As a seasoned nursing recruitment specialist with over 15 years of experience helping General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) graduates from India and beyond secure international roles, I've witnessed firsthand how global healthcare shortages create transformative opportunities. 

Germany's aging population, Canada's expansion of Express Entry, and the Middle East's tax-free incentives have made 2025 a pivotal year for GNM nurses. With my background in bridging qualifications like GNM to foreign standards—often through bridging programs or exams like the NCLEX—I'll share updated insights as of August 21, 2025. 

From visa pathways to salaries, this guide draws on real-life examples, such as Priya, a GNM nurse from Kerala who transitioned to Australia via a bridging course, resulting in a threefold increase in her earnings. Platforms like OETPro, which specialize in Occupational English Test (OET) preparation, have been invaluable for meeting language requirements across these destinations.

Top Countries Hiring GNM Nurses

GNM nurses are increasingly sought after globally due to their foundational skills in patient care and midwifery. Key destinations in 2025 include those addressing acute shortages through targeted immigration.

• United Kingdom: The NHS faces over 40,000 vacancies, prioritizing GNM nurses via the Skilled Worker visa. Competitive salaries start at £29,000 (approximately INR 32 lakh). Specializations in elderly care are expected to boom following the 2025 reforms.

• Canada: With 60,000+ openings by 2026, provinces like Ontario and British Columbia recruit via Express Entry and PNPs. GNM holders often transition to RN status, earning CAD 60,000–80,000 (approximately INR 37L–50L) annually.

• Germany: Aiming for 150,000 foreign nurses by 2025, programs like Triple Win ease entry. Salaries range €33,000–€45,000 (INR 30L–41L), with B2 German proficiency key.

• Australia: Skill shortages in regional areas drive demand; GNM nurses upgrade via GCN or Bachelor programs. Earnings: AUD 60,000–90,000 (INR 33L–50L).

• United States: NCLEX passage enables roles amid 200,000+ shortages; salaries range from $60,000 to $100,000 (INR 50L–83L).

• Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar): Tax-free packages are attractive; the UAE offers USD 30,000–60,000 (INR 25L–50L) with housing.

Example: Raj, a GNM nurse from Punjab, used OETPro for OET prep and secured a UK NHS role in 2025, doubling his Indian salary within months.

Visa and Licensing Procedures

Navigating visas and licensing is crucial; 2025 updates emphasize streamlined processes for healthcare workers.

• Visa Types: Work visas, such as the UK's Tier 2, Canada's Express Entry, or Australia's Subclass 482. The Middle East offers employer-sponsored permits.

• Credential Evaluation: Use NNAS (Canada), CGFNS (USA), or ANMAC (Australia) to validate GNM diplomas.

• Licensing Exams: NCLEX-RN for USA/Canada/Australia; OSCE for UK; B2 German for Germany. Pass rates improved in 2025 with the implementation of NGN updates.

• Language Proficiency: IELTS/OET (Grade B); OETpro's tailored modules help meet these.

• Health/Background Checks: Mandatory; includes TB tests and police clearances.

Example: Maria, a GNM graduate, passed the NCLEX post-bridging in Canada, securing PR via CEC in under a year.

Salary Packages and Benefits

Salaries rose 5–10% in 2025 due to shortages; benefits include relocation aid.

• United Kingdom: £24,000–£30,000 starting (INR 26L–33L); NHS pensions, 27+ days leave.

• Canada: CAD 60,000–80,000 (INR 37L–50L); health coverage, retention bonuses in rural areas.

• Germany: €33,000–€45,000 (INR 30L–41L); 30+ vacation days, parental leave.

• Australia: AUD 60,000–90,000 (INR 33L–50L); superannuation, shift flexibility.

• United States: $60,000–$100,000 (INR 50L–83L); overtime, 401(k) plans.

• Middle East: USD 30,000–60,000 tax-free (INR 25L–50L); housing, flights home.

Example: Ahmed from Delhi earned AED 10,000 monthly (approximately INR 2.3 lakh) in the UAE, plus free accommodation—triple his Indian salary.

Job Search Tips and Resources

Strategic searching yields results; leverage your networks and stay up to date.

• Networking: Join associations like ICN or platforms like LinkedIn.

• Recruitment Agencies: Use Dynamic Health Staff (Europe) or Conexus MedStaff (USA).

• Online Portals: Indeed, NHS Jobs, Health Match BC.

• Government Resources: IRCC (Canada), DHA (UAE).

• Direct Applications: Target hospitals such as the Cleveland Clinic (UAE) or the Mayo Clinic (USA).

Example: Using oetpro for OET, Li from Tamil Nadu networked via LinkedIn, landing a German role through Triple Win.

GNM nurses thrive abroad in 2025, with shortages driving demand. From the UK's NHS to the UAE's perks, opportunities abound—prepare via exams and OETpro. With planning, like Priya's Australian success, global careers await.