Mary had always dreamed of working as a nurse in the UK. She had heard that the UK was a great place for nurses to work, with good pay, excellent working conditions, and a high standard of living. However, Mary had yet to learn how much it would cost to sponsor herself and move to the UK.
Suppose you’re a nurse like Mary and considering self-sponsorship to the UK. In that case, this comprehensive guide will provide all the information you need about the cost breakdown, visa requirements, and other essential information.
Can I Sponsor Myself in the UK?
Yes, you can. If you’re a qualified nurse with a degree from a recognized institution, you can apply for a Tier 2 (General) visa. The Tier 2 (General) visa is a work visa that allows skilled workers to work in the UK for up to five years.
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To be eligible for the Tier 2 (General) visa, you must have a job offer from a UK employer willing to sponsor your visa. However, if you can’t find an employer to sponsor your visa, you can support yourself by setting up your own company and becoming a director. This will allow you to apply for a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa.
How Much is a Self-Sponsored Visa in the UK?
The cost of a self-sponsored visa in the UK depends on the type of visa you’re applying for. For the Tier 2 (General) visa, the application fee is currently £610, while the healthcare surcharge is £624 per year. If you plan to stay in the UK for five years, you’ll need to pay a total of £3,110 for the visa application fee and £3,120 for the healthcare surcharge.
For the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa, the application fee is currently £1,021, and the healthcare surcharge is £624 per year. So if you plan to stay in the UK for five years, you’ll need to pay a total of £6,125 for the visa application fee and £3,120 for the healthcare surcharge.
How Can I Move to the UK as a Nurse?
To move to the UK as a nurse, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Check if you’re eligible for the Tier 2 (General) visa. You must have a job offer from a UK employer willing to sponsor your visa.
- If you can’t find an employer to sponsor your visa, you can set up your own company and become a director. This will allow you to apply for a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa.
- Apply for the visa online or at a visa application center in your country.
- Provide the necessary documents, such as your passport, visa application form, job offer letter, and proof of your qualifications.
- Pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge.
- Wait for a decision on your visa application.
- Once your visa is approved, you can travel to the UK and work as a nurse.
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What Do Nurses Need to Work in the UK?
To work as a nurse in the UK, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
- You must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
- You must have the right to work in the UK.
- You must have a valid visa or work permit.
- You must have a job offer from a UK employer.
- You must meet the English language requirements.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Nurse in the UK?
To become a nurse in the UK, you must complete a nursing degree from a recognized institution. The cost of a nursing degree in the UK varies depending on the institution and the type of program you choose.
On average, the cost of a nursing degree in the UK ranges from £9,000 to £12,000 per year for UK and EU students. However, for international students, the cost can be significantly higher, ranging from £10,000 to £26,000 per year.
In addition to tuition fees, you’ll also need to consider other costs, such as accommodation, transportation, and living expenses. These costs can vary depending on the location and your personal preferences.
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Cost Breakdown for Nurses Self-Sponsorship to UK
If you’re a nurse considering self-sponsorship in the UK, here’s a breakdown of the costs you can expect to incur:
- Visa Application Fee: £610 (Tier 2) or £1,021 (Tier 1)
- Healthcare Surcharge: £624 per year
- Nursing Degree: £9,000 to £12,000 per year (UK/EU students) or £10,000 to £26,000 per year (international students)
- Accommodation: £300 to £800 per month
- Living Expenses: £600 to £1,200 per month
- Transportation: £100 to £300 per month
It’s important to note that these costs are estimates and can vary depending on your circumstances, location, and lifestyle.
What Type of Nurses are in High Demand in the UK?
There is a high demand for nurses in the UK, especially in the NHS (National Health Service). However, according to a report by the Royal College of Nursing, the NHS had a shortage of 40,000 nurses in 2019.
The most in-demand nursing specialties in the UK include:
- Adult nursing
- Mental health nursing
- Learning disability nursing
- Children’s nursing
- Midwifery
If you’re a nurse with experience in any of these specialties, you will likely have good job prospects in the UK.
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Conclusion
Moving to the UK as a nurse can be a great career opportunity, but it’s essential to consider the costs involved in self-sponsorship. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can apply for the appropriate visa and become eligible to work in the UK.
Remember to factor in the costs of your nursing degree, accommodation, living expenses, and transportation when calculating the total cost of self-sponsorship. With the right qualifications and experience, you can find job opportunities in the UK and enjoy a fulfilling career as a nurse.