Nurses remain one of the strongest routes abroad for Africans. The UK closed its care worker visa to overseas applicants in 2025, but registered nurses can still apply from abroad to both the UK and Ireland.
In both countries you need to register with the nursing regulator before you can work as a nurse.
UK: registering with the NMC
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registers nurses trained outside the UK in four steps:
- Eligibility and qualification check. You apply online and the NMC checks your training and nursing registration at home.
- Computer-based test (CBT). A multiple-choice test of nursing knowledge, which you can take in your own country.
- OSCE. A practical clinical exam, taken in the UK.
- Registration. Once you pass, you join the register and can work as a nurse.
NMC: registering if you trained outside the UK.
English scores you need
| Test | Score for the NMC and NMBI |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 7.0 in listening, reading and speaking, and 6.5 in writing (Ireland also needs 7.0 overall) |
| OET | B in listening, reading and speaking, and C+ in writing |
Ireland’s NMBI does not accept IELTS Online, OET@Home, the IELTS One Skill Retake, or results combined from more than one sitting, and results must be less than 2 years old. Book a test centre.
Sources: NMC accepted English tests, NMBI English requirements.
UK visa: Health and Care Worker
Nurses usually come on the Health and Care Worker visa. The job must pay at least £25,000, or the going rate or NHS pay scale for the role. Health and Care Worker visa holders don’t pay the immigration health surcharge. GOV.UK.
Ireland: registering with the NMBI
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) assesses nurses trained outside the EU. After the assessment, you may be asked to complete compensation measures, such as a supervised adaptation period in an Irish hospital, before full registration.
Ireland visa: Critical Skills Employment Permit
Registered nurses (code 2231), midwives (2232) and doctors (2211) are on Ireland’s Critical Skills list. For these jobs:
- the minimum salary is €40,904 for people with a relevant degree,
- you need a job offer of at least 2 years, and
- the permit fee is €1,000.
Ireland raised its permit salary thresholds on 1 March 2026 and plans to raise them each year until 2030. Department of Enterprise.
Also worth a look: Canada
Canada runs Express Entry draws for healthcare workers, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse aides. You need at least 12 months of work in one listed job within the last 3 years. IRCC category-based selection.
Tips
- Start the English test early. It’s the step most applicants repeat.
- Keep your nursing licence at home active, as both regulators check it.
- You don’t need an agent to register. The NMC and NMBI applications are online, and you pay the regulator directly.