If you're a doctor or nurse looking for better opportunities in the National Health Service (NHS), the UK continues to be a strong career destination. Despite policy changes in 2025, the NHS still hires qualified professionals from abroad, especially in areas facing staff shortages.

As of September 2025, the NHS continues to offer roles across multiple clinical fields, focusing on research, professional growth, and patient-centred care. However, new government directives have changed the way international recruitment works.

Latest Recruitment Updates (2025)

In July 2025, the UK government announced a policy to reduce international medical recruitment from 34% to under 10% per year. While the plan prioritizes domestic training, international doctors and nurses remain welcome in:

• General Practice

• Mental Health Nursing

• Emergency Care

• Underserved rural areas

This aligns with the NHS’s 10-year workforce plan, aiming to fill over 100,000 vacancies while improving long-term staffing stability.

Despite the policy tightening, the UK remains highly attractive due to:

• Competitive salaries

• Work-life balance, including structured hours

• Advanced training facilities

• Opportunities for career specialization

Requirements for Doctors and Nurses in the UK (2025 Update)

Eligibility is the first and most important step. The UK has updated several requirements to ensure training equivalence and patient safety.

Requirements for Doctors in the UK

1. Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ)

• Must be recognized by the GMC.

• Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WFME/FAIMER).

• In 2025, more medical schools in India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and other countries gained recognition, making GMC approval easier.

2. English Language Proficiency

Choose either:

• IELTS Academic – 7.5 overall (minimum 7.0 in each band)

• OET Medicine – Grade B (350–440)

New in 2025:

• Clubbing of OET & IELTS scores allowed within 12 months.

• Very helpful for candidates retaking only one or two modules.

3. Internship & Experience

• A supervised internship equivalent to UK Foundation Year 1 (F1).

• Experienced doctors must show 3+ years of postgraduate training.

• Priority in 2025 is given to doctors with experience in:

  • Rural medicine

  • Emergency care

  • Mental health

4. PLAB Exam

Required for most non-EEA graduates.

• PLAB 1: £255

• PLAB 2: £935

• Conducted worldwide; 2025 includes more digital enhancements.

Doctors with UK-recognized postgraduate qualifications may be exempt from PLAB.

Requirements for Nurses in the UK

1. Recognized Nursing Qualification

• Must meet the NMC standards.

• In 2025, applications from WFME-accredited institutions are processed 30?ster.

2. English Test Requirements

• IELTS: 7.0 overall (no band less than 7.0)

• OET Nursing: Grade B in all modules

• Clubbing allowed within a 12-month period.

3. Experience Requirement

• Minimum 12 months post-qualification experience, with direct patient care.

• Additional value in 2025 for experience with:

  • Digital health systems

  • Electronic documentation

  • Telehealth

4. Competency Test (ToC)

• CBT: £83

• OSCE: £794

• From 2025, OSCE includes VR-based simulations for improved realism.

How to Register With GMC (Doctors)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Create GMC Online Account

   • 2025 update includes biometric verification.

2. Upload Documents

   • PMQ

   • Internship/experience proof

   • English test results

   • Certificate of Good Standing

3. Take PLAB (if required)

4. Attend UK Identity Check

   • After successful review, you receive your GMC license.

How to Register With NMC (Nurses)

Steps to Complete Registration

1. Create NMC Online Account

   • New AI-based system speeds up document verification.

2. Submit Documents

   • Qualification proof

   • Work experience

   • English scores

3. Pass CBT and OSCE

4. Complete Identity Verification in the UK

   • Registration valid for 5 years.

How to Secure a Job Offer in the UK (Doctors & Nurses)

A job offer is essential for the visa process.

Where to Find Jobs

• NHS Jobs Portal

• NHS Trust websites

• Prioritized listings for:

  • Northern England

  • Midlands

  • Rural Scotland

  • Wales

How to Prepare

• Tailor your CV to NHS standards.

• Highlight:

  • Communication skills

  • Clinical expertise

  • OET/IELTS readiness

• Prepare for online interviews focused on NHS values.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

• Issued by the employer

• Required for visa application

• In 2025, CoS for lower-priority roles is restricted due to policy tightening.

Visa Requirements and Application Process (2025)

International healthcare professionals must apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa, part of the Skilled Worker route.

Eligibility Criteria

• Job offer under:

  • SOC 2211 – Doctors

  • SOC 2231 – Nurses

• Minimum salary: £29,000 or the job's going rate

• Employer must be a licensed sponsor

Visa Costs

• Application Fee: £232 – £1,420

• IHS Fee: £1,035 per year

• Must show £1,270 maintenance funds, unless employer certifies support.

Dependent Rules

• Spouse and children allowed

• New 2025 rules may limit the number of dependent children in some categories

Sponsor Compliance

• UK tightening sponsor audits in 2025

• Ensure employer is reputable and compliant

Tips for International Doctors & Nurses Moving to the UK

• Understand NHS systems (electronic records, protocols)

• Practice communication through platforms like oetpro.com

• Join professional bodies:

  • Royal College of Nursing (RCN)

  • British Medical Association (BMA)

• Prepare financially (London living costs can start from £1,500/month)

• Learn UK workplace culture:

  • Teamwork

  • Punctuality

  • Documentation accuracy

• Stay mentally prepared; NHS roles can be demanding

• Participate in Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Final Thoughts

Moving to the UK as a doctor or nurse in 2025 is still a rewarding opportunity, despite tighter policies and reduced international recruitment numbers. With proper planning meeting eligibility requirements, securing registration, preparing for exams, and obtaining a job offer you can successfully build a stable, respected career in one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems.