Before You Arrive: Guide for Filipino NHS Workers
What to prepare before your flight from the Philippines to the UK
- NMC registration (for nurses and midwives) — Apply via the Nursing and Midwifery Council. You will need to complete the Computer Based Test (CBT) and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) as part of the Test of Competence pathway.
- HCPC registration (for allied health professionals) — Physiotherapists, radiographers, and other AHPs register via the Health and Care Professions Council.
- CBT preparation — The Computer Based Test covers theory and is taken in the Philippines before you travel. Many candidates use the NMC's own guidance plus commercially available practice platforms.
- OSCE preparation — The OSCE is taken in the UK and tests clinical skills in a simulated setting. Your NHS trust may provide preparatory support; confirm this before you sign your contract.
- Typical timeline — From initial NMC application to receiving your PIN: 6–12 months. Start the process as early as possible — well before you secure a job offer if you can.
- PRC (Professional Regulation Commission) board certificate and current license
- NSO / PSA birth certificate and marriage certificate (if applicable)
- NBI clearance
- Transcript of Records and diploma — both must be authenticated
- Certificate of Good Standing from your current or most recent employer
- POEA / DMW requirements — OFW documentation if applicable
- Police clearance
- Medical exam results from a DOH-accredited clinic
Get multiple authenticated copies of everything. Replacements from the Philippines once you're in the UK take months — and that delay can hold up your registration or right to work.
- Recommended savings: £3,000 – £5,000 minimum before you travel
- Common pre-departure costs: IELTS or OET exam fees, NMC application and OSCE fees, visa fees, and flights
- Set up a Wise or Remitly account before you leave — you'll need it for sending money home and receiving transfers once you arrive
Your first NHS payday may be 4–6 weeks after you start. Plan your budget assuming no income for the first 6 weeks. Your savings need to cover rent, food, transport, and any registration fees that fall in that window.
- Employment contract and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Information about temporary accommodation — not all trusts offer this, so ask explicitly
- Airport pickup — some trusts arrange this, some do not
- Induction schedule and orientation programme
Ask your trust recruiter each of these questions directly. Do not assume anything is included in your package — get confirmation in writing before you book your flight.
- UK plug adapters — The Philippines uses Type A/B plugs; the UK uses Type G. Buy adapters before you leave.
- Enough medication to cover your first month — UK prescriptions take time to arrange
- Copies of all documents — physical copies in your carry-on AND digital scans emailed to yourself
- Professional uniforms if your trust requires you to supply them — confirm this in advance
- Warm clothing — UK winters are significantly colder than anything in the Philippines. Invest in a proper winter coat before or immediately after arrival.
- Balikbayan box strategy — Ship non-urgent items ahead. Balikbayan boxes take 8–12 weeks to arrive; plan accordingly.
Bring a small amount of GBP cash (£100–200) for immediate expenses on arrival. You can withdraw from ATMs with your Philippine bank card, but international transaction fees add up quickly. Having cash ready saves hassle on your first day.
- Activate international roaming on your Philippine SIM, or order a UK SIM online before you leave — Three and giffgaff both ship internationally
- Download offline maps for your destination area on Google Maps — useful while you're setting up a UK SIM
- Save your trust's HR contact number and your temporary accommodation address somewhere accessible offline
- Join Filipino NHS worker groups on Facebook — search "Filipino Nurses UK" for active communities with practical advice
- Notify your Philippine bank that you're travelling to the UK to avoid your card being blocked on arrival
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute financial, legal, or immigration advice. Immigration rules, registration requirements, and processes change regularly. For immigration matters, consult a qualified immigration adviser or solicitor. For financial matters, consult a qualified financial adviser. Always check official government and regulatory body websites for the latest information.
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