Overseas professionals

If you're looking at this page you might be thinking about coming to the UK to live and work.

International recruitment is an option used by many employers in the UK and across the world to try and fill vacancies in certain areas of the country or within professions where there are significant skill shortages.

If you are thinking about coming to work in the UK, it is a good to understand how to apply for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad (gov.uk) which includes information on: 

  • avoiding scams
  • working rights and standards
  • what to consider when deciding whether to take a health or care job in the UK
  • where to go for further guidance, support or help in the UK

How can I work in the NHS as an overseas health professional?

Anyone from outside of the UK (excluding from the Republic of Ireland) will need permission from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to work in the UK. You may also need entry clearance before travelling here.

To obtain a visa or entry clearance, you will need to meet certain requirements and demonstrate you have the right to work in the UK.

Overseas health professionals | Health Careers

Where can I find information specific to my profession?

The NHS Health Careers website has a range of information unique to specific healthcare professionals from overseas:

If you are an international medical graduate or doctor from outside the EEA, you can apply for, and take up employment in, training posts that may qualify for sponsorship under a skilled worker visa (gov.uk). 

Do you have the desired level of English language ability?

For visa or citizenship applications, you may need to prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT).

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) can put you on the right path to getting your visa. Score requirements are different from country to country and may depend on the visa that you are applying for. 

A successful IELTS test is accepted by the UK as proof of English proficiency for those wishing to live, work, or study in the UK.

The IELTS test assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking.  IELTS tests for UK Visas and Immigration must be taken in person at an official IELTS test centre.

Can you provide evidence of your qualifications?

The skills, competencies and qualifications of those coming to the UK to work, study, practice or settle will need to be recognised at the appropriate level.  

UK ENIC is the designated United Kingdom national agency for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills. They perform this official function on behalf of the UK Government.