Applying from overseas?

The NHS is the largest single employer in the UK, employing over a million people, five per cent of the UK's working population. Our workforce is extremely diverse and multi-cultural - just like our patients. We often look beyond the UK and Europe to attract the best talent. Applications are particularly welcome from professionally-qualified healthcare staff from outside of the UK.

Here are the main things to be aware of if you are applying for a job with the NHS from overseas.

Check the person specification

You will find a 'person specification' on all jobs advertised. This sets out the requirements you will need to have to be considered for the role. Make sure you have the relevant experience and qualifications before applying for a job. Only applicants who demonstrate clearly in their application form that they meet the essential criteria for the post will be considered for interview. For very popular posts, employers may only consider those applicants who also meet the desired criteria outlined on the person specification.

International recruitment of healthcare professionals

We follow the code of practice for the international recruitment of healthcare professionals. This promotes the best possible standards in international recruitment, and discourages any inappropriate practices that could harm other countries' healthcare systems or the interests of those who apply for posts.

Professional registration

If you are applying for a post that requires professional registration, you will need to register with the appropriate regulatory body.  Each regulatory body has a set of requirements that candidates are required to meet in order to successfully obtain registration which may include language competence (International English language Test IELTS), competence examination or Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE).

Right to work in the UK

A points-based system is the UK's immigration system for managing applications by individuals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland wishing to work, train or study in the UK. This system simplifies routes to employment and education in the UK to five tiers. If you come from outside the EEA, you need to gain points to qualify for a specific tier before you can apply to work in the UK. The number of points required varies for each tier but reflect the applicants' qualifications, experience, age, previous earnings and language competence.