Inside Your Fully-Funded NHS Relocation Package
What does “zero out-of-pocket” actually mean? When an NHS Trust recruits international nurses, they cover the heaviest travel and immigration expenses to make your global transition seamless. A standard NHS relocation package includes:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Secured and paid for by your employer.
- Health and Care Worker Visa Fees: 100% financial coverage.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Fully exempt (saving you over £3,000 across a 3-year visa).
- Travel & Housing: A paid flight to the UK and initial 4 to 8 weeks of accommodation.
- Clinical Exams: Your £992 OSCE exam fee is paid upfront or fully reimbursed.
Guide Highlights
Why is the UK Sponsoring International Nurses in 2026?
The UK government has established streamlined healthcare immigration pathways to address a nationwide clinical shortage. By offering comprehensive UK work visa sponsorship, NHS Trusts can recruit experienced professionals globally. For applicants, this ensures a safe, legal, and highly supported route to relocating abroad with immediate job security.
Core Requirements for UK Nursing Visa Sponsorship
To qualify for a fully-funded relocation package, you must meet the professional standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Requirements include:
- Recognised Qualification: A nursing degree or diploma (min. 3 years study).
- Active License: Unrestricted registration as a registered nurse in your home country.
- Clinical Experience: At least 12 months of post-registration hospital experience.
- English Proficiency: A passing score in either the IELTS Academic (7.0 overall) or the OET exam (Grade B).
Pro Tip: Many nurses use online IELTS/OET preparation courses to ensure they pass on the first attempt, as these are the primary initial out-of-pocket costs.
Your 6-Step UK Nursing Visa Roadmap
- English Language Certification: Pass your IELTS or OET exam.
- NMC CBT: Pass the Computer-Based Test (Theory) at a local Pearson VUE centre.
- Secure Sponsorship: Apply via the official NHS Jobs portal for roles offering “Visa Sponsorship.”
- Visa Application: Use your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa.
- Relocate & OSCE: Fly to the UK for clinical training and pass your OSCE practical exam.
- Register & Earn: Receive your NMC PIN and unlock your full registered nurse salary.
UK NHS Nurse Salary After Registration
Once registered, you are placed on the “Agenda for Change” pay scale. International nurses receive the exact same competitive rates as UK-trained staff.
| Career Stage | Annual Salary (2026/27) |
|---|---|
| Band 5 (Entry Level) | £32,073 |
| Band 5 (Senior Step) | £39,043 |
| Band 6 (Specialist/Senior) | £39,959 – £48,117 |
Roles in London also include a High-Cost Area Supplement of up to £6,415 per year, plus enhanced pay for overtime and night shifts.
Where to Find Sponsoring NHS Trusts
The safest way to find nursing jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship is through official channels:
- NHS Jobs: jobs.nhs.uk (Filter by “Sponsorship available”).
- NMC Official Site: nmc.org.uk for registration steps.
- Approved Agencies: Only use agencies listed on the NHS Employers ethical recruiters list.
