration Process
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and private healthcare sector actively recruit qualified international nurses, especially from countries like India. With good salaries, career development, and a pathway to permanent residency, the UK is one of the most popular destinations for Indian nurses.
Let’s break down the eligibility requirements, visa process, NMC registration, and how to apply for a UK nursing job from India.
🩺 1. Eligibility for Indian Nurses to Work in the UK
To work as a registered nurse in the UK, you must meet the following:
✅ Basic Requirements:
- Nursing degree or diploma (GNM/BSc Nursing/Post-BSc Nursing/MSc Nursing)
- 1+ year of clinical experience (preferred but not always mandatory)
- English proficiency (IELTS or OET)
- Pass CBT and OSCE exams
- NMC registration (Nursing and Midwifery Council UK)
📚 2. Required Exams & Registration (NMC)
The NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) is the regulatory body for nurses in the UK.
Step-by-Step Registration Process:
🧪 a) English Language Test
You must pass either:
- IELTS (Academic) – Score of 7.0 overall, and at least 6.5 in writing
- OET (Nursing) – Grade B in speaking, listening, reading; C+ accepted in writing (under specific conditions)
🖥️ b) CBT – Computer Based Test
- Online multiple-choice exam covering UK nursing standards
- Conducted by Pearson VUE centers (available in India)
- Cost: £83
🇬🇧 c) OSCE – Objective Structured Clinical Examination
- Practical test taken in the UK after arrival
- Assesses clinical and communication skills
- Usually scheduled after a few weeks of employment/training
- Cost: ~£794
📑 d) Submit Documents to NMC: UK Nursing Jobs for Indian Nurses
- Valid passport
- Proof of nursing qualification
- Registration certificate from the Indian Nursing Council (INC)
- Verification of registration (sent directly to NMC)
- Health & character declaration
Application Fee to NMC: £140
Registration Fee after passing OSCE: £153
🏥 3. Where to Apply for UK Nursing Jobs from India
🇬🇧 Top Employers:
- NHS Trusts across England, Scotland, and Wales
- Private hospitals (Spire, Bupa, HCA Healthcare UK)
- Nursing homes and elderly care facilities
🖥️ How to Apply:
- NHS Jobs portal: www.jobs.nhs.uk
- Recruitment agencies specializing in healthcare:
- Global Nurse Force
- Envertiz
- MediPro
- Track HR
- LinkedIn and international job portals
💰 4. UK Nurse Salary (2025)
Under the NHS Band Pay Scale:
| Band | Position | Annual Salary (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Band 5 | Registered Nurse (Entry level) | £28,407 – £34,581 |
| Band 6 | Senior Nurse/Specialist | £35,392 – £42,618 |
| Band 7+ | Advanced Roles | £43,742 and above |
Private hospitals may offer slightly higher pay based on location and specialization.
🛂 5. UK Work Visa Process for Nurses
🩺 Tier 2 / Skilled Worker Visa (Health & Care Visa)
A streamlined visa for healthcare professionals, including nurses.
✅ Requirements:
- Job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor (e.g., NHS Trust)
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from employer
- English proficiency (IELTS/OET)
- Criminal record certificate
- Tuberculosis (TB) test (required for Indian applicants)
🧾 Documents Needed:
- Passport
- Job offer letter
- Certificate of Sponsorship
- IELTS/OET results
- NMC decision letter or proof of CBT
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of funds (if not covered by employer)
💷 Cost & Processing Time:
- Visa application fee: ~£284 (for healthcare workers)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Waived for nurses
- Processing Time: 3–8 weeks (Priority service available)
🏠 6. Additional Benefits
- Free or subsidized accommodation for first 2–3 months
- Flight ticket covered by many employers
- Relocation allowance (sometimes up to £1,000)
- Training support for OSCE
- Path to Permanent Residency (ILR) after 5 years
✈️ 7. Summary Checklist for Indian Nurses
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Nursing degree/diploma | ✅ Required |
| 1 year experience | ✅ Preferred |
| IELTS/OET | ✅ Mandatory |
| NMC Registration | ✅ Mandatory |
| CBT & OSCE | ✅ Required |
| Job offer from NHS/private hospital | ✅ Required |
| Tier 2 Visa application | ✅ Required |
📝 Final Words
The UK remains one of the most accessible and rewarding countries for Indian nurses to work in. With a structured pathway, high demand, and employer-sponsored visas, it’s an excellent time to start your UK nursing journey.
Take the first step by preparing for IELTS or OET and registering with the NMC. Once you pass CBT and secure a job offer, you’re well on your way to living and working in the UK.