Coronavirus (Covid-19): NHS Update for Overseas Nurses
NMC recognise that the UK health and social care system relies on the excellent care given by professionals from other countries.
They’re doing everything they can to support overseas candidates with their registration. This page explains some recent changes.
NMC will continue to update this page with the latest information.
Test of competence Part 1: CBT
The computer based test (CBT) is operated by their partner, Pearson Vue. Pearson Vue’s international test centre availability currently depends on location and national government restrictions. Check the Pearson Vue website for more information on their availability in your country.
Part 2: OSCE
The Objective Structure Clinical Examination (OSCE) is operated by three universities in the UK: Oxford Brookes University, University of Northampton and Ulster University.
Following the latest advice from the UK Government, all three test centres have suspended OSCE tests until further notice.
NMC appreciate that this is upsetting for a number of candidates, but this decision has been made with the safety of you and university staff in mind.
If your OSCE has been cancelled, please contact your trust or recruiter. You will not receive an automatic refund, but you will be able to rebook your OSCE without cost when the test centres reopen. Unfortunately at these uncertain times they do not know when this will be.
If you have an opportunity to contribute to the health and social care workforce in a non-registered capacity they would encourage you to do this while they work out next steps.
Change to CBT validity period
As some candidates are unable to book and take their OSCE currently, they are extending the validity period of CBT results expiring between 1 March 2020 and 31 August 2020 by six months. This is so you have time to complete your OSCE when test centres reopen.
You don’t need to do anything or contact us to have this change applied to your application, they’re updating this for you. If you have any other questions about your application, please contact us.
Temporary overseas registration
NMC knows there are large numbers of highly skilled overseas nurses who are unable to practise in the UK because the OSCE test sites have closed. They're appreciate the importance of getting these highly skilled candidates into the frontline workforce as quickly and safely as possible.
From Monday 6 April 2020, they are inviting eligible overseas candidates to join the Covid-19 temporary register.
Find out more about temporary registration for eligible overseas candidates.
UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) implications
On 31 March 2020, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) announced that they will extend some visas until the end of the year.
For more information on changes to UK immigration and borders due to coronavirus, please visit the UKVI website.