Route to the UK for Allied Health Professionals
- March 02, 2022
All Allied Health Professionals looking to secure a job and work in the UK, whether you are from inside or outside of Europe, will need to satisfy certain criteria to fully register with the HCPC before beginning their journey in the NHS.
The type of HCPC application you make depends on your country of origin and training. There are two application routes:
- European Mutual Recognition (EMR)
- International application
As an Allied Health Professional, the criteria you need to meet depends on where you currently live and practice, either inside the EEA (& associated countries) or outside the EEA.
This article is designed to give you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to start your journey to the UK, no matter where in the world you live.
Allied Health Professionals from around the world play a vital and significant role in the NHS and in the delivery of safe patient care. This is not only welcome but plays a huge part of the exchange of knowledge in healthcare and is strongly encouraged. They make an invaluable contribution to the health services in the NHS.
Inside the EEA
Firstly, it is important to note that where we refer to EEA in this article this refers to all countries inside the EU, including Lichtenstein, Iceland & Norway.
If you qualified as an Allied Health Professional inside the EEA or Switzerland, then the good news is that you can apply for mutual recognition – your qualifications and experience are deemed equivalent in the UK and EU.
In addition, you will not need to apply for a visa from the UK Home Office.
So, the main hurdle that you will face is demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely as an Allied Health Professional in the UK & NHS.
English Language Testing
Any international Allied Health Professional, regardless of specialty, experience or country of origin, must demonstrate they have sufficient competence of the English language.
You can do this by passing either of the following:
- TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
- IELTS – International English Language Testing System
HCPC Registration
Having passed your English Language Test, you can now apply for registration in the UK, thus qualifying you to practice in the UK.
If you have trained and are a citizen of an EU member state, then you are eligible for:
- European Mutual Recognition (EMR)
If you are eligible for EMR then you must apply via this route.
EMR ensures that EEA qualifications and experience are recognised across Europe as equivalent.
Relocation
Obviously, any Allied Health Professional’s journey isn’t all exams, registrations and language tests… there’s also the small matter of relocation and settling into life in the UK.
Once you have secured your role in the UK, we focus on supporting you and your family with all your relocation plans. This can include, but is not exclusive to, securing accommodation, travel planning, setting up bank accounts & national insurance numbers – every step of the way we are here to help.
Have a read through our IMG Library and take in all the beautifully organised information on relocation and UK life to immeasurably help your first days, weeks and months in the UK.
IMG Library – Relocation & UK Life
Outside the EEA
If you have trained outside the EU, then you are eligible for an international application.
In addition, you must demonstrate your English Language capabilities meet the level required to practice safely in the UK.
Furthermore, you will need to apply for a visa from the UK Home Office.
Here we summarise the requirements for Non-EEA Allied Health Professionals, looking at the following:
- English Language Testing
- Tier 2 Visas
- HCPC Registration
English Language Testing
Any international Allied Health Professional, regardless of specialty, experience or country of origin, must demonstrate they have sufficient competence of the English language.
You can do this by passing either of the following:
- OET – TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
- IELTS – International English Language Testing System
HCPC Registration: Evidence of Knowledge & Skills in Allied Health
Overseas Allied Health Professionals must prove to the HCPC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. For overseas Allied Health Professionals this can be done through the International Application.
If you are eligible for International application, then you must apply via this route.
The HCPC ensures that your overseas qualifications and experience are recognised.
Tier 2 Visa
If you are an Allied Health Professional applying from outside the EEA region you will almost certainly need to apply for a visa to work in the UK.
Applying as an Allied Health Professional has never been easier and there is currently no-restriction on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) applications that a hospital can make.
Furthermore, the list of specialties on the shortage occupation list is due for imminent review and expansion beyond its current list of specialties, potentially widening the scope for easier immigration processes across all specialties in healthcare.
Understand Tier 2 visas and Certificates of Sponsorship in depth by taking a look at our article:
IMG Library Tier 2 Visa application process & documents needed
Wondering whether you can relocate with your family? Take a look at our blog on the Tier 2 dependant visa below:
Tier 2 Dependant visa - can i bring my family with me to the UK?
Relocation
Obviously, any Allied Health Professional’s journey isn’t all exams, registrations and language tests… there’s also the small matter of relocation and settling into life in the UK.
Once you have secured your role in the UK, we will focus on supporting you and your family with all of your relocation plans. This can include, but is not exclusive to, securing accommodation, travel planning, setting up bank accounts & national insurance numbers – every step of the way we are here to help.
Have a read through our IMG Library and take in all the beautifully organised information on relocation and UK life to immeasurably help your first days, weeks and months in the UK.
IMG Library – Relocation & UK Life