International Recruitment

Cromwell Medical Staffing is a leading healthcare agency dedicated to our candidates and clients across the UK.

Cromwell International recruit international nurses for permanent positions within the NHS in the UK. Permanent employees work directly for the employer on a contractual basis meaning they are paid directly by the employer. There is no pre-determined end date to their contract.

We recruit Band 5 Registered Nurses, Midwives, ITU and HDU Nurses, Accident & Emergency Nurses, Mental Health Nurses, Children’s Nurses, and Carers.

We also recruit Allied Health Professionals, Radiographers, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Paediatrists and Biomedical Scientists.

What’s the difference between permanent and international?

International candidates can only work in the UK if they have a certificate of sponsorship which is paid directly by the trust.

Permanent means they already have right to work in the UK and can work freely without the requirement of a VISA or sponsorship.

Benefits of becoming a permanent member of staff

Being permanent usually comes with a huge range of benefits, especially when working within the NHS.

You will have a guaranteed salary, job security and you will receive paid holiday that can range from 20 to 25 days, plus bank holidays.

Another major benefit of working permanently in the NHS is the NHS pension scheme.

Most employers will also offer permanent staff continued professional development and training which you have to source yourself as a temporary worker.

Benefits of working in the UK

Most employers whether NHS or Private healthcare organisations will reimburse candidates for the expenses occurred registering with the NMC and the relation costs. Most relocation packages include:

Benefits of working as an international Nurse:

VISA Costs paid for
IELTS/OET reimbursement
Flights to the UK paid for
CBT exam reimbursement
OSCE training and test paid for
2 Months accommodation paid for

Benefits of working as an Allied Health Professional:

HCPC fee reimbursed
IELTS reimbursed
VISA paid for
Free accommodation
Flights paid for
Certificate of sponsorship for 3-5 years

How to become registered with the NMC and HCPC as an international candidate

International HCPC process

International NMC process

The application stages of joining Cromwell International

CV submission
Pre-screening telephone interview
Formal interview
Offer
Pre-employment checks
Start date and staff enrolment training

After a successful interview and an agreed start date the employer will issue a certificate of sponsorship. The nurse is required to have the COS number when making their VISA application. The type of VISA required for a nursing position in the UK is the Health and Care Worker VISA.

Our Recruitment Process

We have several roles available for international nurses across the UK.

The recruitment process for international candidates takes approximately 12 weeks from CV submission to landing. This includes all pre-employment checks including references, police checks, application forms etc and time processing the certificate of sponsorship and VISA requirements.

The recruitment process for permanent candidates takes 4-8 weeks as this is usually dependent on notice periods and employment checks.

In the UK, recruitment from overseas is governed by the UK Code of Practice for international recruitment. The aim of the Code of Practice is to promote high standards of practice in international recruitment and employment of healthcare professionals and we only recruit based on this ethical practice.

Due to Cromwell Medical's dedication to supporting the code of conduct for international recruitment, we are forbidden from actively recruiting from any countries on the safeguarding list, due code of conduct set by the World Health Organisation.

Meet the team

Meet our dedicated team:

Alice McConnell

Head of International and Permanent Recruitment

Jinu Jacob

International Account Manager

Divya Vats

Principal Consultant

What do you need to work as an International Nurse?

Must have registered with the Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC) Registration via the international route to work as a qualified Nurse in the UK
Must have right to work in the UK via Sponsorship and VISAs
International candidates – Must have Part 1 NMC which includes evidence of passing the Computer Based Test and English-speaking proof either IELTS or OET
Part 2 NMC – OSCE training and exam will happen when you arrive in the UK
Most employers whether NHS or private healthcare will expect all international nurses to have a minimum of 6 to 12 month experience working as a qualified nurse in their home countries.

What do you need to work in the UK as an international Allied Health Professional?

Must have registered with the Health Care Professional Council as an international allied health professional
Must have English Language certification if applicable
Must have right to work in the UK via visa and sponsorship
Most employers whether NHS or private healthcare will expect all international AHPs to have a minimum of 6 to 12 month experience working as a qualified nurse in their home countries.