Relocating to the United Kingdom as a doctor or nurse remains a compelling option for healthcare professionals seeking advanced career opportunities within the National Health Service (NHS), one of the world's largest and most innovative healthcare systems. 

As of September 2025, the NHS continues to offer a diverse range of roles across specialties, with an ongoing emphasis on professional development, research integration, and patient-centred care. 

However, recent policy shifts, including a government directive in July 2025 to reduce the overseas recruitment of medics from 34% to under 10% annually, have introduced new challenges. This prioritizes domestic training while still welcoming qualified international talent in critical areas, such as general practice and mental health nursing. 

This push aligns with a 10-year workforce plan to bolster local staffing amid persistent shortages, projected at over 100,000 vacancies. For international applicants, the process demands meticulous preparation, from verifying qualifications to navigating visa hurdles. 

This comprehensive guide outlines the latest steps for 2025, incorporating updates such as streamlined digital registration portals and adjusted visa thresholds, to help doctors and nurses transition smoothly. Resources like oetpro.com can be invaluable for preparing for language proficiency, a key component of eligibility.

The appeal of the UK lies in its robust support for work-life balance, competitive salaries (starting at £29,000 for newly qualified nurses and £35,000 for foundation doctors, rising with experience), and access to cutting-edge facilities. 

However, with immigration changes effective from July 22, 2025, including restrictions on specific care roles and increased scrutiny of sponsorship, candidates must align their applications with high-demand sectors. 

Whether you're a seasoned consultant or a recent nursing graduate, grasping these requirements ensures a confident move, contributing to a system that serves over 67 million people.

Eligibility Criteria for Doctors and Nurses in the UK

Eligibility forms the foundation of relocation, ensuring professionals meet the UK's stringent standards for safe practice. As of 2025, criteria have been refined to emphasize equivalence with domestic training, amid efforts to curb over-reliance on international hires.

Eligibility Criteria for Doctors in the UK

• Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ): Your medical degree must be recognized by the General Medical Council (GMC). It should appear in the World Directory of Medical Schools, sponsored by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER). If not listed, you may need to pursue alternative pathways, such as the GMC's sponsorship scheme or additional assessments. In 2025, the GMC will expand recognition for qualifications from select non-EEA countries with robust accreditation, reducing barriers for graduates from institutions in India, Pakistan, and Nigeria, provided they meet clinical equivalence standards.

• English Language Proficiency: Proficiency is non-negotiable for patient safety. Options include the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module, requiring an overall score of 7.5 with no less than 7.0 in each section, or the Occupational English Test (OET), needing a B grade (350-440) in all four sub-tests. As of 2025, the GMC accepts "clubbing" of OET scores from tests within 12 months, allowing candidates to combine results for a valid overall profile. This flexibility aids those retaking sub-tests. Preparation through platforms like oetpro.com can optimize performance in healthcare-specific scenarios.

• Experience and Internship: Newly qualified doctors must complete a supervised internship equivalent to the UK's Foundation Programme Year 1 (F1). Experienced practitioners need to demonstrate at least three years of postgraduate training or practice, assessed via the GMC's Evidence of Knowledge and Skills (EKS) framework. In 2025, updates prioritize applicants with experience in underserved areas, such as rural general practice or emergency medicine, aligning with NHS recruitment goals.

• Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Test: For non-EEA/Swiss graduates, passing PLAB is often required. PLAB 1 is a written multiple-choice exam testing applied knowledge, available globally. PLAB 2 is a practical Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) held in Manchester, UK. As of 2025, PLAB fees have increased slightly to £255 for Part 1 and £935 for Part 2, with digital enhancements for remote proctoring in select locations. Exemptions apply for those with GMC-recognized postgraduate qualifications or sponsorship from UK royal colleges.

Eligibility Criteria for Nurses in the UK

• Recognized Nursing Qualification: Your diploma or degree must align with Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) standards, covering adult, child, mental health, or learning disability nursing. For non-EEA qualifications, the NMC evaluates equivalence through a comparability assessment. In 2025, the NMC introduced faster processing for qualifications from WFME-accredited programs, cutting review times from 90 to 60 days for eligible applicants.

• English Language Proficiency: Similar to doctors, nurses require IELTS 7.0 overall (no less than 7.0 per section) or OET B grades. The 2025 clubbing rule extends here, permitting score combinations within 12 months. This is particularly beneficial for international nurses, with oetpro.com offering targeted practice for OET's nursing modules.

• Nursing Practice Experience: Typically, at least 12 months of post-qualification experience is required, focusing on direct patient care. The NMC assesses this via a Test of Competence (ToC) portfolio. In 2025, the emphasis on experience in digital health records and telehealth reflects the NHS's modernization.

• Competency Test: Non-EEA nurses must pass the ToC, comprising a Computer-Based Test (CBT) on theoretical knowledge and an OSCE on practical skills. CBT can be taken worldwide, while OSCE is UK-based. Fees are £83 for CBT and £794 for OSCE, with 2025 updates including virtual reality simulations in OSCE for enhanced realism.

These criteria ensure only competent professionals enter the workforce, supporting the NHS's 2025 goal to fill 50,000 nursing vacancies through a mix of domestic and international recruitment.

Registration Process with the GMC and NMC

Registration legitimizes your practice in the UK, a mandatory step post-eligibility confirmation.

Registration Process for Doctors

• Create a GMC Online Account: Use the GMC's digital portal, updated in 2025 for biometric verification, to submit personal details and initiate applications.

• Submit Your Documents: Upload PMQ, experience proofs, English test results, and certificates of good standing. Processing takes 3-6 months, with 2025 fast-tracks for high-demand specialties.

• Pass the PLAB Test (if required): Complete both parts; 2025 sees increased test centers in Asia for PLAB 1.

• Identity Check and Final Steps: Attend a UK-based check; upon approval, receive your GMC number for provisional or complete registration.

Registration Process for Nurses

• Create an NMC Online Account: The 2025 portal features AI-assisted document uploads for efficiency.

• Submit Your Documents: Provide qualification, experience, and language proofs; NMC assessment follows.

• Complete the CBT and OSCE (if required): Pass these; 2025 includes adaptive testing in CBT for personalized difficulty.

• Identity Check and Final Steps: UK-based verification leads to NMC registration, valid for five years with revalidation.

How to Secure a Job Offer in the UK Healthcare System

Job offers are pivotal, especially with the reduced overseas intake in 2025.

• Understand the System: Focus on NHS Trusts facing shortages, like in northern England.

• Identify Opportunities: Use the NHS Jobs portal; 2025 sees prioritized listings for remote areas.

• Tailor CV and Cover Letter: Highlight transferable skills; emphasize OET preparation via oetpro.com.

• Prepare for Interviews: Practice NHS values; virtual formats are standard.

• Obtain References: Secure from prior employers.

• Apply for Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Employer-issued for visa; 2025 limits CoS for lower-priority roles.

• Network: Join LinkedIn groups, attend virtual fairs.

Visa Requirements and Application Process for Healthcare Professionals

The Health and Care Worker visa, part of the Skilled Worker route, is key. As of 2025, care workers are excluded, but doctors and nurses qualify.

• Eligibility: Job offer in an eligible occupation (SOC codes 2211 for doctors, 2231 for nurses), sponsor license, and salary threshold (£29,000 or going rate).

• Application Process: Apply online within three months of CoS; submit biometrics, pay £232-£1,420 fee plus £1,035/year IHS.

• Financial Proof: Show £1,270 maintenance or employer certification.

• Family Inclusion: Dependants allowed, with child thresholds.

• Compliance: Adhere to rules; 2025 changes include higher scrutiny on sponsorship.

Tips for International Medical Professionals Relocating to the UK

• Understand System: Study NHS digital tools.

• Adapt Culture: Embrace teamwork and punctuality.

• Communication: Hone via OET practice on oetpro.com.

• Laws: Know GDPR, prescribing rules.

• Finances: Budget for London costs (£1,500/month housing).

• Network: Join the BMA or the RCN.

• Cultural Embrace: Explore festivals.

• Weather Prep: Layer clothing.

• Well-being: Access NHS mental health support.

• CPD: Engage in NHS programs.

Relocating to the UK in 2025 as a doctor or nurse offers rewarding prospects amid evolving policies. By meeting criteria, registering, securing offers, and obtaining visas, you can thrive in the NHS.