ONP Visas and Work Permit Info Please?

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Specializes in ICU, Midwifery, Casualty.

Hi there :)

I'm a 50yr old nurse from South Africa and I would like to go work in the UK for a few years. I have completed the IELTS with 7.0 overall band score and have just sent off my initial request form for the ONP.

I must say that i am now very confused about what comes next! Do i apply for a visa now so that when i complete the ONP i can get straight to work? and if so, what type of visa do i apply for? I initially wanted to apply for a work permit so that i can stay for at least 5 years, but it seems as though you can't apply for one if you don't already have a job lined up for you in the UK.

Also, does anyone know how long it takes to register with the NMC after you have completed the ONP? I need to know how long it will be after i leave South Africa before i can actually start working and earning money!

Any information would be greatly appreciated guys!

Thanks :)

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

hi and welcome.

One issue I can see if you are not from the EU then it is very hard to get a work permit. You need to find an employer and they need to apply for the permit. Depending on your experience you may qualify but employer has to prove that they have not been able to employ someone from either the UK or EU. Immigration requires that employers employ from the UK first then EU before the rest of the world, unless you have a specialty in a short supply in the country. Employers I doubt will consider you until you have meet all NMC requirements

Couple websites which may help

http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/idischapter4/section7.pdf?view=Binary

http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/working_in_the_uk/en/homepage/work_permits0/work_permit_faqs.html

http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/working_in_the_uk/en/homepage/work_permits0/applying_for_a_work/business_and_commercial/shortage_occupations.Maincontent.0001.file.tmp/shortageocclist11_06.pdf

The last website gives a list of shortages occupation list and nurses are listed in the last page

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Specializes in ICU, Midwifery, Casualty.

Thanks so much for your help. These links are very useful :)

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