Coming to work in the UK

Changes to the NMC's processes for overseas-trained applicants

From 15 September 2008, the NMC will process all applications from nurses and midwives who qualified outside the European Economic Area (EEA) via the overseas route. If nurses received their training outside the EEA, and have not been registered and practised in another EU Member State for three years, they will follow the NMC's overseas route.

This applies equally to overseas trained nurses and midwives who hold EU nationality or EC Treaty Rights, including UK nationals.

For more information log onto the NMC website (www.nmc-uk.org).

Nurses trained in the EU/EEA

If you are a national of a European Union (EU) or a European Economic Area (EEA) country and trained as a registered nurse (general nursing) and/or midwife in an EU country you are free to seek employment or further training in the UK.

Go to: Nurses from the EU/EEA.

Nurses trained outside the EU/EEA

If you are from outside the EU or EEA, you need to undertake an Overseas Nursing Programme (ONP). For useful contacts go to the RCN International office.

See: Nurses from outside the EU/EEA.

Overseas Nursing Programme (ONP)

Read more on the Overseas Nursing Programme.

RCN Immigration Advice Service

In this section you will find information on the comprehensive service offered by the RCN Immigration Advice Service.

The RCN Immigration Advice Service is a confidential service offered to both our members and those wishing to join the RCN. In this section you can also find key contacts and useful websites that offer further information on working in the UK.