This article is part of our guide: Working abroad as a nurse.
Before a nurse moves to work in another country, the essentials are: a valid passport and visa, your home nursing licence and verification, original certificates and transcripts, references, proof of English, your job offer and contract, and enough money for your first two months. Use this checklist, whichever country you are leaving or heading to, to make sure nothing is left behind, because some documents are slow or expensive to get once you have left.
Identity and travel documents
- International passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay (longer is better)
- Visa or entry clearance, with the details checked for spelling errors
- Birth certificate or age declaration
- Marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates if family will join you
- National ID card and bank account details from your home country
- Passport photographs (several)
Professional documents
- Home nursing licence (e.g. NMCN, PRC, INC/state council, NCK, N&MC Ghana), renewed and valid
- Licence verification sent from your home regulator to your destination regulator (NMC, NCLEX state board, DHA, SCFHS and so on)
- Original RN/RM certificates and copies; keep certified copies in a separate bag
- Transcripts from your school of nursing or university; request extra sealed copies
- Post-basic certificates and BNSc certificate if you have them
- Letter of good standing from your employer or regulator, if required
- Proof of English (IELTS or OET results) and exam results (CBT, NCLEX, Prometric)
- Updated CV with dates of employment that match your references
- Two or three professional references, with phone numbers and emails that work
- Service or experience letters from every employer listed on your CV
- CPD certificates and BLS/ACLS cards
Job and contract
- Signed job offer and contract, with salary, hours, accommodation and any repayment clause clearly understood
- Certificate of Sponsorship or equivalent, if applicable
- Emails confirming your start date, airport pick-up and temporary accommodation
Health and money
- Medical reports and TB test certificate if required for your visa
- Vaccination records, including hepatitis B, MMR and yellow fever card
- A supply of any regular medicines with a healthcare provider’s letter (check medicine rules, especially for the Gulf)
- Money for your first 6 to 8 weeks until your first salary, plus emergency funds
- International debit card or app account, and notification to your bank that you’re travelling
Before you board
- Scan every document and save in two places (email and cloud storage).
- Give a trusted family member copies and a power of attorney if you’ll need someone to handle things at home.
- Close or settle loans, and tell your current employer formally by resignation letter.
- Learn your new country’s emergency number and how to register with a healthcare provider.
Your first week abroad
- Collect your residence permit or biometric card
- Open a local bank account
- Get a local SIM
- Register with a healthcare provider or health centre
- Attend induction and start your OSCE/adaptation plan if required
Frequently asked questions
How long does licence verification take?
It varies. Apply early, and confirm that your destination regulator has received it before you resign.
Should I carry original certificates?
Yes, carry originals in your hand luggage and keep certified copies separately.
How much money should a nurse take when relocating?
Enough for rent deposit (if not provided), transport, food and essentials for 6 to 8 weeks. The amount depends on the country.
Related reading: NMCN verification for abroad · How to read a nursing contract abroad · Money plan for nurses moving abroad
Leave a Reply