<p>Getting a <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member/resources/how-to-work-in-the-uk-as-an-overseas-nurse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Kingdom (UK) visa as a skilled worker</a> under the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-uks-points-based-immigration-system-policy-statement/the-uks-points-based-immigration-system-policy-statement#contents" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">points-based system</a> is a straightforward endeavor. You are qualified to apply for the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Skilled Worker visa</a> as long as you meet at least <strong>70 points</strong> as set by the UK government. This blog discusses the UK’s points system, tradeable and non-tradeable points, the healthcare shortage occupation list, applying for a visa and attracting healthcare job offers from UK employers.</p>
<h2>What is the UK points-based system?</h2>
<p>The UK government introduced the points-based system on 1 January 2021 to replace the free movement of labor to the UK. This was implemented to give skilled workers and highly skilled workers top priority to contribute to the British economy, society and public services through an employer-led system.</p>
<p>The new points-based system consists of tradeable and non-tradeable points. Non-tradeable points are characteristics essential to the success of your visa application. At a minimum, all applicants, EU and non-EU, must present the following three non-tradeable characteristics:</p>
<ol><li> Offer of job by approved sponsor (20 points) </li><li>Job offer at the required skill level (20 points)</li><li>Speaks English at required level (10 points) </li></ol>
<p>Tradeable points are exchangeable with other tradeable characteristics necessary for you to achieve a total of 70 points to be eligible to apply for a visa in the UK. </p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="612" height="474" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/08/output-onlinejpgtools-33.jpg" alt="Nurse UK points system" class="wp-image-12128" title="Nurse UK points system" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/08/output-onlinejpgtools-33.jpg 612w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/08/output-onlinejpgtools-33-300x232.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px" /><figcaption>Screenshot from <a href="http://www.gov.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.gov.uk</a></figcaption></figure>
<h2>Tradeable and Non-Tradeable Points </h2>
<h2>(Tradeable) Job in a Shortage Occupation + 20 Points</h2>
<p>Healthcare professionals and nurses, in particular, are listed on the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-shortage-occupations-for-health-and-education/skilled-worker-visa-shortage-occupations-for-healthcare-and-education" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthcare shortage occupation</a> list at the time of writing. 20 points can be added to the points-based tally of any qualified nurse or healthcare professional’s visa application. The UK shows a huge nursing deficit throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/MPfJY_8z34XSGZ6SNe1IIGavUklD5FJ-Wd9AehZDBGEHKVWuFkeqttEfhGszg0gVPzYbZKqMWDRrBvouOVVu6pKCin0OImX-VOdfTB9p2Co7en5cwtuSadAnDdxGYdSD1dg7dTWQ" alt="Nurse UK points system" title="Nurse UK points system"/></figure>
<h2>(Non-Tradeable) Speaks English at Required Level +10 Points</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member/resources/ielts-101-know" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Demonstrating your fluency in English</a> will earn you an additional 10 points. You have to show that you can speak, read, listen and write effectively as your job requires. There are <a href="https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/knowledge-of-english" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">several ways to prove your English skills</a>. For nurses and midwives, you can submit your <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member/resources/prepare-ielts-exam" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IELTS</a> test results with an overall score band of at least 7. For the Occupational English Test (OET), Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) standards set a minimum of a B grade in the reading, listening and speaking sections and a C+ grade or higher in the written section. Colin Pettifer, <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member/resources/part-two-nursing-in-the-uk-preparation-application-costs-and-visas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Managing Director of Britannia Healthcare</a> and founder of Sharp BH Global Manpower, a leading recruitment group that facilitates the connection of Filipino nurses and healthcare workers directly with the UK, says, “Nurses should have all their documents and English language certification prepared in advance” to expedite recruitment processes.</p>
<h2>(Non-Tradeable) Job at Appropriate Skill Level +20 Points</h2>
<p>Getting a ‘job at your appropriate skill level’ means that you are trained in the job you are applying for equivalent to the UK education standard. For example, as a nurse, you need to show that your nursing education background is comparable to that of a nurse’s training in the UK. You can prove this by presenting a Statement Of Comparability from <a href="https://www.enic.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK ENIC</a>, a national recognition agency. The Statement of Comparability <a href="https://enic.org.uk/Qualifications/SOC/Default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">costs £49.50 + VAT</a> (around US$69), if applicable. Courier charges overseas cost <a href="https://enic.org.uk/Qualifications/Delivery%20Options.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">£80 + VAT</a> (around US$110), if applicable. To prove your skill level, fill out the UK ENIC’s online application, where you must submit your credentials, including your diploma and transcripts.</p>
<h2>(Non-Tradeable) Offer of Job by Approved Sponsor +20 Points</h2>
<p>Once you have all your documents and proof of English proficiency, it may only be a matter of time until you receive a job offer from a UK-approved sponsor. Getting a job offer from an approved sponsor will give you an additional 20 points. If you have a total of 70 points, you will be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa under the UK points-based system. Once you have a qualified employer from the UK, they will issue you a <a href="https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers/certificates-of-sponsorship" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">certificate of sponsorship</a>. The sponsorship certificate is an electronic record with a specific number required to <a href="https://visa.vfsglobal.com/phl/en/nor/attend-centre/manila" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apply for a visa</a>. Once you receive this certificate, you can apply for the visa at your nearest <a href="https://www.gov.uk/find-a-visa-application-centre" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Visa Application Centre</a>.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/08/shutterstock_306851072-1.jpg" alt="Nurse UK points system" class="wp-image-12131" title="Nurse UK points system" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/08/shutterstock_306851072-1.jpg 1000w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/08/shutterstock_306851072-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/08/shutterstock_306851072-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>
<p>Overseas nurses and midwives have a <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/899755/UK_Points-Based_System_Further_Details_Web_Accessible.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temporary exception to the minimum salary floor</a> for up to the first eight months of working in the UK, to give them time to qualify for the NMC registration.</p>
<h2>Increase Your Chances of Getting a Job Offer from an Approved Sponsor</h2>
<p>As a TrueProfile.io Member, you have the option to make your digital CV accessible to leading global recruiters and TrueProfile.io Business Partners from the UK.</p>
<p>Here are 3 great ways to increase your chances of a job offer from a UK sponsor:</p>
<ol><li>Ensure that your <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member/resources/build-a-digital-resume" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Digital CV information</a> is updated, including your contact details and salary information. </li><li>Choose the ‘Recommended’ option in your <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member/resources/update-your-contact-settings-and-unlock-career-opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Profile Visibility preferences</strong></a> to allow organizations and headhunters to get in touch with you about exciting job opportunities. </li><li>Update your <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member/resources/kickstart-your-uk-nursing-career-with-a-trueprofile-io-scholarship" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Country Preferences</strong></a> settings to express your interest in working in the United Kingdom. </li></ol>
<p>International employers and TrueProfile.io’s Business Partners are constantly on the lookout for qualified candidates with verified credentials.</p>
<h4>Ready to work in the UK? Update your Profile Visibility preferences on your <a href="https://member.trueprofile.io/login" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TrueProfile.io</a> account now!</h4>
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