International healthcare professionals
This section contains information for overseas qualified UK/European Economic Area (EEA) and non-EEA healthcare professionals by career group, including information on registration and immigration. Unfortunately, NHS Careers is unable to answer any enquiries about eligibility to work in the NHS other than the information available in this section.
Does the NHS recruit from outside the UK?
International recruitment is an option mainly used by employers trying to fill vacancies in certain geographical areas or professions with recognised shortages. Unless you have the right to work in the UK, NHS organisations are first required to fill vacancies from the resident labour market (including a national of a country in the EEA) before looking to overseas candidates.
If you are not a British citizen, a Swiss national or a national of a country in the EEA, you will need the permission from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) to work in the UK. For more general information about immigration rules, please click here.
Will I need a visa to work in the NHS?
If you are not a British citizen, or a national of a country in the EEA, you will need a visa and may need entry clearance before you travel to the UK. To obtain a visa or entry clearance, you will need to meet the requirements of the UKBA which is responsible for managing migration in the UK.
The Home Office is responsible for governing the way individuals from outside the EEA can work, train or study in the UK. Further information for all new applications from non-EEA nationals can be found on the points-based system page of this website.
Is there a limit on the number of migrants entering the UK?
Yes. There is currently a cap on the number of migrants allowed to enter the UK to work. Applications are assessed using a points system that is intended to only allow entry to those whose skills will benefit the UK. The number of points required and the way the points are awarded depend on the tier under which individuals apply, but will reflect their qualifications, experience, age, previous earnings and language competence.
Individuals can check if they have enough points to qualify for a particular tier by carrying out a self assessment of their eligibility online on the UKBA website.
Under the points-based system, the UKBA will decide who is admitted to, or allowed to stay in the UK. In order to assess this, you will need to provide evidence of a sponsor in the UK who is licensed by the UKBA. Information about the points-based system is available on the UKBA website and may be subject to change. You are advised to check the website to establish which route of entry you are eligible to apply for.
What if I am a refugee healthcare professional?
The ROSE website provides information to refugee healthcare professionals on getting back into employment. There is also help for agencies supporting refugees and employers.
The Refugee Healthcare Professionals Programme comprises a number of funded projects including Building Bridges London, Building Bridges West Midlands, Reache North West, Refugee Health Professionals North East and works closely with MENTER in the East of England.
