Filipino Nurses Coming to the UK: Complete 2026 Guide

NMC registration, CBT exam, OET, Skilled Worker visa and salary guide for nurses from the Philippines moving to the UK.

Updated June 2026 BSN Accepted Skilled Worker Visa NHS Band 5+
Quick summary: Filipino nurses with a BSN and valid PRC licence are eligible to register with the NMC and work in the UK. The process involves passing the NMC CBT, an English test (OET or IELTS UKVI), securing a Skilled Worker visa with employer sponsorship, and completing the OSCE in the UK. The full pathway typically takes 6 to 18 months.

Step-by-step pathway for Filipino nurses

1

Confirm your Philippine nursing qualifications

The NMC accepts a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a Philippines Commission on Higher Education recognised institution, alongside a valid PRC (Professional Regulation Commission) nursing licence. Ensure your licence is current before applying.

2

Pass an approved English test

Filipino nurses typically choose OET (Grade B in all skills) or IELTS UKVI Academic (7.0 overall, 6.5 in each element). Since English is widely used in the Philippines, many Filipino nurses pass OET on their first attempt with focused preparation.

3

Apply to NMC and sit the CBT

Submit your NMC application with your BSN certificate, PRC licence and English test results. Once your documents are accepted, you sit the NMC CBT. Test centres are available in the Philippines (Manila) through Pearson VUE.

4

Find a UK employer to sponsor you

You need a job offer from a UK employer who holds a Skilled Worker sponsor licence. NHS Trusts, private hospitals and care homes actively recruit Filipino nurses. Your employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) which you need for your visa application.

5

Apply for your Skilled Worker visa

With your CoS, NMC conditional offer and English test results, you apply for a Skilled Worker visa. The nursing SOC code 2231 qualifies for this route. Processing typically takes 3 to 8 weeks from the Philippines.

6

Complete the OSCE in the UK

After arriving, you work under supervised practice and book your OSCE. This practical clinical assessment tests hands-on nursing skills. On passing, the NMC grants full registration and you can practise independently.

NHS salary for Filipino nurses (2026)

BandRoleAnnual SalaryLondon Rate
Band 5Registered Nurse£29,970 to £36,483£35,102 to £41,615
Band 6Senior / Specialist Nurse£37,338 to £44,962£43,103 to £50,727
Band 7Advanced Nurse Practitioner£46,148 to £52,809£52,617 to £59,278

Frequently asked questions

Do Filipino nurses need to do IELTS or OET?
You need one approved English test, either OET (Grade B in all four skills) or IELTS UKVI Academic (7.0 overall, 6.5 in each component). Both are accepted by the NMC and for the Skilled Worker visa. Many Filipino nurses find OET more relevant because the exam content is healthcare focused.
Is a PRC nursing licence enough for NMC registration?
A valid PRC licence is required as evidence that you are a registered nurse in the Philippines, but it is not sufficient on its own for NMC registration. You also need your BSN certificate, English test results, NMC CBT pass and to complete the OSCE in the UK.
Can my family come with me to the UK?
Yes. Spouses, civil partners and children under 18 can apply as dependants on your Skilled Worker visa. They are allowed to live and work in the UK. Separate visa fees apply for each dependant.
How many Filipino nurses work in the UK NHS?
Filipino nurses are one of the largest groups of internationally educated nurses in the UK NHS. Many NHS Trusts have established Filipino nursing communities and peer support networks, making the transition to UK practice more manageable.

Prepare for your NMC CBT and OET on VisaPath Pro

3,200+ exam questions covering NMC CBT, OET, IELTS UKVI and Life in the UK. VisaScore checks your Skilled Worker visa eligibility instantly.

Start Free Trial