What English test do Nigerian nurses need for NMC?

You need OET (minimum Grade B in all four skills) or IELTS UKVI Academic (7.0 overall, no element below 6.5). OET is often preferred by nurses as it uses healthcare scenarios.

How long does it take a Nigerian nurse to get registered in the UK?

Typically 6 to 18 months. This includes preparing for and passing CBT, finding a sponsoring employer, completing the OSCE in the UK, and waiting for NMC registration confirmation.

What is the salary for a Nigerian nurse in the UK?

NHS Band 5 starts at approximately £29,970. After gaining experience and progressing to Band 6, salaries reach £37,338 to £44,962. London weighting adds approximately £5,000 to £6,000.

Do Nigerian nurses need a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK?

Yes. You need a Skilled Worker visa sponsored by an NHS Trust or approved private healthcare employer. Your employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) which you use to apply.

Nigerian Nurses in the UK: NMC Registration, OET, Skilled Worker Visa 2026 Guide

Q: Can Nigerian nurses work in the UK?

Yes. Nigerian nurses can register with the NMC and work in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa. You need to pass the NMC CBT, OSCE and an approved English language test such as OET or IELTS UKVI.

Quick summary: Nigerian nurses can work in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa. You need to pass the NMC CBT (computer-based test), an English test (OET or IELTS UKVI), secure a sponsoring employer, then pass the OSCE (Observed Structured Clinical Examination) in the UK to gain full NMC registration. The full process typically takes 6 to 18 months.

Step-by-step pathway for Nigerian nurses

Verify your Nigerian nursing qualification

The NMC accepts degrees from recognised Nigerian nursing schools. You must hold a degree-level qualification (BSc Nursing or equivalent). A diploma may need additional top-up training. Check the NMC website for your specific qualification category.

Pass an approved English language test

You need either OET (Grade B in all four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) or IELTS UKVI Academic (7.0 overall, minimum 6.5 in each element). OET is designed for healthcare professionals and uses clinical scenarios, so many Nigerian nurses find it more relevant.

Apply to the NMC and pass the CBT

Submit your NMC application with your qualification documents and English test results. If approved, you will sit the NMC CBT, a computer-based nursing knowledge test available at test centres in Nigeria (Lagos and Abuja) as well as the UK.

Find a UK employer who can sponsor you

Your employer must hold a Skilled Worker sponsor licence. NHS Trusts, private hospitals and care providers can sponsor Nigerian nurses. They issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) tied to your job offer. Use VisaPath Pro's COS Jobs tool to find verified sponsors.

Apply for your Skilled Worker visa

With a CoS from your employer and a conditional NMC offer, you apply for a Skilled Worker visa. Processing takes 3 to 8 weeks. The current visa application fee (2026) is £1,420 for up to 3 years. Your employer may cover this cost, especially NHS Trusts.

Complete your OSCE in the UK

After arriving, you work under supervision and complete the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). This is a practical clinical skills test held at approved test centres. On passing, the NMC grants full registration and you can practise independently.

English test requirements for Nigerian nurses

Test	Minimum Score	Validity	Notes
OET (Occupational English Test)	Grade B in all 4 skills	2 years	Healthcare-specific scenarios. Recommended for nurses.
IELTS UKVI Academic	7.0 overall, 6.5 in each	2 years	General academic format. Accepted by NMC.
PTE Academic UKVI	65 overall, 59 in each	2 years	Computer-based. Less common for nursing.
LanguageCert SELT	B2 in all skills	2 years	Accepted for NMC and visa purposes.

NHS salary bands for nurses in the UK (2026)

Band	Role	Salary Range	London Supplement
Band 5	Registered Nurse (newly qualified)	£29,970 to £36,483	+£5,132
Band 6	Specialist / Senior Nurse	£37,338 to £44,962	+£5,765
Band 7	Advanced Nurse Practitioner	£46,148 to £52,809	+£6,469
Band 8a	Nurse Consultant / Lead	£53,755 to £60,504	+£7,128

Important: Nigerian nurses arriving in the UK as Band 5 often progress to Band 6 within 2 to 3 years with experience and further training. The NHS also offers a clinical career ladder, preceptorship programmes and CPD funding.

NMC CBT exam: what to expect

The NMC CBT is a 120-question multiple choice exam covering nursing knowledge across four domains: professional values, communication, nursing practice and leadership. You have 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete it. The pass mark is approximately 60%. VisaPath Pro has over 3,200 practice exam questions including CBT-style nursing questions.

CBT test centres in Nigeria:
Lagos (Victoria Island) and Abuja. Available most weekdays. Book through Pearson VUE.

CBT results:
You receive results immediately at the test centre. A pass is valid for 2 years while you complete the rest of the NMC process.

Skilled Worker visa costs and requirements (2026)

Cost	Amount	Who pays
Visa application fee (up to 3 years)	£1,420	Applicant or employer
Visa application fee (over 3 years)	£2,770	Applicant or employer
Immigration Health Surcharge (per year)	£1,035	Applicant
Biometric enrolment	Included	Applicant
Certificate of Sponsorship	Employer covers	Employer

NHS Trusts commonly cover visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the recruitment package for international nurses. Always confirm this with your employer before applying.

Frequently asked questions

Can Nigerian nurses work in the UK without IELTS?

Yes. You can use OET instead of IELTS UKVI. OET (Occupational English Test) is specifically designed for healthcare professionals and is accepted by both the NMC and the Home Office for visa purposes. Many Nigerian nurses prefer OET because the content is clinical and more relevant to their work.

Can my family come with me to the UK?

Yes. Your spouse, civil partner and children under 18 can apply as Skilled Worker dependants. They can live and work in the UK while your visa is valid. Dependant visa fees apply separately per person.

How many years until I can apply for ILR (permanent residence)?

After 5 continuous years on a Skilled Worker visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After a further year of ILR, you may be eligible for British citizenship, subject to the Life in the UK test and other requirements.

Do I need to take the Life in the UK test?

The Life in the UK test is required when you apply for ILR (indefinite leave to remain) after 5 years, not when you first arrive. It tests knowledge of British history, culture and values. VisaPath Pro has a full practice test module to help you prepare.

Which NHS Trust recruits the most Nigerian nurses?

Many NHS Trusts in England, Scotland and Wales actively recruit internationally. Trusts in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds are particularly active. Use VisaPath Pro's COS Jobs tool to search by sector and city for verified nurse sponsoring employers.

Practice your NMC CBT and OET on VisaPath Pro

3,200+ exam questions covering NMC CBT, OET, IELTS UKVI, Life in the UK and more. Use our VisaScore tool to check your Skilled Worker visa eligibility before you apply.

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This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently. Always verify requirements on the official NMC website and GOV.UK before making decisions.

Nigerian Nurses Coming to the UK: Complete 2026 Guide