International recruitment

Stay up to date with international recruitment and learn how to build and support your workforce from overseas.

International recruitment guidance for NHS employers

Access the latest guidance and resources on international recruitment in the NHS. Find practical support to recruit, welcome and retain overseas staff, follow ethical recruitment practices and build a sustainable workforce.

Join the International Recruitment Network

By joining the IRN you will; have access to our bi-monthly network meetings and be a key contact to receive invitations, such as to participate in consultations or feedback on information you are experiencing in the system.

Latest news

News

Closure of the Immigration Salary List: what this will mean for sponsored workers

The Home Office has confirmed how the closure of the Immigration Salary List (ISL) on 31 December 2026 will affect sponsored workers.

1 October 2026

News

Standard Occupational Classification 2020 revisions consultation outcome

Read a summary of the key messages from the results of the consultation.

28 August 2026

News

MAC recommends occupations for inclusion on Temporary Shortage List

The MAC has published its stage 2 report of the commission into creation of a temporary shortage list.

29 July 2026

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Code of Practice recruitment agency list

Here you can find a list of recruitment agencies that operate in accordance with the revised Code of Practice for the international recruitment of healthcare professionals.

Access the list

Latest resources

An office worker using multiple screens.

Guidance

Repayment Clauses Guidance

Guidance for NHS employers on using repayment clauses to reclaim reasonable recruitment expenses from overseas recruits.

9 June 2026

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Guidance

Medical Training Initiative

Guidance relating to the Medical Training Initiative. We describe the scheme, how it fits into the points-based immigration system and the NHS.

1 April 2026

Guidance

International Retention Toolkit

Actions employers can take to ensure internationally recruited staff will want to stay, thrive and build lasting careers in the NHS.

21 November 2025

Case Study

How LED induction can support international medical graduates

Find out how Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust invested in its LED workforce to improve the induction process.

15 October 2025

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International Recruitment Toolkit

Take a look at our toolkit focused on overseas recruitment into the NHS, offering advice, guidance and examples of good practice.

Read the guide

Code of practice resources

Ethical Recruiters List

A list of recruitment organisations, agencies, and collaborations that operate in accordance with the revised Code of Practice.

Code of Practice

Ensuring ethical international recruitment practices operate within health and social care and adherence to the WHO Global Code of Practice.

Application process for the Ethical Recruiters List

Information on the application process for the Ethical Recruiters List, how the list is monitored, and the appeals procedure.

Code of Practice quick guide

A quick guide to support your understanding of the Code of Practice for the International Recruitment of Health and Social Care Personnel

Find more code of practice resources

Subscribe to the NHS Employers Workforce Bulletin

Sign up to our weekly bulletin sharing guidance, resources and other relevant content to support employers across a range of topics including recruitment and retention of staff.

Learn more and sign up

Key International Recruitment Content

Article

EU Settlement Scheme

Find details and resources to support European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) staff.

13 April 2026

Article

Support information for international nurses and midwives

This page provides a collection of national resources and guidance to support your international nurses and midwives.

9 June 2025

Article

eVisas and what they mean for recruitment

The phased roll out of online immigration status will bring changes to international recruitment and right to work checks.

28 November 2025

Guidance

Quick guide: Code of Practice for International Recruitment

A quick guide to support your understanding of the Code of Practice for the International Recruitment of Health and Social Care Personnel

27 March 2025

International Retention Toolkit

Find out more about actions that employers can take to ensure internationally recruited staff will want to stay, thrive and build lasting careers in the NHS.

Take a look at our International Retention Toolkit

Contact us

International Recruitment

International recruitment team

The international recruitment team sits in the workforce supply programme.