Are you a nurse dreaming of working in the United Kingdom? Whether you’re looking for an employer-sponsored route or prefer the self-sponsorship pathway, this guide will walk you through the exact steps to become a UK Registered Nurse (UKRN) in 2025.
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Pathways to Becoming a UKRN in 2025
There are two major pathways to becoming a UK Registered Nurse:
✅ Employer-Sponsored Route – An NHS Trust or care home sponsors your visa, covers most of the costs, and helps with relocation.
✅ Self-Sponsorship Route – You fund your journey independently, relocate to the UK, take your exams, and secure employment after passing.
Employer-Sponsored Route: Step-by-Step Guide
This is the easiest and most cost-effective pathway, as your employer will cover your visa and relocation expenses.
Step 1: Get a Valid International Passport
Ensure your passport is valid for at least two years before starting the process.
Step 2: Pass the English Language Test (IELTS/OET)
You need to pass either the IELTS Academic or OET (Occupational English Test) before proceeding.
Minimum IELTS (Academic) Score:
- Listening: 7.0
- Writing: 6.5
- Reading: 7.0
- Speaking: 7.0
- Overall Band Score: 7.0
Minimum OET Score:
- Listening: B
- Writing: C+
- Reading: B
- Speaking: B
Tip: If you score 6.5 in any section other than writing, you will need to retake the test or consider Ireland as an alternative destination.
Step 3: Create an NMC UK Profile
- Visit NMC UK Registration and create an account.
- Fill in your personal details and upload required documents.
Step 4: Pay the NMC UK Application Fee (£140)
- After completing your application, pay the £140 fee.
- Upload the following:
- Passport data page
- RN certificate (or NMCN notification if unavailable)
- IELTS/OET result (optional at this stage)
- You will receive an email confirmation with a 16-digit reference number for verification.
Step 5: Apply for NMCN Verification (For Nigerian Nurses)
- Visit NMCN Portal to apply for verification.
- Provide:
- Registration number & PIN on your Nigerian license
- Date of first registration
- 16-digit NMC UK reference number
Verification is sent to:
Nursing and Midwifery Council, 23 Portland Place, London, W1B 1PZ, UK
Step 6: Book and Pass the CBT (Test of Competence – Part 1)
- Upon verification, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email.
- Book your CBT exam (£83) via Pearson Vue.
- Purchase CBT vouchers from Mindhub UK or Merchant Nurse.
Step 7: Obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
- Get your Police Character Certificate from:
- Force CID, Area 10, Garki, Abuja
- Force CID, Police Criminal Registry, Alagbon, Lagos
- Valid for 3 months, costs ₦40,000 – ₦50,000.
Step 8: Pay Final NMC UK Registration Fee (£153)
- Submit the following:
- Medical fitness certificate (from a doctor or occupational health specialist)
- Police clearance certificate
- IELTS/OET certificate
- CBT exam result
- Pay the £153 final registration fee to NMC UK.
Step 9: Apply for UK Nursing Jobs
Search and apply via:
- NHS Jobs
- Trac Jobs
- Indeed UK
- Care Home UK
- Fellownurses.com
Self-Sponsorship Route: Step-by-Step Guide
This option is best for nurses who cannot secure employer sponsorship but still want to work in the UK. It requires financial commitment and self-discipline.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
- Valid passport
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Original nursing certificates
- NMCN verification
- IELTS/OET certificate (same requirements as above)
Step 2: Register with NMC UK & Pay Fees
- Pay the £153 NMC UK registration fee.
- Apply for NMCN verification.
Step 3: Pass the CBT Exam
- Book and pass CBT (£83) via Pearson Vue.
Step 4: Apply for a UK Visit Visa
- Apply for a 6-month UK visitor visa via the UK Government website.
- Provide:
- Proof of funds
- Accommodation details (Airbnb/shared apartment/host)
- Return flight ticket (~₦1.8M – ₦2M)
Step 5: Travel to the UK & Prepare for OSCE
- Book your OSCE exam (£794).
- Enroll in a physical OSCE training class.
Step 6: Pass the OSCE & Secure a Job
- Pass the OSCE to obtain your NMC PIN.
- Apply for NHS jobs and attend in-person interviews before leaving the UK.
Step 7: Convert to a Skilled Worker Visa
- Secure a job with an NHS Trust or care home.
- Exit the UK before your visitor visa expires.
- Your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Apply for a Health and Care Worker visa from your home country.
Join Our UK Nursing Relocation Support Group!
At Fellow Nurses Africa, we have partnered with reputable UK organizations to support and guide you throughout the relocation process.
✅ Expert guidance on NMC registration
✅ Job application assistance
✅ IELTS and OSCE preparation tips
✅ Interview coaching
📢 Join our exclusive UK Nursing Relocation Support Group now!
🔗 Click Here to Join
📩 For personalized career coaching, OSCE training, and job search support, contact us today!
Charles Wealth is an accomplished healthcare administrator with decades of hands-on experience across various healthcare organizations in Nigeria and beyond. Known for his strategic leadership, operational excellence, and deep commitment to advancing the nursing profession, Charles brings a wealth of expertise to healthcare management, policy, and professional development.
As a co-founder and Editor at Fellow Nurses Africa, he plays a pivotal role in shaping content that educates, inspires, and unites nurses across the continent. His editorial vision focuses on amplifying the voices of nurses, highlighting best practices, addressing contemporary challenges in healthcare, and promoting professional growth within the nursing community.
With a strong background in healthcare administration, Charles is passionate about bridging the gap between clinical practice and effective leadership. He continues to contribute significantly to the development of robust healthcare systems and the empowerment of nurses through knowledge sharing and advocacy.
