Work in United Kingdom
Migration pathway for Nigerian healthcare professionals
Processing Time
6 to 18 months
Estimated Cost
N8M to N18M
Primary Exam
PLAB / NMC OSCE
Visa
Health and Care Worker visa
Overview
The UK remains the most popular destination for Nigerian healthcare professionals. The Health and Care Worker visa offers reduced fees, and many NHS trusts now cover visa and IHS costs. Demand for doctors and nurses is at an all-time high.
Step-by-Step Pathway
Choose your cadre to see the specific pathway.
English language test (IELTS Academic or OET)
Score at least 7.0 overall on IELTS Academic (minimum 6.5 per band) or B grade on OET. Results valid for 2 years. Book early as test centres in Lagos and Abuja fill quickly.
PLAB 1 (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board Part 1)
Multiple-choice exam covering clinical knowledge. Can be taken in Lagos, Abuja, or other approved centres worldwide. 180 single-best-answer questions in 3 hours.
PLAB 2 (Objective Structured Clinical Examination)
Clinical skills exam taken only in Manchester, UK. 16 OSCE stations testing communication and clinical skills. You will need a UK visitor visa to sit the exam.
GMC Registration
Apply for GMC registration with licence to practise. Submit all qualifications, certificates, and references. The GMC will verify your primary medical qualification.
Job search and offer
Apply for NHS Foundation Trust or Health Education England posts. Many trusts actively recruit Nigerian doctors. Junior doctor or clinical fellow positions are the most common entry points.
Health and Care Worker visa
Employer sponsors your visa. Reduced application fee and often the employer covers the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Processing takes 3 to 8 weeks.
Cost Breakdown
All costs shown in both foreign currency and Nigerian Naira (2026 estimates).
| Item | Cost (Foreign) | Cost (Naira) |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | GBP 195 | N280,000 |
| PLAB 1 Exam | GBP 334 | N600,000 |
| PLAB 2 Exam | GBP 1,222 | N2,200,000 |
| NMC CBT (Nurses) | GBP 83 | N150,000 |
| NMC OSCE (Nurses) | GBP 749 | N1,350,000 |
| GMC Registration | GBP 399 | N720,000 |
| NMC Registration | GBP 120 | N216,000 |
| Visa Application (Health and Care Worker) | GBP 284 | N510,000 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) - 3 years | GBP 3,120 | N5,616,000 |
| Flights (Lagos to London) | GBP 500+ | N900,000+ |
| TB Test and Medical | GBP 100 | N180,000 |
Exams Required
PLAB 1
Available in Nigeria180 single-best-answer questions testing clinical knowledge. Covers medicine, surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatry, and more. Similar in format to MDCN qualifying exams.
PLAB 2
Not available in NigeriaOSCE with 16 stations testing clinical and communication skills. Each station is 8 minutes. You interact with simulated patients and examiners in a clinical setting.
IELTS Academic / OET
Available in NigeriaEnglish language proficiency test. IELTS has four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking. OET is healthcare-specific and often easier for clinicians.
NMC CBT (Nurses)
Available in NigeriaComputer-based test of nursing competencies. 120 questions covering clinical decision-making, patient safety, and UK nursing standards.
NMC OSCE (Nurses)
Not available in NigeriaPractical exam with 6 stations testing clinical skills including APIE (Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation), medicine management, and communication.
Key Requirements
- ✓Valid medical or nursing degree from a recognised Nigerian institution
- ✓Full registration with MDCN or NMCN
- ✓Certificate of Good Standing from your regulatory body
- ✓Minimum 12 months post-qualification experience (recommended)
- ✓IELTS Academic 7.0+ or OET B grade
- ✓Criminal record check (Police Character Certificate from Nigeria Police)
- ✓TB test result (from approved clinic)
- ✓Valid international passport with at least 6 months validity
- ✓Proof of funds for initial settlement (if employer does not sponsor)
Visa: Health and Care Worker visa
The Health and Care Worker visa is a subcategory of the Skilled Worker visa, specifically for healthcare professionals. It comes with reduced application fees (no Immigration Skills Charge), and many NHS employers cover the IHS. You need a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed employer. Initial visa is granted for up to 5 years, and you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.
Tips for Nigerian Professionals
- ◆PLAB 1 test centre seats in Lagos and Abuja fill up fast. Book 2 to 3 months in advance.
- ◆Many NHS trusts now run recruitment drives in Nigeria. Check NHS Jobs, Trac Jobs, and recruitment agencies like MedPro, Health Recruit Network, and M&E Global.
- ◆Join PLAB study groups on Telegram and WhatsApp. Pastest and PassMedicine are the most-used question banks.
- ◆For PLAB 2, book accommodation near the Manchester test centre early. Many Nigerian doctors share flats during preparation.
- ◆The NMC has approved several agencies that recruit Nigerian nurses directly and cover all costs. Research carefully before signing contracts.
- ◆Certificate of Good Standing can take 4 to 8 weeks from MDCN or NMCN. Start this process early.
- ◆If your employer covers IHS, that saves you over N5M. Ask about this before accepting any offer.
- ◆UK bank accounts can be opened with your BRP. Monzo, Starling, and HSBC are popular with Nigerian healthcare workers.
- ◆The PLAB 2 pass rate for Nigerian doctors has improved significantly. Focused OSCE preparation courses in Lagos and online help greatly.
Verify before you act
Exam fees, visa costs, and requirements change frequently. The information on this page was last reviewed in April 2026. Always confirm fees and requirements directly with the official body before making payments or decisions.
Exchange rates are approximate and fluctuate daily.
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