Frequently Asked Questions for International Nurses
Thinking about relocating to the UK as an international nurse? Below are honest answers to the questions we’re asked most often — including the ones about fees, costs and contracts that matter most. If your question isn’t covered, contact us at hello@myhealthcarerecruit.com and we’ll be glad to help.
Eligibility & getting started
Am I eligible to apply for a UK nursing role with My Healthcare Recruit?
You’re likely eligible if you’re a registered nurse with a nursing-focused qualification and meet the UK’s English language standard. As a non-EEA applicant you’ll need 10 years of school education, a post-secondary programme leading to registration as an entry-level nurse or midwife in your home country (medical qualifications aren’t accepted), and either an IELTS Academic Level 7 pass or an OET Level B pass. Most of our applicants apply as Adult/General nurses, though the NMC also recognises Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Children’s nursing. If you’re unsure, contact us and we’ll check for you.
Do I need prior UK or hospital experience, or can newly qualified nurses apply?
It depends on the role and the employer. Some vacancies welcome newly qualified nurses while others ask for a minimum period of post-registration experience, so the best step is to send us your CV and we’ll match you to roles you qualify for. We’ll always be clear about a role’s requirements before you apply.
Which English language test do I need, and what score?
You’ll need either an IELTS Academic Level 7 pass or an OET Nursing Level B pass to meet the NMC’s requirement. These show you can communicate safely and effectively in a clinical setting. If you haven’t sat a test yet, we can advise on what to expect and how to prepare.
How do I apply?
Send us your CV and we’ll be in touch with details of suitable UK roles and how to apply. You can upload your CV directly on our website, and once we’ve reviewed it we’ll guide you through every step from application to arrival.
The NMC process, CBT & OSCE
What documents do I need to register with the NMC?
You’ll need evidence of all your practice as a registered nurse or midwife, including verification documents and registration certificates. You’ll also need to provide comprehensive references, a criminal record check and a health assessment. We guide you through exactly what’s required at each stage so nothing is missed.
What is the CBT and do you help me prepare for it?
The CBT (Computer-Based Test) is the first part of NMC registration — a multiple-choice knowledge test you sit in your home country at a Pearson VUE test centre before you travel to the UK. Your CBT pass is valid for two years, within which you must pass the OSCE. We support you through the process so you know what to expect at each stage.
What is the OSCE and how does My Healthcare Recruit help me pass it?
The OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is the practical exam international nurses take in the UK as part of gaining their NMC PIN. Our OSCE Accelerator University™ online learning platform gives you a head start on your training before you arrive, so you prepare with confidence. We’re so confident in it that our OSCE Accelerator comes with a guarantee — a reassurance you won’t find with most agencies.
What happens if I don’t pass the OSCE first time?
You won’t be left on your own — the NMC allows more than one attempt, and our OSCE Accelerator programme and support are designed to get you through. We’ll help you prepare for a resit so you can qualify and start your career in the UK.
How long does the whole process take?
The typical time between receiving a job offer and deploying to the UK is around 8 weeks for candidates outside the European Economic Area. The full journey from first application to arrival varies depending on how quickly documents, the NMC process and visa steps are completed, and we keep you updated throughout.
Fees, costs & contracts (the questions everyone asks)
Do I ever have to pay My Healthcare Recruit a fee to apply or be placed?
No — you never pay us a fee to apply for or be placed in a role. Our fees are paid by the employer, not by you. Please be cautious of anyone who asks you to pay to join a ‘waiting list’ or to be introduced to a UK employer, as this is a common sign of a scam.
What costs are covered, and what might I need to pay myself?
This varies depending on the employer, and we’ll always be clear with you about who pays for what before you commit. Good news on one big cost: nurses on the Health and Care Worker visa are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge, so you won’t pay that. Other costs in the process can include NMC exam fees (CBT and OSCE) and your English language test — we’ll explain exactly which of these your employer covers for your specific role.
Will I have to sign a repayment clause or tie-in, and what happens if I want to leave?
Some roles include a repayment clause, and where they do, they follow NHS guidance — meaning they must be transparent, proportionate, time-limited and taper down over time, and should be waived in circumstances such as bullying, discrimination or poor working conditions. We believe in being upfront about this, so you’ll always understand any clause fully before you sign anything. If you have questions about a specific contract, just ask us.
What salary will I start on, and how does pay progression work?
Most international nurses start on an NHS Band 5 contract, which begins at around £30,000 a year (2026 rates), with structured pay progression over time under the NHS Agenda for Change system. Private and care home employers offer comparable permanent salaries. We’ll confirm the exact pay for any role before you apply.
Visas, family & life in the UK
What support do I get with visas and relocation?
We provide all-inclusive support throughout your relocation, so you’re never navigating the process alone. This includes help with your Health and Care Worker visa, plus extensive pastoral care such as airport pickup, welcome food shops, help setting up a bank account and registering with a GP, orientation and social activities to help you settle in. Our focus on pastoral care is a core reason 98% of our candidates would recommend us to a friend.
Can I bring my family to the UK with me?
Yes — nurses on the Health and Care Worker visa can generally bring dependants, such as a partner and children, which is one of its advantages over some other visa routes. Please note that immigration rules are tightening, including English language requirements for partners, so we recommend checking the latest guidance on GOV.UK, and we’ll support you through the process.
Where in the UK will I be based, and do I get a say?
Your location depends on where our employer partners have vacancies that match your experience, and we’ll always discuss options with you rather than simply assigning you somewhere. We place nurses across the UK, so tell us your preferences and we’ll do our best to find a good fit.
Where will I live when I first arrive?
In most cases the employer arranges temporary accommodation for you when you arrive, so you have somewhere settled from day one while you find longer-term housing. Exact arrangements vary by employer, and we’ll confirm the details for your role and help you get settled.
How long until I can get settlement or citizenship?
The Health and Care Worker visa can lead to settlement in the UK, but the government is currently reforming the settlement system, so timeframes are changing. Because the rules are under active review, we recommend checking the latest position on GOV.UK, and we’ll keep you informed of anything that affects you.
What support is there after I arrive, and what if I’m unhappy in my role?
Our support doesn’t stop when you land — our pastoral care team stays in touch to help you settle into work and life in the UK. If you ever have concerns about your role, talk to us; we’ll support you and explain your options, including what changing employer would involve.
About My Healthcare Recruit
Which UK employers will I be working for?
We place nurses with the NHS, private healthcare providers and nursing homes across the UK. We work to match you to a role that fits your experience and the branch of nursing you’re qualified in.
What makes My Healthcare Recruit different from other agencies?
We’re a specialist international nurse recruiter with a strong focus on pastoral care, ethics and candidate experience, reflected in a 94% staff retention rate and a 5-star rating on Trustpilot and Google. You never pay us a fee, we’re transparent about costs and contracts, and our OSCE Accelerator, all-inclusive immigration support and hands-on relocation help are designed to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible.