Travel_abroadNurse jobs in UK with visa sponsorship are one of the fastest ways for Nigerian nurses to build an international career. The UK’s NHS and care homes are actively hiring from abroad—and they don’t just want you, they’ll sponsor your visa, cover key costs, and even open a pathway to permanent residency after five years.
This guide gives you everything you need: the most in-demand nursing roles, salaries, trusted UK employers, requirements for Nigerian applicants, and a step-by-step roadmap to land your UK nursing job with sponsorship.
Top Nurse Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship (2025)
Not all nursing jobs are equal. These roles are in high demand, making sponsorship much easier to secure.
| Nursing Role | Employer Type | Average Salary (GBP/year) | Visa Route | In-Demand Regions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staff Nurse (Adult) | NHS hospitals | £27,055–£32,934 | Health & Care Worker Visa | Nationwide |
| Mental Health Nurse | NHS & care homes | £28,000–£34,000 | Health & Care Worker Visa | England, Scotland |
| Children’s Nurse | NHS hospitals | £27,055–£32,934 | Health & Care Worker Visa | London, Birmingham |
| Theatre/Operating Nurse | NHS Trusts, private hospitals | £30,000–£37,000 | Health & Care Worker Visa | Nationwide |
| Care Home Nurse | Care UK, Bupa, Agincare | £24,000–£30,000 | Health & Care Worker Visa | Rural England, Wales |
Action Tip: Start with NHS Band 5 nurse vacancies. They’re the entry point for most overseas nurses.
UK Employers Offering Nurse Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
These employers are trusted and regularly sponsor foreign nurses.
| Employer/Platform | Roles Hired | Visa Type | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS Jobs | Staff Nurses, Specialist Nurses | Health & Care Worker Visa | NHS Careers Portal |
| Care UK | Care Home Nurses | Health & Care Worker Visa | Care UK Careers |
| Bupa UK | Care Home & Clinic Nurses | Health & Care Worker Visa | Bupa Careers |
| Agincare | Care Home & Community Nurses | Health & Care Worker Visa | Agincare Careers |
| UK Sponsor List | All roles | Health & Care Worker Visa | Gov.UK Register of Licensed Sponsors |
Action Tip: Always cross-check employers on the official UK Licensed Sponsor Register.
The Visa Route: UK Health and Care Worker Visa
This is the visa that makes it possible for Nigerian nurses to work in the UK legally.
- Lower visa fees compared to other work visas.
- No NHS surcharge, saving you hundreds of pounds a year.
- Family sponsorship: spouse and kids can join you.
- Path to permanent residency (ILR) after 5 years.
- Fast processing: average 3 weeks from outside the UK.
Action Tip: Apply directly via the UK Gov Health & Care Worker Visa page.
Requirements for Nigerians Applying for Nurse Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship
Here’s the checklist Nigerian nurses need before applying.
| Requirement | What It Means for Nigerians |
|---|---|
| Nursing Degree/Diploma | BSc Nursing or equivalent. HND or diploma nurses must check NMC acceptance. |
| NMC Registration | Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC UK). |
| English Test | IELTS Academic (7.0 overall, 6.5 writing) or OET (B in listening/reading/speaking, C+ in writing). |
| CBT Test | NMC Computer-Based Test available in Nigeria. |
| OSCE Test | Taken in the UK after arrival. |
| TB Test | Required for Nigerians at IOM Lagos or Abuja. |
| Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) | Nigerian Police Character Certificate. |
| Passport | Must be valid for 18+ months. |
Action Tip: Start with IELTS/OET and NMC registration—they’re the biggest bottlenecks.
Step-by-Step: How Nigerians Can Apply for Nurse Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship
Here’s your exact roadmap from Lagos to London.
Step 1: Pass IELTS or OET
- Book IELTS Academic at IELTS Nigeria or OET via OET official site.
- Minimum scores: IELTS 7.0 overall (6.5 writing), OET B/C+.
Step 2: Apply for NMC Registration + CBT
- Register with NMC UK.
- Write the CBT (multiple-choice exam) in Nigeria.
Step 3: Search & Apply for Jobs
Step 4: Secure Job Offer + Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Employer issues a CoS, confirming your sponsorship.
Step 5: Apply for UK Health & Care Worker Visa
- Apply online via Gov.UK.
- Submit passport, IELTS/OET, CBT pass, TB certificate, PCC.
Step 6: Biometrics Appointment in Nigeria
- Book at TLS Contact Lagos or Abuja.
Step 7: Relocate, Take OSCE, Start Work
- Travel to the UK.
- Complete the OSCE within 3 months.
- Receive full NMC PIN → start practicing as a UK nurse.
Salaries and Benefits for Nurses in UK with Visa Sponsorship
Here’s what you’ll actually earn as a nurse in the UK.
| Role | NHS Band | Average Salary (GBP/year) | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff Nurse | Band 5 | £27,055–£32,934 | NHS pension, overtime pay |
| Senior Nurse | Band 6 | £33,706–£40,588 | Leadership allowance |
| Specialist Nurse | Band 7 | £41,659–£47,672 | Higher pay, management duties |
| Care Home Nurse | N/A | £24,000–£30,000 | Housing sometimes included |
Action Tip: Many care homes offer free accommodation for the first 3–6 months.
FAQs: Nurse Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship
Nigerian nurses ask these questions all the time—here are the answers.
1. Can Nigerian nurses apply for NHS jobs with sponsorship?
Yes. The NHS is actively recruiting nurses from Nigeria under the Health & Care Worker visa.
2. Do Nigerians need IELTS or OET?
Yes. You must pass either IELTS Academic or OET to register with NMC.
3. How long does the UK nurse visa take?
On average, 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK.
4. Can I bring my family?
Yes. Spouse and kids can join you; spouse gets a work permit, children can attend school.
5. What’s the path to permanent residency?
After 5 years on the Health & Care Worker visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
6. How do I avoid fake job offers?
Only apply via NHS Jobs or employers listed on the UK Licensed Sponsor Register.
Conclusion
Nurse jobs in UK with visa sponsorship are one of the most reliable ways for Nigerians to work abroad. With NHS shortages and high demand, you can move legally, earn £27k–£40k+ per year, and bring your family with you.
Your action steps today:
- Book IELTS or OET now.
- Register with NMC and sit the CBT in Nigeria.
- Apply only via NHS Jobs or licensed sponsors.
- Secure your offer, get your visa, and prepare for OSCE after arrival.
The opportunity is real—and it starts with one application.
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