The United Kingdom continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for healthcare professionals around the world. With its renowned National Health Service (NHS) and private healthcare institutions, the UK is offering thousands of opportunities for doctors, nurses, care workers, and healthcare assistants.
Due to staff shortages, the UK government has opened more pathways for foreign workers by offering visa sponsorships under the Health and Care Worker visa. Among the most in-demand roles, nursing jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship stand out as a top choice for international applicants.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about healthcare and nursing jobs in the UK with sponsorship in 2025—including job types, salaries, requirements, visa process, and how to apply.
Why Work in the UK Healthcare Sector?
-
High Demand: The UK healthcare system faces shortages across multiple roles.
-
Visa Sponsorship: Employers are authorized to sponsor foreign healthcare professionals.
-
Attractive Salaries & Benefits: NHS and private hospitals offer competitive pay, pension plans, and relocation support.
-
Permanent Residency Route: After 5 years on the Health and Care Worker visa, workers can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
-
Global Recognition: UK healthcare experience is highly respected worldwide.
Nursing Jobs in the UK with Sponsorship
Nurses are at the heart of the UK’s healthcare system, and the demand for international nurses remains very high. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) regulates the profession and overseas nurses must complete registration to work in the UK.
Types of Nursing Jobs Available
-
Adult Nurses – Work in hospitals, clinics, and community settings.
-
Mental Health Nurses – Provide care for patients with psychiatric conditions.
-
Pediatric Nurses – Focus on children’s health in hospitals and clinics.
-
Learning Disability Nurses – Support people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
-
Midwives – Specialize in maternal and neonatal care.
Salary for Nurses in the UK
-
Band 5 NHS Nurse: £27,000 – £34,000 per year.
-
Senior Nurses (Band 6/7): £35,000 – £45,000 per year.
-
Specialist Nurses: £40,000 – £55,000 per year.
In addition to base salary, nurses receive overtime pay, night shift allowances, and pension contributions.
Healthcare Jobs in the UK with Sponsorship
While nursing is the largest category, there are other healthcare roles in high demand:
-
Care Workers & Senior Care Workers – £22,000 – £27,000 per year.
-
Doctors & Medical Specialists – £50,000 – £100,000+ per year.
-
Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) – £19,000 – £24,000 per year.
-
Allied Health Professionals – £30,000 – £45,000 per year (radiographers, physiotherapists, paramedics).
Visa Pathway: The UK Health and Care Worker Visa
The Health and Care Worker visa is the main route for international healthcare professionals.
Key Features:
-
Sponsored by NHS, private hospitals, or care homes.
-
Exempt from Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
-
Lower visa fees compared to Skilled Worker visa.
-
Family members (spouse and children) can join you.
-
Eligible for permanent residency after 5 years.
Requirements for Nurses and Healthcare Workers
-
Nursing Jobs
-
A nursing degree.
-
Pass IELTS or OET English test.
-
NMC registration (including CBT + OSCE exams).
-
Job offer from an NHS trust or care employer.
-
-
Other Healthcare Roles
-
Relevant qualifications and experience.
-
Employer sponsorship (Certificate of Sponsorship).
-
Meet English language and financial requirements.
-
Top Employers Offering Sponsorship
-
NHS (National Health Service): Largest healthcare employer in the UK.
-
Private Hospitals: Bupa, Spire Healthcare, BMI Healthcare.
-
Care Homes: HC-One, Barchester Healthcare, Care UK.
-
Recruitment Agencies: HCL Workforce, NHS Professionals, Global Health Recruiters.
Where to Find Nursing & Healthcare Jobs in the UK
-
NHS Jobs (jobs.nhs.uk) – Official portal for NHS vacancies.
-
Trac Jobs – Public healthcare recruitment platform.
-
Indeed UK & Glassdoor UK – With visa sponsorship filters.
-
HealthJobsUK.com – Dedicated healthcare job listings.
-
Recruitment Agencies – Specializing in international nursing recruitment.
Step-by-Step Application Process
-
Search for Job Vacancies – NHS Jobs, agencies, or private hospitals.
-
Prepare a UK-Format CV – Tailored to nursing or healthcare standards.
-
Secure a Job Offer – Employer issues Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
-
Complete NMC Registration (for nurses).
-
Apply for Health and Care Worker Visa.
-
Relocate and Start Working in the UK.
-
Apply for ILR (Permanent Residency) after 5 years.
Challenges You May Face
-
Passing IELTS/OET and NMC exams for nurses.
-
Adjusting to workload pressures in NHS hospitals.
-
Cost of living in major cities like London.
-
Cultural and system differences in patient care.
Benefits of Healthcare & Nursing Jobs in the UK
-
Stable employment and long-term residency options.
-
Global career advancement opportunities.
-
Free access to NHS healthcare for workers and families.
-
Opportunities for promotion and specialization.
Conclusion
The UK healthcare system is actively welcoming international workers, especially nurses, care workers, and doctors. With high demand, competitive salaries, and visa sponsorship through the Health and Care Worker visa, 2025 is an excellent time to apply for a job in the UK.
Whether you are a nurse seeking NMC registration or a healthcare professional looking for new opportunities, the UK offers a clear pathway to build a rewarding and stable career abroad.