For nurses in Kerala & Tamil Nadu
Nursing Abroad
NMC Registration, OET & UK Nursing Jobs
Kerala sends more nurses abroad than any other state in India. If you're a registered nurse, the UK route runs through NMC registration, an English test, the CBT and OSCE, and a sponsored job on the Health and Care Worker visa — which allows eligible dependants and leads towards settlement. AimBritz takes you through all of it.
The UK route
How NMC registration works
These are the stages every internationally trained nurse goes through. The exact requirements, grades and fees are set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council and change from time to time — we confirm what currently applies to your case before you spend anything.
- 01
Check you're eligible
You need a nursing qualification that lets you register in the country you trained in, plus proof of your registration and practice. AimBritz reviews your certificates and experience up front so you don't pay for tests you can't yet use.
- 02
Prove your English
The NMC accepts OET or IELTS Academic. OET is the route most Indian nurses take because it's healthcare-specific. Required grades are set by the NMC — we tell you the current threshold and help you plan the fastest route to it.
- 03
Pass the CBT
The Computer Based Test is the first part of the Test of Competence, a multiple-choice exam you can sit at a Pearson VUE centre in India. Your pass stays valid for a limited window, so timing it correctly against your OSCE matters.
- 04
Apply to the NMC
You submit your application with qualification, registration, health and character evidence. Document errors are the most common cause of delay — this is the stage we handle most closely.
- 05
Secure a job and sponsorship
You need a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence and a Certificate of Sponsorship, which supports your Health and Care Worker visa application.
- 06
Pass the OSCE in the UK
The Objective Structured Clinical Examination is taken at an approved centre in the UK, usually after you arrive, and many employers support you through it. Passing it completes your registration and you receive your NMC PIN.
The visa itself is the UK Health and Care Worker visa — a branch of the Skilled Worker route. See our UK Skilled Worker Visa guide for how sponsorship and salary thresholds work.
Where we place nurses
United Kingdom
NMCThe main route for Kerala nurses. NMC registration plus a Health and Care Worker visa, which allows dependants and leads towards settlement.
Ireland
NMBIRegistration through the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, often with an adaptation or aptitude requirement depending on your training.
Germany
State authoritiesRequires German language ability (usually B1–B2) and recognition of your qualification, with a nursing shortage driving strong demand.
Australia
AHPRA / NMBARegistration via AHPRA, typically with an outcome-based assessment for internationally qualified nurses.
How AimBritz helps
- 01Free eligibility review of your qualification, registration and experience
- 02OET / IELTS guidance — which test suits you and how to reach the required grade
- 03CBT preparation guidance and booking support
- 04NMC application and document preparation (the most common cause of delay)
- 05Help finding a sponsoring UK employer and understanding the Certificate of Sponsorship
- 06Health and Care Worker visa application, including dependants
- 07Pre-departure and post-arrival support once you land
Nurses across Kerala & Tamil Nadu
We work with nurses from across both states — from the nursing colleges of Central Travancore to hospitals in Kochi, Calicut, Trichy and Coimbatore. Counselling can start online, by phone, or at any of our offices.
Nursing abroad — FAQs
How can a nurse from Kerala work in the UK?
You register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and move on a Health and Care Worker visa. In practice that means proving your English (OET or IELTS Academic), passing the CBT in India, submitting your NMC application, securing a sponsored job offer, and passing the OSCE after you arrive in the UK. AimBritz guides Kerala and Tamil Nadu nurses through every one of those steps.
Do I need OET or IELTS for NMC registration?
The NMC accepts both OET and IELTS Academic. Most Indian nurses choose OET because it is healthcare-specific and many find it more practical. The required grades are set by the NMC and are updated from time to time — book a free consultation and we'll confirm the current requirement and the fastest route for your profile.
What is the CBT and OSCE?
Together they form the NMC Test of Competence. The CBT is a computer-based multiple-choice exam you can sit in India. The OSCE is a practical clinical exam taken at an approved centre in the UK, usually after you arrive — many employers support new nurses through it. Your CBT pass is valid for a limited period, so the two need to be sequenced carefully.
Can I take my family with me?
The UK Health and Care Worker visa generally allows eligible dependants to join you, subject to the current rules. Dependant policy has changed in recent years, so we confirm the position that applies to your case before you commit to anything.
Do I need a job offer before I start?
You need a job offer from a UK employer holding a sponsor licence, with a Certificate of Sponsorship, to apply for the visa. You can begin your English test and CBT before that. AimBritz helps you sequence the steps so you aren't waiting on one thing to start another.
Does AimBritz help nurses in Tamil Nadu too?
Yes. AimBritz supports nurses across Kerala and Tamil Nadu — with offices in Trivandrum, Kochi, Thiruvalla, Vizhinjam and Tiruchirappalli, plus online counselling. Call +91 97472 77233 for a free eligibility check.
