Nursing in United Kingdom
Nursing in the UK for Nepali Nurses — NMC CBT, OSCE & Health and Care Visa 2026
The UK is the most accessible nursing destination for Nepali nurses — the NMC Computer-Based Test (CBT) is available in Kathmandu, meaning you can complete a major licensing step without leaving Nepal. The Health and Care Worker Visa is a fast-track 5-year route with a clear path to Indefinite Leave to Remain.
- NMC
- Licensing body
- English
- Language required
- GBP 28,000–42,000/year NHS
- Salary/year
- 12–20 months
- Timeline
Requirements overview
Licensing body
NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) — provisional then full registration
Language requirement
English — IELTS Academic 7.0 (no band < 7.0) OR OET Grade B
Visa pathway
Health and Care Worker Visa (5-year) — fast-track, reduced fees
Annual salary
GBP 28,000–42,000/year NHS (Band 5–6) ≈ NPR 46–70 lakh
Required exams:
Step-by-step: how to work as a nurse in United Kingdom
- 1
Why the UK is accessible for Nepali nurses
The NMC CBT (Computer-Based Test) is available at Pearson VUE centres in Kathmandu — specifically in New Baneshwor. This is a significant advantage: Nepali nurses can pass the CBT without the cost and logistics of travelling to India (unlike the USA's NCLEX). The NHS faces a structural shortage of 40,000+ nurses. UK hospitals recruit internationally through the Home Office Health and Care Worker Visa — a dedicated fast-track visa with reduced application fees for healthcare workers and their dependants. The UK pathway moves faster than the USA: most Nepali nurses arrive in the UK within 12–18 months of starting the NMC process. The ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain, equivalent to permanent residency) is available after 5 years.
Key milestone - 2
NMC overseas application and CBT
Start by applying to the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) as an overseas nurse at nmc.org.uk. Submit: Nepal nursing degree certificate, official transcripts, proof of Nepal Nursing Council registration, and your English test result (IELTS 7.0 or OET B). Once the NMC processes your overseas application (6–12 weeks), you receive an invitation to sit the CBT. The NMC CBT is available at Pearson VUE centres in Kathmandu, New Baneshwor. It has two parts: Part A (nursing knowledge — 60 questions, 75 minutes) and Part B (clinical skills knowledge — 80 questions, 120 minutes). Pass mark: 65% per part. CBT preparation resources: NMC approved online preparation platforms include Archer Review and ReadiNurse. Most Nepali nurses prepare for 6–8 weeks. The CBT tests UK nursing knowledge (NMC standards, medicines management, mental health law) — not just general nursing content.
Key milestone - 3
NMC provisional registration and job offer
After passing both CBT parts, the NMC grants provisional registration. With provisional registration, you can legally work in the UK as a supervised nurse. UK employers (NHS Trusts, private hospitals, care homes) will now consider your application. Most UK employers who hire overseas nurses sponsor the Health and Care Worker Visa. The employer files the visa certificate of sponsorship. You pay the visa fee (currently GBP 284 for 5 years, reduced for healthcare workers) plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS — currently GBP 776/year, waived for NHS employees since 2023). Finding a UK nursing job: NHS Jobs (jobs.nhs.uk), Nursing Times Jobs, and specialist agencies (Sanctuary Health, Pulse Nursing, Global Medics). Most agencies specialise in Nepali and South Asian nurse recruitment for the UK.
Key milestone - 4
OSCE — the final practical exam
After arriving in the UK on the Health and Care Worker Visa, you have up to 2 years to pass the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination). The OSCE is a practical exam at NMC-approved test centres across the UK (London, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds). The OSCE has 10 stations testing clinical skills: medicines administration, hand hygiene, catheterisation, wound care, BLS, and more. Each station is 10 minutes. Pass mark: a minimum score across all stations. Most candidates pass on their first attempt with adequate preparation. Your NHS Trust employer provides an OSCE preparation programme: typically 3–6 months of clinical placements with a supervisor (preceptor), plus mock OSCE sessions. The Trust funds your first two OSCE attempts. After passing, the NMC converts your provisional registration to full registration.
Key milestone - 5
NHS salary bands and career progression
NHS nurses are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scale. Band 5 (newly qualified RN, most overseas nurses start here): GBP 29,970–36,483/year (2024 pay scales). Band 6 (senior/specialist RN, clinical charge nurse): GBP 37,338–44,962/year. Band 7 (ward manager, advanced nurse practitioner): GBP 46,148–52,809/year. London weighting allowance adds GBP 3,000–5,000/year for nurses working in Greater London. Private hospital and care home pay varies — often Band 5 equivalent or slightly above. Agency nursing pays a daily rate (GBP 150–250/day) but without employment benefits. After ILR (5 years), UK nursing qualifications and experience are highly portable — Nepali nurses with UK NMC registration can also work in Australia (with AHPRA), Ireland, and other Commonwealth countries with streamlined recognition.
Key milestone
Frequently asked questions
Is the NMC CBT exam available in Nepal?+
Yes — the NMC Computer-Based Test is available at Pearson VUE centres in Kathmandu (New Baneshwor). This is the most significant advantage of the UK pathway for Nepali nurses. You can pass the CBT without leaving Nepal and apply for UK nursing jobs with provisional NMC registration.
How long does NMC registration take for Nepali nurses?+
From starting the NMC overseas application to arriving in the UK: 9–18 months. Breakdown: NMC application review: 6–12 weeks. CBT preparation: 6–8 weeks. CBT to provisional registration: 2–4 weeks. Job offer + visa: 4–8 weeks. Total: 6–12 months after passing CBT. Add English test prep if needed.
What is the difference between CBT and OSCE?+
CBT is a theory exam (multiple choice, sat in Kathmandu before the visa). OSCE is a practical clinical exam (sat in the UK after you arrive). Both are required for full NMC registration. The CBT is done first; the OSCE is completed within 2 years of arriving in the UK.
Does the NHS sponsor Health and Care Worker Visas for Nepali nurses?+
Yes — NHS Trusts are registered Home Office sponsors and regularly sponsor overseas nurses. The Health and Care Worker Visa is a dedicated fast-track route with reduced fees. NHS employees are also exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (saving GBP 776/year per person).
Is OET better than IELTS for NMC registration?+
Both are equally accepted by the NMC (OET Grade B or IELTS Academic 7.0, no band below 7.0). Many Nepali nurses prefer OET because the healthcare-specific scenarios feel more natural. If you have an existing IELTS result meeting the standard, use it. If starting fresh, OET is often more achievable in fewer sittings for clinical nurses.
What happens if I fail the OSCE?+
You have three attempts within the provisional registration period (up to 2 years). Your employer funds the first two attempts. Failing three times causes provisional registration to lapse — you must re-apply to the NMC. With adequate OSCE preparation (most NHS Trusts provide 3–6 months of structured preparation), failure is uncommon.
Can my family come with me on the Health and Care Worker Visa?+
Yes — spouse, civil partner, and children under 18 can join as dependants. Dependants receive the right to work in the UK in any sector. The IHS fee for dependants is reduced if you work for the NHS. After 5 years continuous residence, the whole family can apply for ILR together.
Can I move from the UK to Australia after getting UK NMC registration?+
Yes — UK NMC registration is internationally portable. AHPRA (Australia) and NMBA have a mutual recognition pathway for UK-registered nurses that is faster than the standard overseas route. After gaining 1–2 years UK experience, many Nepali nurses use the UK-registered status to fast-track AHPRA registration for Australian PR.
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