As a nursing recruitment expert with 15+ years of experience helping GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) graduates from India and other countries build global careers, I have seen how healthcare shortages worldwide create life-changing opportunities.

Countries like Germany, Canada, and Australia are updating immigration pathways, while Middle Eastern nations offer tax-free packages that attract thousands of nurses every year.
This guide (updated as of 21 August 2025) includes real examples—like Priya from Kerala, who tripled her income after completing a bridging course in Australia, and Raj from Punjab, who cleared OET through OETPro and secured an NHS job in the UK.

Top Countries for GNM Nurses in 2025

GNM nurses remain in high demand globally due to their strong skills in bedside care and midwifery. Below are the most promising destinations.

1. United Kingdom (UK)

The NHS continues to face major shortages and actively recruits GNM nurses.

Highlights:

• 40,000+ current vacancies

• Priority hiring through the Skilled Worker Visa

• Competitive starting salary of £29,000 (approx. ?32 lakh)

• Increased demand in elderly care after 2025 reforms

2. Canada

Canada plans to hire thousands of nurses through Express Entry and PNP routes.

Why Canada in 2025?

• 60,000+ openings by 2026

• Provinces like Ontario & BC recruit GNM nurses

• Many convert to Registered Nurse (RN) roles

• Annual salaries: CAD 60,000–80,000 (?37–50 lakh)

3. Germany

Germany aims to recruit 150,000 foreign nurses.

Benefits:

• Salary range: €33,000–€45,000 (?30–41 lakh)

• Faster pathways via Triple Win

• B2-level German required

4. Australia

High demand in rural and regional areas.

Attractive points:

• GNM nurses can take GCN or bridging programs

• Salary: AUD 60,000–90,000 (?33–50 lakh)

• Strong career progression

5. United States

More than 200,000 nurse vacancies expected.

Perks:

• Salary: USD 60,000–100,000 (?50–83 lakh)

• NCLEX-RN required

• Stable employer-sponsored visas

6. Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar)

These regions continue to offer tax-free packages.

What you get:

• Salary: USD 30,000–60,000 (?25–50 lakh)

• Free housing + yearly flight tickets

• Easy employer-sponsored visas

Salary Comparison Table (2025)

Visa & Licensing Process for GNM Nurses (2025 Update)

Understanding licensing and immigration steps is crucial for a smooth move abroad.

1. Visa Types

• UK: Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2)

• Canada: Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

• Australia: Subclass 482

• USA: Employer-sponsored visas

• Middle East: Employer-sponsored work permits

2. Credential Evaluation

3. Licensing Exams

• USA / Canada / Australia: NCLEX-RN

• UK: OSCE

• Germany: B2-level German exam

Note: After the 2025 NGN (Next Generation NCLEX) update, pass rates improved globally.

4. Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: Overall 7

• OET: Minimum Grade B

• OETPro offers specialized preparation modules for GNM nurses.

5. Medical & Background Checks

• Police clearance certificate

• TB test

• Fit-to-work medical report

Real Success Examples

Priya – Kerala ? Australia

• GNM graduate

• Completed a bridging course

• Salary tripled

• Now working in Melbourne

Raj – Punjab ? UK

• Used OETPro for OET

• Joined NHS in 2025

• Salary doubled in months

Maria – Andhra Pradesh ? Canada

• Completed bridging program

• Cleared NCLEX

• Received PR under CEC within one year

Ahmed – Delhi ? UAE

• Earns AED 10,000/month (?2.3 lakh)

• Free accommodation

• Triple income compared to India

Job Search Strategies for GNM Nurses

The right strategy can significantly speed up your international placement.

1. Networking

• Join ICN groups

• Connect on LinkedIn

• Attend virtual job fairs

2. Trusted Recruitment Agencies

• Dynamic Health Staff (Europe)

• Conexus MedStaff (USA)

• Triple Win (Germany)

3. Online Job Portals

• NHS Jobs (UK)

• Health Match BC (Canada)

• Indeed

• Seek (Australia)

4. Direct Hospital Applications

• Cleveland Clinic (UAE)

• Mayo Clinic (USA)

• University Hospitals (Germany)

Final Thoughts

2025 is a powerful year for GNM nurses seeking global opportunities. Healthcare shortages, better immigration pathways, and high salaries make this the best time to build an international career.

With the right preparation—especially language training through OETPro—you can follow success stories like Priya, Raj, and Maria and build a fulfilling career abroad.