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• Employers must ensure that before a CoS is applied for, the following are met. Tests can be taken in any order. 
  • the individual has passed part one of the NMC test of competence (CBT) 
  • the individual has been issued with an offer of employment, and
  • the individual has achieved the required level of language capability.
• In any applications for CoSs, you are required to send the following evidence:
  • a copy of the employment offer letter
  • a copy of the email confirmation from the NMC to show the individual has passed the CBT.
• The skilled worker minimum salary requirement is temporarily removed in these circumstances, though employers are still advised to place nurses in an interim position with a salary at least equivalent to that of a Band 3 role.
• Applicants may sit the OSCE up to three times as part of one application.
• Applicants must pass their OSCE (candidates must pass all stations at 100 per cent) within eight months from the start of their visa.
• If an applicant is unsuccessful at their first or second OSCE attempt, they must wait a minimum of 10 working days before they can take the examination again. Previously, applicants had to wait three months before they could take the OSCE for the third time.
• Applicants only have to re-sit the parts of the exam they previously failed. There is a reduced re-sit fee of £397 to all applicants who have failed seven or fewer stations.
• If the applicant is unsuccessful after their permitted attempts, the employer must stop sponsoring them and as a result their leave to remain period will be shortened.
• Upon successful completion of the OSCE and awarding of NMC registration, employers need to commit to ongoing employment of the individual as a registered nurse on a salary in line with the requirements. 
• It may take 35 calendar days for the NMC to process applications for PINs. If there are any issues with receiving PINs, then email TOC@nmc-uk.org and copy in NHSI.Workforce@nhs.net. The NMC is expediating this processing time and currently, it takes on average two to three weeks for a PIN to be received.
• Employers must be able to provide evidence of the above arrangement if requested.

NMC have created an FAQ for employers who are providing supporting information for individuals. Guidance is also available on the NHS Futures Platform which you must register to get access to.

Employers or individuals with queries about individual NMC registrations are advised to contact the NMC directly.

The Home Office is clear that employers must only apply for certificates when required and when it is certain when it will be used. The individual being sponsored must have a job offer and either:

• have obtained full registration with the NMC
• have passed the NMC's CBT
• be sponsored to undertake a supervised practice placement as part of the programme, which has been approved by the NMC.

Employers are required to provide evidence of the above in any applications for certificates of sponsorship. You must send a copy of the employment offer letter and a copy of the email confirmation from the NMC to show the individual has passed the CBT.

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