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.
International recruitment is an option mainly used by employers trying to fill vacancies in certain geographical areas or professions with recognised shortages. 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.
Registration
Anyone wishing to work in the UK must register with the appropriate professional body; however this does not provide the right to work in the UK.
Detailed information on who qualifies as resident labour market worker can be found on the NHS Employers website. 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 to work in the United Kingdom.
Visa
The permission for an employee to enter and work in the UK is called a visa. Information on how to apply for a visa can be found at www.ukvisas.gov.uk.
The Home Office has launched a series of changes to the immigration system governing the way individuals from outside the EEA can work, train or study in the UK. The new points-based system is being rolled out up to spring 2009. For more information visit the UK Border Agency website at www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/managingborders/managingmigration/apointsbasedsystem
ROSE
ROSE is the website for the Refugee Healthcare Professionals Programme. At ROSE, refugee healthcare professionals will find information 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.
For information about joining the NHS from overseas please see our frequently asked questions page.
