LS Legal News Bulletin
No TOEFL and IELTS required now for healthcare professionals to work in UK
Thursday 10th October 2019
According to new visa rules doctors, nurses, dentists and midwives with valid Occupational English Test (OET) scores will be exempt from the English language requirement for UK visa application.
Earlier, the candidates had to take TOEFL or IELTS exam to apply for visa as well as OET to register with Nursing and Midwifery Council and the General Medical Council. Now the government will accept scores of OET which the candidates have to pass anyway for registering with the relevant healthcare regulator. New rules will apply to all Tier 2 (General) visa applications submitted from October 1 by healthcare professionals.
"The Home Office has also streamlined English language testing ensuring that doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives who have already passed an English language test accepted by the relevant professional body, do not have to sit another test before entry to the UK on a Tier 2 visa," the UK government stated in a release.
Occupational English Test is an International English test specially designed to meet the specific English language needs of the healthcare sector. OET assesses the language communication skills of professionals, who want to register and practise in the English-speaking countries - the test is recognised as proof of English proficiency for registration purposes by major healthcare boards and councils in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand. OET is conducted by Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment (CBLA), a venture between Cambridge Assessment English and Box Hill Institute.
It is a great news for hospitals and medical practices across the UK as these updates will help them to access the staff they need more quickly.
LS Legal Solicitors may assist you with your Start-Up and Innovator applications and ensure that you are up to date with the most recent immigration updates. Should you need assistance or guidance, please contact our firm on +44(0)2081445588, via email on info@LSLegaLUK.com or use the contact box to discuss your matter or make an appointment.
