Nurse from HK wants to work in UK

[cathmanki]

Hi everyone, I am a RN from Hong Kong with three years experience in acute medical care. I have moved to UK for 5 months already because my finance is here. I'm in the process of registration with NMC and finished test 1. Thanks god, I passed. However, i wonder if any example can be shared that hospital willing to sponsor an Overseas nurse (non EU) to do test 2 and offer a position? I found it's difficult to find any information of recruitment of non eu RN here. Now I only have one month left before my visa expired. I know I dont have enough time to complete the registration within a month. (Assessment + test2)

So I want to know usually how an overseas nurse to find a hospital which willing to offer work visa sponsorship? Is it even I finish register with NMc doesn't mean I can practise in any hospital because i have to undergo the overseas nurse programme? I hope you guys can give me more information here. I really feel frastruared that have to deal with the visa and the the fact that I need to leave UK soon. I don't know what can I do..

[EDRNBSNMI12]

Hi cathmanki,

It sounds as though we are in somewhat similar situations. Although, I am from the USA.

I am also in the assessment stage of the registration process. As far as I can tell, under the new overseas nurse registration process, you can either gain entry to take the OSCE under a business visitor visa, or a work visa. However, obtaining a work visa prior to testing (and becoming officially registered with the NMC) can prove to be very difficult. If you are lucky enough to find a registered nursing job, I've found that employers are unable to obtain your CoS (certificate of sponsorship) without an NMC nursing pin. This is because the job post that you'll ultimately be working in REQUIRES you to be a registered nurse.

So, in theory, even if you receive a job offer, you still are waiting on the NMC. You may have to make two more separate trips home and then back to the UK before you finally start working under a work visa.

It's quite a complicated and long process. I am not sure if my information helped you at all. I have found it confusing at times trying to obtain answers, but it seems like everyone is still adjusting to the new registration process? One day I called and spoke to a UK immigration officer, and they couldn't even give me clear answers in relation to immigration for nurses.

However, with all of that being said, I am remaining positive and hopeful. I wish you the best of luck in your quest to join your fiance to stay and work in the UK.

[cathmanki]

Hi, I'm happy that you reply my post. Yes, like you said, everybody is still adjusting the new system. I can't really find any useful information. Before I was planning to find a hospital sponsor me test 2 and offer me a position. Now I know it's not that easy. I think now I have to go back to Hong Kong and submit the documents to NMC and then all I have to do is wait. Phew.. Really not easy. Also, the whole process is really expansive, isn't it? IELTS, registration with NMC, test 1, assessment, test 2..

All we need are time, patience, and money. Haha. I wish you all the best too. It's always nice to have someone support and share information.

[Fredericklsh]

hello cathmanki,

i am planning to work in UK too, but i am not sure about the exams and test. what are included in it. i took a peek on the topics of those written exams, it covers all the topics!! like paediatric and mental health. are these test difficult? i would like to get more information about that.