Got a question?
You're not the only one! Below are some of the questions we are most commonly asked, along with answers and useful links.
Do you accept applications from anywhere in the world?
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in the UK has recently updated its Code of Practice for International Recruitment, which includes a list of countries that agencies and employers are not permitted to actively recruit from.
However, the DHSC acknowledges the right of each individual to apply for a job in the UK and in no way wishes to stifle any available opportunities. Rather, the guidance is in place to promote ethical recruitment and best practices.
If your country is on this list, you can still apply for jobs in the UK
In this situation, we encourage you to apply directly for jobs you are interested in via the NHS Jobs website:
Or if you are interested in working in Adult Social Care, you can apply via this website:
We wish you the very best with your application and every success in your career!
Do I need to pass an English language test to work as a Nurse in the UK?
Please check here whether the country in which you qualified as a nurse is included in the list of “majority English-speaking countries” as prescribed by the NMC.
If your country is not recognised by the NMC as a majority English-speaking country, then you will be required to pass an English language test (Academic IELTS or OET).
You will need to achieve the following scores:
Academic IELTS minimum score of 7.0 in Reading, Speaking & Listening and no less than 6.5 in Writing
OR
OET pass at Grade B in Reading, Speaking & Listening and no less than C+ in Writing
The OET is easier in some ways because the questions are more specific to healthcare. You may therefore find the writing and speaking elements of the test in particular, a little easier as the subject matter would be more familiar.
The IELTS is not specific to the healthcare profession. This test is typically taken by professionals and students from all industries, which means the topics and content covered will be more general and taken from a range of sources.
It is worth noting that the OET is more expensive than IELTS, but both are equally accepted by the NMC, so you will need to weigh up the likelihood of passing on your first attempt, compared to the exam fees.
You can find out more about both tests, including fees and the location of your nearest testing centre, by clicking on the buttons below:
Do I need to pass an English language test to work as an Allied Health Professional in the UK?
Please check here whether the country in which you qualified is designated as a “majority English-speaking country”.
If your country is not recognised as a majority English-speaking country, then you will be required to pass an English language test (General IELTS or TOEFL).
You will need to achieve the following scores:
General IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0, with no element below 6.5
OR
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum score 100/120
You can find out more about both tests, including fees and the location of your nearest testing centre, by clicking on the buttons below:
Can I bring my family with me?
We are often asked for guidance on applications for dependant visas. You are of course at liberty to bring your dependants to the UK based on your Tier 2 or Skilled Worker Visa, but these applications are solely your responsibility.
Visit our page on Dependant Visas, which includes more info;
We are unable to provide assistance as we do for your own visa application, but the process is relatively straightforward. You will need to read the UKVI guidance carefully to make sure you are able to meet all the requirements, financial or otherwise, to support your dependants' application.
We fully understand the desire for families to be reunited in the UK as soon as possible once you come to the UK, BUT we must stress that for all the right reasons it is best to defer this until you have settled into your new role, and registered with the appropriate UK registration body.
Your employer will not be able to assist with your application aside from providing, if required, a letter confirming your employment.
We are often asked if the employer will 'certify maintenance' for dependents. With a few exceptions, employers are only certifying maintenance for their sponsored worker, not their families and this will be clearly stated on your COS. If your employer has certified maintenance for your dependants as well as you, this simply means that you are not subject to the same financial requirements for your dependants’ visa applications.
Can I stay in the UK after my initial contract period?
Following your initial sponsorship period, you will be eligible to apply for Further Leave to Remain (FLR).
Further Leave to Remain
After 3 years of continuous residence in the UK, you will be eligible to apply for FLR to extend your stay by another 2 years.
Some employers may agree to pay for the visa extension fee but not all, so please check with your individual employer. Otherwise, all fees for yourself and any dependants will be your responsibility. Your employer will need to issue you with a new COS.
Indefinite Leave to Remain / Settlement
After 5 years of continuous residence in the UK, you will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain otherwise known as 'Settlement'. You will no longer need to be sponsored by your employer once you have ILR.
I have paid my Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), am I eligible a refund?
If you have paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and believe you are eligible for a refund, for either yourself and/or your dependants, please read the guidance from the UK Government below.
If you have applied for a refund, and not yet had a response, please email [email protected]
Still have a question?
If you're still unsure about something, we are here to help!
Please contact us, and one of our experts will be in touch.