Best NHS Trusts and Care Homes Recruiting Overseas Healthcare Workers

The United Kingdom remains a top destination for internationally educated healthcare professionals, offering world-class career opportunities, structured pathways, and a chance to make a real difference. For nurses, doctors, senior carers, and allied health staff, knowing which organisations are actively recruiting is the first step to securing a sponsored role.

This 2025 guide highlights the top NHS Trusts and care providers known for their robust international recruitment programs, detailing what they offer and how you can get hired.

Why the UK is Actively Recruiting in 2025

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and social care sector continue to face significant staffing shortages, driven by an ageing population and workforce retirement. This has created a sustained, high demand for skilled professionals from overseas. Key benefits for international hires include:

• Sponsored Health and Care Worker Visas: Leading to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
• Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): A massive financial saving.
• Structured OSCE & Adaptation Programs: Support to pass UK licensing exams.
• Relocation Packages: Many top employers offer flight tickets, accommodation support, and settling-in allowances.

Part 1: Top NHS Trusts Hiring International Staff in 2025

These NHS Trusts have established reputable international recruitment programs. They don’t just hire you; they support your transition into the UK healthcare system.

1. Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT)

• Why They’re a Top Employer: As one of the largest NHS Trusts in the country, MFT offers unparalleled career opportunities and a massive scope of specialities.
• Roles They Recruit For: Registered Nurses (across all specialities), Midwives, Theatre Staff, Doctors.
• International Recruitment Support: They offer a dedicated international recruitment team, a structured OSCE training program, and a comprehensive preceptorship program for newly registered nurses.
• Location: Manchester, a vibrant and affordable major city.
• How to Apply: Check the MFT Careers website and filter by “International Recruitment.”

2. Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust

• Why They’re a Top Employer: Renowned for its world-class clinical reputation and location in the heart of London.
• Roles They Recruit For: Nurses (especially in ICU, Theatres, and Renal), Midwives, Allied Health Professionals.
• International Recruitment Support: Offers a robust pastoral care system, OSCE funding and preparation, and support with finding accommodation.
• Location: Central London.
• How to Apply: Visit the Guys and St Thomas’ Careers portal.

3. University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB)

• Why They’re a Top Employer: A leading Trust known for its innovation and massive scale, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.
• Roles They Recruit For: Nurses, Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs), Doctors, and Healthcare Assistants.
• International Recruitment Support: Provides a full OSCE program, meet-and-greet services, and a 2-week supernumerary period upon arrival.
• Location: Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city.
• How to Apply: Search the UHB Jobs website.

4. NHS Scotland – Various Health Boards

• Key Health Boards: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lothian (Edinburgh).
• Why They’re a Top Employer: Scotland offers a fantastic work-life balance, stunning landscapes, and a slightly different but equally rewarding healthcare system.
• Roles They Recruit For: All nursing specialities, mental health staff, and general practitioners.
• International Recruitment Support: Many Scottish Health Boards offer dedicated relocation packages and strong mentorship programs.
• How to Apply: Use the national NHS Scotland Jobs platform.

5. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

• Why They’re a Top Employer: A world-famous teaching hospital trust associated with Oxford University, offering exceptional opportunities for professional development.
• Roles They Recruit For: Registered Nurses, Doctors, and specialist allied health staff.
• International Recruitment Support: Provides a comprehensive induction and OSCE support.
• Location: Oxford, a historic and academic city.
• How to Apply: Browse vacancies on the OUH Careers site.

Click Here To Learn More: The UK Health and Care Worker Visa: Ultimate Guide

Part 2: Top Care Home Providers Hiring Senior Carers in 2025

Crucial Note: As of March 2024, the standard “Care Worker” visa route was closed. However, the Health and Care Worker visa remains open for “Senior Care Workers” (SOC code 6146). These are the major providers hiring for these eligible senior roles.

1. HC-One

• Why They’re a Top Employer: One of the UK’s largest and most established care home providers, with a focus on ‘kindness.’
• Roles They Recruit For: Senior Care Assistants/Workers, Registered Nurses.
• Support Offered: Sponsorship for Senior Carers, support with NMC registration for nurses, and a structured induction.
• How to Apply: Visit the HC-One Careers page.

2. Barchester Healthcare

• Why They’re a Top Employer: A highly respected provider of luxury care homes across the UK.
• Roles They Recruit For: Senior Carer, Registered Nurse (RMN and RGN).
• Support Offered: Known for a strong commitment to training and development, and offering visa sponsorship.
• How to Apply: Check the Barchester Healthcare Careers website.

3. Bupa Care Services

• Why They’re a Top Employer: A global healthcare giant with a massive network of care homes in the UK.
• Roles They Recruit For: Senior Care Assistants, Registered Nurses.
• Support Offered: A well-defined international recruitment process with relocation support.
• How to Apply: Search for “visa sponsorship” roles on the Bupa Careers global site.

4. Care UK

• Why They’re a Top Employer: A dynamic and growing provider with modern facilities.
• Roles They Recruit For: Senior Care Workers, Nurses.
• Support Offered: Active international recruitment and sponsorship programs.
• How to Apply: Explore opportunities on the Care UK Careers page.

How to Get Hired: Your 5-Step Action Plan for 2025

1. Get Your UK Professional Registration First (Non-Negotiable):
   • Nurses: You must be registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC). This involves a multi-step process: CBT, OSCE, and credential assessment.
   • Senior Carers: While not a formal register, you must prove you have the necessary experience and qualifications for a senior role.
2. Prepare a UK-Style CV (Curriculum Vitae):
   • Keep it to two pages maximum.
   • Include an “NMC Pin Status” or “Professional Registration” section.
   • Tailor your personal statement to the specific NHS Trust or care home.
3. Apply Directly and Strategically:
   • Use the career portals listed above.
   • Set up job alerts for keywords like “international nurse,” “visa sponsorship,” or “senior care worker.”
4. Ace the Virtual Interview:
   • Be prepared for competency-based questions (e.g., “Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult situation?”).
   • Research the Trust or care home provider thoroughly.
   • Have professional, reliable technology for the video call.
5. Understand the Visa Process:
   • Once you have a job offer, your employer will provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
   • You will then apply for the Health and Care Worker visa, which provides IHS exemption.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Paying a Recruitment Fee: Reputable NHS Trusts and care providers do not charge candidates fees. The employer pays the recruitment agency.
• Applying Without Registration: Do not apply for nursing roles until you have at least started your NMC application. Your PIN is your license to work.
• Ignoring the “Senior” Title: For care roles, ensure the job is explicitly for a “Senior Care Worker” (SOC 6146) to be eligible for the visa.

Your 2025 Job Search Checklist

• Initiated my NMC/GMC registration process.
• Prepared a UK-formatted CV.
• Researched 3-5 target NHS Trusts or care providers from this list.
• Bookmarked their career websites.
• Set up job alerts for my specific profession.

The demand for your skills in the UK has never been higher. By targeting these leading employers and following a structured approach, you can secure a rewarding role with a supportive organisation in 2025.

Your future in the UK’s health and care sector starts now. Begin your application today!