Nurse work visas abroad

THE ORDER

1. License first, visa second

• Register with the nursing regulatorAll five countries here require it
• Then the visaMost routes need a job offer from an approved employer
• Rules changeCheck the official sites the day you apply

UNITED KINGDOM

2. Health and Care Worker visa

• Job offer + sponsorshipFrom a Home Office-approved employer
• English at level B2An NMC-accepted test can count
• Join the NMC registerTest of Competence: a computer test, then an OSCE

Sources: gov.uk; Nursing and Midwifery Council.

AUSTRALIA

3. Skills in Demand visa (482)

• Employer-sponsoredYour employer nominates you first
• ExperienceAt least 1 year in your occupation
• Register with the NMBAThrough Ahpra; US RNs may qualify for a faster route
• No sponsor?Subclass 189 is points-tested and needs an ANMAC skills assessment

Sources: Home Affairs; ANMAC; Ahpra.

CANADA

4. Express Entry healthcare draws

• Registered nurses qualifyHealthcare has its own category-based draws
• Experience12 months full-time in the last 3 years
• Register with the provinceNNAS is the first step in most provinces
• British ColumbiaHas a faster pathway for US RNs

Sources: IRCC (canada.ca); NNAS; BCCNM.

NEW ZEALAND + IRELAND

5. Two more routes

• NZ: Straight to ResidenceGreen List Tier 1 job, accredited employer, age 55 or under
• NZ: register firstNursing Council registration comes before the visa
• Ireland: Critical Skills permitRegistered nurses are on the list; job offer of 2+ years
• Ireland: registerWith NMBI

Sources: Immigration NZ; enterprise.gov.ie; NMBI. Check the current Green List.

US TAXES

6. You still file a US return

• Same filing rules abroadGenerally the same as at home
• Foreign earned income exclusionUp to $132,900 for tax year 2026, if you qualify

Source: IRS. Checked Oct 8, 2026. Educational only, not immigration, legal or tax advice. Rules, pay and costs change; confirm with the country's nursing regulator and immigration authority.