The global shortage of healthcare workers has created thousands of opportunities for qualified nurses seeking to work abroad, with Canada and several countries actively offering visa sponsorship to fill staffing gaps.

Demand is being driven by ageing populations, expanding healthcare systems and persistent workforce shortages, making destinations such as the UK, Canada and Australia attractive options for foreign-trained nurses.

Here are seven countries offering nursing jobs with visa sponsorship in 2026.

1. United Kingdom

The UK has more than 40,000 nursing vacancies across the National Health Service (NHS). Overseas nurses can apply through the Health and Care Worker Visa or Skilled Worker Visa, with many NHS trusts providing direct visa sponsorship.

Eligible applicants must meet Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) registration requirements, including CBT and OSCE assessments, and demonstrate English proficiency through IELTS or OET.

2. Canada

Canada is experiencing a shortage of more than 60,000 nurses across its provinces. Qualified nurses can migrate through Express Entry healthcare draws, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) or employer-sponsored work permits.

Many provinces have introduced targeted immigration streams for healthcare professionals, making it easier for nurses to obtain permanent residency.

3. Australia

Australia has an estimated 70,000 nursing vacancies, with employers sponsoring overseas professionals through the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) and other skilled migration pathways.

Applicants generally require registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), a skills assessment and relevant work experience.

4. Germany

Germany continues to face one of Europe’s largest healthcare workforce shortages, with more than 200,000 healthcare positions needing to be filled.

Foreign nurses can apply through the Skilled Worker Visa, EU Blue Card or Recognition Visa after obtaining recognition of their nursing qualifications. Knowledge of German, typically at B1 or B2 level, is often required.

5. Ireland

Ireland has around 20,000 nursing vacancies and recruits internationally through the Critical Skills Employment Permit.

Applicants must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), satisfy English language requirements and secure an eligible job offer.

6. New Zealand

New Zealand has about 12,000 nursing shortages and includes nurses on its Green List, allowing many qualified professionals to access accelerated residency pathways.

Applicants must register with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and meet English language requirements before employment.

7. United Arab Emirates

The UAE has approximately 30,000 nursing roles available across public and private healthcare facilities.

Overseas nurses must obtain the relevant professional licence, such as DHA, DOH or HAAD, before employers can sponsor their work visas. Experienced healthcare professionals may also become eligible for the country’s long-term Golden Visa. (Vanguard)

Update news