NMC ‘does not foresee’ A level language requirements impacting register
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has said it ‘does not foresee’ government changes to English language requirements impacting overseas professionals on its register.
The assurance comes as migrants will now be expected to pass tougher new English language requirements under a law introduced in Parliament this week.
Immigrants applying through certain legal routes must meet an A level equivalent standard in speaking, listening, reading and writing, rather than to the current required GCSE standard.
Individuals applying for skilled worker, scale-up and high potential individual (HPI) visas will now required to reach B2 level, an increase from the current B1 standard which is equivalent to GCSE.
The ‘Secure English Language Test’ must be conducted via a Home Office-approved provider, and the results will then be verified as part of the visa application process.
Related Article: EXCLUSIVE: NMC proposing registration fee increase
An NMC spokesperson told Nursing in Practice: ‘Clear and effective communication is key to achieving high-quality care and maintaining public trust in nurses, midwives and nursing associates.
‘Our English language requirements already ensure competency above A level standard.
‘We do not foresee an impact on our registration requirements, but we will wait with interest to hear more detail.’
The changes are part of the government’s immigration white paper measures, which are designed to reduce the UK’s reliance on overseas labour.
There is no overall timetable for the white paper proposals to come into force.
Rohit Sagoo, director of British Sikh Nurses, told Nursing in Practice that changes must not ‘come at the expense’ of internationally educated nurses and midwives.
‘Internationally educated staff bring invaluable experience, cultural insight, and compassion to patient care. Any barriers to their entry could deepen workforce shortages and undermine the ambitions of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan.
‘We must ensure immigration policy supports, rather than hinders, our global nursing community and continues to make the UK a welcoming place for healthcare talent,’ Mr Sagoo added.
As part of wider changes, the time for international students to find a graduate-level job after completing their studies will also be reduced to 18 months from the current two years.
Related Article: NMC plans to cut 145 jobs at regulator
The immigration skills charge (ISC), which is paid by employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers and reinvested in training the domestic workforce, is also being raised by 32%.
Finance requirements for student visas will be increased for the 2025-2026 academic year, with foreign students now having to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves.
The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: ‘This country has always welcomed those who come to this country and contribute.
‘But it is unacceptable for migrants to come here without learning our language, unable to contribute to our national life. If you come to this country, you must learn our language and play your part.’
In 2023, the NMC introduced a new means of proving English language competency for registrants.
The ‘supporting information from employers’ (SIFE) approach offers an alternative route onto the NMC register for internationally educated applications who show English competence in practice but narrowly miss out on passing English language tests.
Related Article: NMC to focus ‘relentlessly’ on culture change through new strategic plan
It also offers an employer-verified route into practice for applicants whose qualification was taught and examined in English but in a country where English is not the majority language.
At the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Congress in May, nurses warned of the ‘incredibly miserable’ consequences of the government’s plans to ban the recruitment of care workers from overseas.
See how our symptom tool can help you make better sense of patient presentations
Click here to search a symptom
