Hospitals around the world cannot find enough nurses, so they are hiring from abroad and, in many cases, paying for it. Some employers cover your visa, your exam fees, and even your flight.
This guide walks you through seven countries that actively recruit international nurses. You will see what each one costs, how long it takes, and where to apply. Fees change often, so confirm every figure on the official website before you pay.
Quick Comparison
| Country | Regulator | Main hurdle | Key figure |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | NMC | CBT and OSCE exams | About £1,226 in core NMC fees |
| Canada | Provincial regulators via NNAS | NCLEX-RN for most nurses | 4,000 invitations at CRS 475 (June 2026) |
| Australia | NMBA and Ahpra | Streamlined route, or NCLEX-RN plus OSCE | A$193 annual fee |
| Ireland | NMBI | Assessment, then competence test or adaptation | €350 assessment fee |
| Germany | State recognition office | B2 German | €3,187 to €4,013 monthly pay |
| United States | State boards | NCLEX-RN and EB-3 visa | EB-3 cutoff of 15 June 2024 |
| New Zealand | NCNZ | Competence assessment for some nurses | NZ$485 application fee |
1. United Kingdom
The NHS is the biggest international recruiter on this list. You need registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). That means a computer-based test (CBT) taken from home, then a practical exam (OSCE) in the UK.
The NMC raised its fees on 1 October 2026: the overseas e1valuation fee is now £167 and the entry registration fee is £182. Add the CBT at £83 and the OSCE at £794, and your core costs reach about £1,226.
After that, you pay £143 a year. Newly registered nurses start on NHS Band 5, roughly £28,407 to £34,581.
- Funding: Many trusts reimburse English test fees, provide housing while you prepare for the OSCE, and sponsor your visa.
- English: IELTS 7.0 or OET grade B.
- Deadline: None. Applications run year-round.
2. Canada
Canada is rolling out the welcome mat for healthcare workers. Most internationally educated nurses start with the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS), then register with a provincial regulator.
Registered nurses usually sit the NCLEX-RN exam. For permanent residence, Express Entry runs healthcare category draws. One draw on 25 June 2026 invited 4,000 candidates with a minimum score of 475, according to a law firm report.
Alberta also runs a Dedicated Health Care Pathway, but you need a job offer from an Alberta health employer.
- Funding: Some provinces and health authorities offer bursaries and transition support.
- Deadline: None for NNAS. Express Entry draws come with little notice, so keep your profile ready.
3. Australia
Since April 2025, nurses from certain comparable countries can use a streamlined registration route. Everyone else takes the Outcome-Based Assessment, which means the NCLEX-RN followed by an OSCE.
Start with the self-check on the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia website, because it tells you which route fits you. Annual registration costs A$193 for the period from 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2027.
Registration does not give you a visa, so you still need employer sponsorship. For the visa side, read our complete guide to Australia skilled migration visas.
- Deadline: Applications stay open all year. Your registration period ends on 31 May 2027.
4. Ireland
Ireland recruits heavily through the Health Service Executive (HSE) and private nursing homes. Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) first.
The assessment fee is €350 and non-refundable, and the registration fee is about €145. Depending on your training, you may sit a competence test or complete supervised adaptation.
Your employer then applies for a Critical Skills Employment Permit, and the 2026 salary threshold for staff nurses starts at €40,904. Expect the whole process to take anywhere from nine to eighteen months.
- English: IELTS 7.0 or OET grade B.
- Deadline: None. Applications run year-round.
5. Germany
The Triple Win programme, run by the Federal Employment Agency and GIZ, had placed more than 4,700 nurses by 2021, with language training and fair contracts. Full recognition (Anerkennung) needs B2 German.
Since March 2024, a Recognition Partnership lets you enter with A2 German and finish recognition while you work. Skilled nurses on the public pay scale usually earn €3,187 to €4,013 gross per month.
Placement fees should come from the employer, so walk away from any agency that asks you for money upfront. If you are also considering study routes, see our guide to studying in Germany without IELTS.
- Deadline: None. Triple Win intake depends on your home country.
6. United States
Most international nurses need three things: a passing NCLEX-RN score, a state nursing licence, and an employer-sponsored EB-3 green card. The wait is the hard part. In the November 2026 Visa Bulletin, the EB-3 final action date for most countries moved to 15 June 2024.
That means priority dates earlier than this are ready to move forward. The Philippines, India, and China have separate dates. Dates can slide backward too, as they did in October 2026, when EB-3 moved back from 1 September 2024 to 15 May 2024.
- Funding: Some employers sponsor green card legal fees and relocation costs.
- Deadline: The State Department publishes a new bulletin every month. Check it before filing.
7. New Zealand
Current guidance lists registered nurses on New Zealand’s Green List, which offers a straight path to residence once you hold a job offer from an accredited employer. First, apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ). The application fee is NZ$485. Some nurses must complete a competence assessment, which includes a theory exam and an OSCE.
- Funding: Health New Zealand reimburses fees for eligible nurses who completed a competence assessment programme after 1 August 2022 at an approved institution.
- Deadline: None. Applications run year-round.
What Recruiters Look For
- An active nursing licence from your home country
- One to two years of recent clinical experience
- A valid English test score, where required
- A specialty in demand, such as intensive care, theatre, or mental health
- Clean, organised documents, including transcripts and references
Key Dates for 2026 and 2027
- 1 October 2026: NMC fees increased, including the £143 annual fee.
- Every month: A new US Visa Bulletin appears, so check your priority date.
- 31 May 2027: Australia’s 2026/27 registration period ends.
- Ongoing: The UK, Canada, Ireland, Germany, and New Zealand have no fixed application deadlines. Apply early, because exam slots and permits take months.
How to Fund Your Move and Avoid Scams
- Ask each employer what it covers: visa, flights, exam fees, and short-term housing.
- Budget for your English test, which can cost £160 to £350 in the UK.
- Get every promise in writing, including repayment terms if you leave early.
- Pay regulators directly. Never send money to a recruiter who promises a guaranteed job.
Final Thoughts
The best country depends on your passport, your savings, and your timeline. Start with the regulator for your top choice, confirm current fees, and apply to employers who pay for the process. Begin your paperwork now, because the slowest step is usually registration, not the job offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country is easiest for international nurses to start in?
The UK is often the quickest because NHS trusts sponsor visas and prepare you for the OSCE. Canada and New Zealand also move quickly if you qualify. Your passport, English score, and experience matter most.
Do I need to pay for my own visa?
Not always. Many NHS trusts and some other employers cover visa costs or recruitment fees. Always get the offer in writing and confirm what you must repay if you leave early.
What English score do I need?
The UK and Ireland ask for IELTS Academic 7.0 overall, or OET grade B. Germany asks for B2 German instead. Requirements differ by regulator, so check the official site before booking any test.
How long does the process take?
Expect four to eight months for the UK, and nine to eighteen months for Ireland. Germany and the United States can often take longer because of language training and visa queues.
Can I work as a nurse before I pass the exams?
Often yes, in a lower role. In the UK, you typically work as a Band 4 pre-registration nurse while preparing for the OSCE. Germany offers similar assistant roles before full recognition.
Disclaimer: Fees, requirements and dates can change. Verify all details directly with each regulator before applying.
About the Author
Damilare Abogunrin
Content Writer | FundedAbroad.com
Damilare Abogunrin writes about international career opportunities, scholarships, internships and visa-related jobs. Through his work at FundedAbroad.com, he helps readers discover opportunities abroad, understand application requirements and find official application channels.
He focuses on making opportunity listings clear, practical and easy to understand, so readers can assess eligibility and prepare stronger applications. He encourages applicants to verify job details and immigration requirements directly with employers and official sources.