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Overseas qualified nurses and midwives

Who should apply

This page explains who needs to apply for permission to enter the United Kingdom as an overseas qualified nurse or midwife.

In order to be able to work as a nurse or midwife in the United Kingdom, you must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). If you are an overseas trained nurse or midwife, you can only apply for registration with the NMC if your qualifications are recognised by the NMC.

Nurses

As an overseas trained nurse, you are required to undertake 20 days protected learning before you can register with NMC. You may also have to undertake a period of supervised practice; the NMC will decide whether you need to undertake the supervised practice. Further details on how the NMC assess overseas trained nurses can be found on their website.

If you are only required to undertake 20 days protected learning, your employer can apply for a work permit on your behalf. The work permit section provides more information on this process.

If you are required to undertake a period of supervised practice, you will need to apply for permission to enter the United Kingdom as an overseas qualified nurse. You should read the page on eligibility for the requirements you need to meet.

Midwives

If you are overseas trained midwife you are required to undertake 20 days protected learning and a midwifery adaption programme before you can register with the NMC. You will need to apply for permission to enter the United Kingdom as an overseas qualified midwife. You should read the page on eligibility for the requirements you need to meet.

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