In order for Nurses and Midwives from non EU countries to take up employment in the UK they need to be registered with the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC); however in order to register with the NMC you will need to meet certain requirements.

One of the requirements is you must have the following minimum education/training qualifications:

• It is important that you have been studying for at least three years or 4600 hours in length.
• Post secondary education is essential and you must have demonstrated theoretical and practical work
• Your instruction should not be less than one third theoretical training and not less than one half clinical/practical training.

This theoretical and clinical/practical training must be within the following areas:

• General and specialist medicine
• General and specialist surgery
• Child care and paediatrics
• Maternity care  
• Mental Health and Psychiatry
• Care of the elderly
• Home Nursing

If you are successful in your registration you will be given permission to enter the UK for a maximum of 18 months then you will be expected to leave once this period is over. You can come over to the UK on both a short and long term contract; however as well as the above restrictions you also need to have at least six months post registration experience and to come over to the UK to practise nursing or midwifery you need to have a firm offer of employment as well as a good grasp of the English language.

There are a number of nursing and midwifery areas that you will be able to work within if you are successful with your registration to the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). You may be able to get a firm offer of employment working within the NHS, private hospitals, private companies, GP surgeries, health screening clinics, care homes and learning disability homes.

When you are applying for your work permit/visa to come to the UK to practise nursing and midwifery your application should be processed within 135 days; however there is the possibility of delays so it is advised that you apply about six months in advance to ensure that you get your UK work permit/visa on time.

If you require any additional help regarding coming to the UK to practise nursing/midwifery as a non EU resident then contact the team here at Immigration Consult.