How to Find a Nursing Job With Visa Sponsorship in the UK in 2025
Nursing remains one of the most essential and in-demand professions in the UK, forming the backbone of the country’s healthcare system. With a growing need for qualified nurses across hospitals, care homes and community settings, the UK continues to welcome international nurses through visa sponsorship routes. For many overseas professionals, 2025 offers a promising chance to build a meaningful career in the UK’s healthcare sector.
This article will walk you through how to find visa-sponsored nursing jobs, the registration process, required qualifications, visa options and top tips to help you succeed in 2025.
The UK Job Market for Nurses
The UK faces a continued shortage of nurses due to an ageing population, increasing healthcare needs and a growing emphasis on community and mental health care. As a result, both the NHS and private healthcare providers actively recruit internationally trained nurses.
Current Trends in the Job Market:
- High Demand in Specialisms: Mental health, adult care, emergency services and theatre nurses are particularly sought after.
- Community and Elderly Care Focus: As the population ages, there is increasing demand for nurses in care homes and community settings.
- NHS International Recruitment: The NHS continues to be one of the largest sponsors of Health and Care visas for overseas nurses.
- Salary Range: Starting salaries for Band 5 NHS nurses typically begin at around £28,407 per year, rising to over £34,000 with experience. Specialist or senior roles can reach £41,000 and above.
Key Career Paths in Nursing for Visa Sponsorship
Nursing in the UK offers various routes and specialisations, many of which are open to internationally trained professionals:
1. Adult Nurse
Providing care to adult patients in hospitals, GP practices, and care homes.
2. Mental Health Nurse
Supporting patients with mental health conditions in specialist units and the community.
3. Children’s Nurse
Caring for infants, children and young people in hospitals and paediatric clinics.
4. Learning Disability Nurse
Helping individuals with learning disabilities live independent and healthy lives.
5. Theatre Nurse (Scrub Nurse)
Assisting in surgical procedures in operating theatres.
6. District/Community Nurse
Visiting patients in their homes to deliver care outside hospital settings.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
Although nursing roles vary by specialism and setting, core responsibilities include:
1. Patient Care
- Administering medications and treatments.
- Monitoring vital signs and managing patient recovery.
2. Clinical Documentation
- Keeping accurate records of patient conditions and care plans.
3. Coordination With Multidisciplinary Teams
- Collaborating with doctors, physiotherapists, and social workers.
4. Health Education
- Supporting patients and families in understanding conditions and treatments.
5. Safeguarding and Compliance
- Ensuring care meets UK regulatory and ethical standards.
Skills and Qualifications Needed for Visa Sponsorship
To work legally as a nurse in the UK, overseas applicants must meet regulatory, professional and language standards.
Mandatory Registration:
- Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
All nurses must be registered with the NMC to practise in the UK. Register with the NMC here.
NMC Requirements Include:
- Recognised nursing qualification equivalent to UK standards.
- English proficiency: IELTS (minimum 7.0 overall) or OET (Grade B).
- Successfully passing the CBT (Computer Based Test) and OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination).
Qualifications:
- Diploma or degree in nursing.
- Clinical experience, preferably one year or more, is often desirable.
Soft Skills:
- Compassion: Empathy and emotional intelligence are crucial.
- Communication: Clear communication with patients and colleagues.
- Adaptability: Adjusting to NHS procedures and diverse healthcare settings.
- Teamwork: Working collaboratively under pressure.
Top Healthcare Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship in the UK
Here are some of the main employers actively hiring international nurses in 2025:
1. NHS Trusts Across England
The UK’s public healthcare provider recruits nurses for various specialisms. Visa sponsorship is standard for overseas applicants. You can apply for visa-sponsored roles at NHS Trust here.
2. HCA Healthcare UK
HCA is a leading private hospital group offering advanced clinical care across central London and other regions. HCA Healthcare provides visa sponsorship for skilled international nurses in specialist areas like oncology, cardiology and intensive care. To apply for roles with visa sponsorship at HCA Healthcare, please click here.
3. Bupa UK
BUPA UK offers nursing opportunities across care homes and private health services, with visa sponsorship for qualified applicants. Visa-sponsored roles at BUPA UK can be found here.
If you want to apply for visa-sponsored nursing jobs from various leading organisations in one place, please visit the UK Visa Jobs job board. It is important to remember that, though visa sponsorship is provided, not all positions hire candidates based outside the UK. When you search for jobs on UK Visa Jobs, if you are based outside the UK, use the “Suitable for Applicants Based Outside the UK” filter.
Visa Options for Overseas Nurses
1. Health and Care Worker Visa
- The most common route for nurses.
- Sponsored by a licensed UK healthcare employer.
- Lower visa fees and faster processing.
- Allows dependants to join and provides a path to settlement.
2. Skilled Worker Visa
- Covers nursing roles outside the NHS, including care homes and private clinics.
- Requires sponsorship and meeting the salary threshold.
Steps to Find a Nursing Job With Visa Sponsorship
1. Start With NMC Registration
- Begin your application process and prepare for the CBT.
- Schedule your OSCE once you arrive in the UK or at an approved test centre.
2. Use Specialised Job Portals
- Platforms like UK Visa Jobs and Workbeyond help you filter by visa-sponsored roles.
- Avoid general job sites unless you can confirm the employer’s sponsorship status.
3. Prepare for Interviews
- Learn common UK nursing interview questions (e.g., patient scenarios, safeguarding policies).
- Practise communication and clinical reasoning using the STAR technique.
5. Receive Job Offer and Start Visa Process
- Once you receive a conditional offer, your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to support your visa application.
Interview and Relocation Tips
- Attend Webinars: Platforms like UK Visa Jobs offer interview preparation webinars tailored for candidates who are looking for visa sponsorship.
- Relocation Support: Many employers provide relocation packages, including visa fees, flight reimbursements and accommodation for initial weeks.
- Be Patient: From registration to visa approval, the process can take 3–12 months. Keep applying consistently and stay organised.
You can learn more about how to prepare for interviews by joining our live webinars or checking out our resources.
Additional Tips for Success
- Stay updated with NHS practices and UK clinical guidelines.
- Highlight cross-cultural experience and your ability to adapt to new environments.
- Network with other international nurses through LinkedIn or NMC support groups.
- Make use of mock interview tools and training resources available online.
Resources at UK Visa Jobs
At UK Visa Jobs, we support international nurses throughout their job application journey. Our resources include:
- Visa-Sponsored Job Listings: Search by region, specialism or employer.
- Live Webinars: Learn about job search and application, CV writing and interview preparation.
- Expert Advice: Get guidance on the Health and Care visa, relocation support and more.
Summary
Finding a nursing job with visa sponsorship in the UK in 2025 is a clear and achievable goal with the right steps. By starting with NMC registration, targeting visa-sponsored employers, preparing for interviews and understanding the visa routes, you can successfully build a fulfilling nursing career in the UK.
Take your first step today with UK Visa Jobs and start shaping your future in British healthcare.
