The UK continues to face critical shortages in its healthcare workforce — especially in nursing. This means qualified nurses from overseas, including Ukraine, are not only welcome but actively needed.
If you’re a Ukrainian-trained nurse, there’s a structured pathway to continue your profession in the UK. This guide outlines the step-by-step process to become a registered nurse, including visa routes, English tests, registration, and how you can get support.
🇺🇦 Why Ukrainian Nurses Are in Demand in the UK
The UK government, NHS trusts, and care providers have all expanded recruitment of international nurses due to domestic shortages. Ukrainian professionals bring valuable clinical experience and dedication — but entering the system can be complex without guidance.
That’s where understanding the official process (and having help) makes a big difference.
✅ Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
You’ll need:
- A recognized nursing qualification from Ukraine
- Recent clinical experience or current registration in Ukraine
- A willingness to meet UK language, testing, and registration standards
If you have this foundation, you’re eligible to apply through the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
📚 Step 2: Prove Your English Skills
You must pass one of the following:
A. IELTS Academic
- Overall: 7.0
- Writing: 6.5
- Reading, Listening, Speaking: 7.0
B. OET (Nursing Version)
- B in Listening, Reading, and Speaking
- C+ in Writing
✅ Updated for 2025: You can combine scores from two test sittings (within 12 months) if you meet the required minimums in each.
💻 Step 3: Pass the NMC Test of Competence
This is made up of two parts:
1. CBT (Computer-Based Test)
- Taken online at a test centre in your country
- Covers clinical knowledge and UK nursing practice
- Multiple choice format
2. OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination)
- Practical test held in the UK
- Tests real-life clinical scenarios and communication
- Taken after arrival (your employer usually supports you)
📌 You can apply for jobs after the CBT and complete the OSCE once you’re in the UK.
📝 Step 4: Apply for NMC Registration
Once you’ve passed your CBT and English test, apply to the NMC online. You’ll need:
- Passport and identity documents
- Proof of Ukrainian nursing qualification
- Evidence of English proficiency
- Police clearance and health declaration
- Employer references (if available)
After passing your OSCE in the UK, the NMC will issue your PIN — your license to practise as a nurse.
🛂 Step 5: Apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa
This is the visa route for international nurses working in the UK. To apply, you must:
- Have a job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor (e.g., NHS, private care group)
- Be issued a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Provide proof of English and TB test (if applicable)
- Show your qualification and pay stubs or CoS to prove salary (min. ~£25,000)
⛔ Note (May 2025): The UK is phasing out visas for care workers, but registered nurses remain eligible for this visa with full rights to live and work in the UK.
✅ Visa processing is typically fast for healthcare workers, and many employers offer help with:
- Visa fees
- Flight costs
- Temporary accommodation
💼 Step 6: Get a Job — Even Before Registration Is Complete
You can start working as a pre-registered nurse or healthcare assistant if:
- You’ve passed your CBT and English test
- You’ve received a job offer
- You’re committed to completing the OSCE
Most UK employers will sponsor you and provide time and training to help you pass the OSCE and complete registration.
🎓 Step 7: Pass the OSCE and Start Your Career
Once in the UK, your employer will schedule and support your OSCE exam. You usually have up to 3 months to take the test after arrival.
After passing:
- You’ll receive your NMC PIN
- You’ll be a fully registered nurse
- Your salary and responsibilities will increase
💬 How the Ukrainian Medical Charity (UMC) Can Support You
Navigating this process alone can be confusing and isolating — but you don’t have to do it alone.
At the Ukrainian Medical Charity (UMC), we support qualified Ukrainian healthcare workers in building new careers in the UK.
We offer:
- Free resources and webinars on NMC registration
- Help finding visa-sponsored jobs
- OET and IELTS prep advice
- Connections to Ukrainian nurses already working in the UK
- One-on-one guidance for UMC members
👉 Join our mailing list for updates on nursing jobs, registration changes, and live support events.
👉 Become a member to access personalised help, job referrals, and our community network.
💡 Final Thoughts
Becoming a nurse in the UK takes time, paperwork, and persistence — but it’s a realistic and rewarding path. With healthcare in demand and support available, your skills are needed and valued.
Take the first step. Prepare, connect, and move forward — we’re here to help.
