A nurse visa is a work visa for qualified nurses hired by an overseas employer. Unlike most work visas, it runs on two tracks: you must be accepted by the destination’s nursing regulator before the immigration authority will grant the visa.
By Krosz Editorial Team · Reviewed by Krosz Visa Operations · Published 2026-10-13 · Updated 2026-10-13
Purpose
Working abroad as a registered nurse or midwife for a sponsoring employer.
Who is it for?
Qualified nurses (typically GNM or B.Sc. Nursing) with registration in their home country and an overseas job offer.
Typical application method
Professional registration with the destination regulator first, then a sponsored work-visa application, usually online plus biometrics.
Can Krosz help?
Krosz helps you understand the sequence and prepare the visa file once your registration step is in place. We are a private service, not a regulator or government authority.
Krosz does not publish fabricated processing times, fees, validity or stay durations. Country-specific figures appear only when pulled from Krosz's verified visa database.
Tell us where you're planning to travel and our team can help you understand the application process.
Overview
Most countries that recruit overseas nurses treat nursing as a regulated profession. That means a nurse cannot simply get a work visa and start work — the destination’s nursing council has to confirm that your training, experience and English meet its standard. Examples include the NMC in the UK, AHPRA in Australia, the NMBI in Ireland and provincial colleges (via NNAS) in Canada.
Registration usually involves an English test (IELTS Academic or OET are the most widely accepted), a credential check of your nursing degree and licence, and a competence assessment. In the UK, for example, overseas nurses sit a computer-based test (CBT) from home and a practical OSCE exam after arrival.
Once the regulator has accepted you (or given a decision letter allowing you to work while completing the last step), your employer sponsors the work visa. In the UK this is the Health and Care Worker visa, a specialist part of the Skilled Worker route for doctors, nurses and other eligible health professionals.
Exemptions depend on your nationality, the destination and your circumstances — always confirm for your exact combination.
Activities
Work as a nurse
Employment in the sponsored nursing role and setting.
Complete local exams
Sit remaining competence tests (such as an OSCE) after arrival where the route allows.
Bring family
Many nurse routes allow a spouse and children as dependants, subject to the rules.
Build towards residence
Long-term nurse routes often count towards settlement or permanent residence.
What you normally cannot do
Documents
Only documents relevant to this category are shown. Exact requirements vary by country — confirm for your destination.
Passport
Valid for the full planned stay with blank pages.
Nursing degree & transcripts
GNM / B.Sc. / M.Sc. certificates and mark sheets, often verified directly by your institution.
Home registration
State nursing council registration and a good-standing certificate.
English test result
IELTS Academic or OET at the score set by the destination regulator.
Regulator decision
Proof of registration or eligibility from the destination nursing council.
Job offer & sponsorship
Employer offer and the sponsorship reference the visa application needs.
Police clearance
PCC from India and countries where you have lived, if required.
Medical / TB test
Health checks or TB screening from an approved clinic where required.
Process
A category-specific application timeline. Steps may differ by destination and your circumstances.
Choose the country
Compare the regulator’s requirements, English score and experience rules for each destination before spending on tests.
Pass the English test
Book IELTS Academic or OET and reach the score the regulator sets for every band.
Apply to the regulator
Submit credentials and pay registration fees; complete any computer-based competence exam.
Secure a job offer
Get an offer from a licensed employer who can sponsor the visa.
Apply for the visa
File the sponsored work visa online, attend biometrics and submit documents.
Travel & finish registration
Complete any practical exam and final ID check after arrival, then start work as a registered nurse.
Krosz tool
Tell us where you want to travel and your passport. We'll route you to the right Krosz visa page.
Destinations
Only destinations where Krosz has verified data for this purpose are shown. We never claim every country offers a visa with the same name.
Krosz does not currently process this visa category for specific destinations.
Contact the relevant embassy or authority for the country you plan to visit, or for guidance.
Comparison
| Point of comparison | Nurse visa | Skilled worker visa |
|---|---|---|
| Professional licence | Mandatory regulator approval | Only for regulated jobs |
| English test | Set by the nursing regulator, usually high | Set by immigration rules |
| Order of steps | Registration before or alongside visa | Job offer then visa |
| Practical exam | Often required (e.g. OSCE) | Rare |
Be prepared
General, educational reasons relevant to this category. We never publish invented refusal rates.
Practical
FAQ
Tell us where you're planning to travel and our team can help you understand the application process.
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Krosz is a private visa & travel assistance service — not a government website, agency or embassy. Visas are granted solely by the relevant government authorities.
Krosz is a private visa assistance platform and is not affiliated with any government or embassy. Visa decisions are made by the relevant authorities. Last reviewed: 2026-10-13.
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