As opportunities for care workers in the UK have become limited, many professionals are wondering, “What next?” The good news is that several other countries around the world are actively recruiting international healthcare professionals — especially Care Workers, Nurses, and Nurse Assistants.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the top countries that are now open, what qualifications are needed, work and permanent residence possibilities, and practical steps to get started.
Countries Currently Recruiting Care Workers, Nurses & Nurse Assistants
While the Uk has stopped being as open as it was over the past few years, several other countries are opening up. Admitedly, while these countries are not as easy to enter as was the UK, they represent a real opportunity to for you to migrate to a new country and advance your career and fulfill your dreams. These countries are:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Germany
- Ireland
- Norway, Sweden & Denmark (Scandinavia)
- United States
- United Arab Emirates & Saudi Arabia (Gulf Region)
Canada — One of the Best for Permanent Residence (PR)
Canada offers one of the most welcoming pathways for nurses and healthcare assistants. There is high demand due to aging population and staffing shortages in hospitals, long-term care homes, and community care centres.
Roles in Demand
- Registered Nurses (RN)
- Licensed/Registered Practical Nurses (LPN/RPN)
- Personal Support Workers (PSW)
- Healthcare Assistants / Care Aides
Benefits
- Employer sponsorship available
- Clear pathways to Permanent Residence through Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs
- Possibility to move with family
Requirements
- Recognised qualification or diploma in healthcare
- Credential assessment (WES or provincial authority)
- IELTS or CELPIP for PR applications
Canada is currently one of the easiest countries to migrate to as a healthcare professional — especially when aiming for Permanent Residence.
Australia — Structured and Professional but Strict
Australia has strong demand for nurses but is strict on qualifications, registration and English proficiency. Successful applicants can enjoy excellent salaries, work-life balance and PR routes.
Key Requirements
- Registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency)
- Skill assessment through ANMAC for nurses
- IELTS or OET (usually Band 7 or OET B)
Visa and PR Options
- Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482)
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189/190)
- Direct Permanent Residence after two years of working on skilled visas
New Zealand — Friendly, Employer-Led and Pathways to Residence
New Zealand is known for being welcoming to healthcare workers, especially nurses and aged care caregivers. Employers can sponsor workers directly, and many roles qualify for fast-track residence.
Benefits
- High demand for aged care workers
- Employer-Assisted Work Visa
- Work-to-Residence options that can lead to Permanent Residence in 2 years
Requirements
- Nursing qualification and verification from the Nursing Council of New Zealand
- English test (IELTS or OET)
- Health and background checks
Germany — Great Opportunity if You Can Learn German
Germany has a large shortage of nurses and elderly care professionals. If you can invest time in learning German, this could be a rewarding pathway.
Requirements
- Qualification recognition (Anerkennung)
- German language — usually B2 level
- Work contract from an employer
Benefits
- Secure job market in hospitals and care homes
- Legal path to Permanent Residence after working for several years
- Family reunification possible
Language is the biggest hurdle, but Germany offers excellent quality of life and long-term residence options.
Ireland — Active International Recruitment Programs
Ireland is widely hiring internationally educated nurses and some care workers to fill hospital and nursing home shortages.
Steps for Nurses
- Qualification assessment through NMBI (Nursing Board)
- Proof of English (IELTS or OET)
- Job offer from private or public healthcare employer
Visa & Residence Options
- Critical Skills Employment Permit
- Eligible for Stamp 4 (long-term residence) after 2 years
These countries offer excellent salaries and benefits but require local language — such as Norwegian, Swedish or Danish — before working professionally.
Benefits
- High salary and strong worker protections
- Excellent healthcare systems
- Possibility of Permanent Residence after work period
Main Challenge
Language. Professional practice requires at least level B2 vocabulary. Some employers offer language training programs.
United States — Opportunity for Qualified Nurses (Longer Process)
The USA mainly recruits Registered Nurses and specialist nurses. The process is longer because of licensing and visa rules.
Requirements
- Pass NCLEX-RN licensing exam
- CGFNS VisaScreen for qualification verification
- Employer sponsorship (Green Card or Work Visa)
Who it suits:
Professionally qualified nurses ready to invest time in paperwork, exams and verification.
United Arab Emirates & Saudi Arabia — Fast Hiring, Limited Residence
The Gulf region is well-known for hiring international nurses and care workers quickly, especially in private hospitals, clinics and home care agencies.
Advantages
- Quick hiring (2–6 months)
- Tax-free salaries
- Modern hospitals and facilities
Limitations
- No straightforward Permanent Residence
- Work visa is tied to employer
Comparison Overview
| Country | PR Pathway | Language Requirement | Speed to Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Very Strong | English/French | Medium |
| Australia | Strong | English | Medium |
| New Zealand | Strong | English | Fast |
| Germany | Good (after several years) | German (B2) | Medium |
| Ireland | Strong | English | Medium–Fast |
| Gulf Countries | Limited | English | Very Fast |
How to Prepare — Your Migration Readiness Checklist
- Gather certified copies of degrees, diplomas and transcripts
- Update your CV to international standards
- Prepare proof of work experience and reference letters
- Take IELTS, OET or relevant language test
- Start your credential verification early (CGFNS, ANMAC, WES, NMBI, etc.)
- Apply only through trusted recruitment agencies or directly to hospitals
Real Life Example
Meet Jane, a nurse from Kenya. She had always dreamed of living abroad but didn’t know where to turn once UK doors began to close. Instead of giving up, she applied to New Zealand, got a sponsored job offer from an aged care employer, completed her Nursing Council verification, and arrived in Auckland. Now she is on track for Permanent Residence — and her husband and children are joining her next year. Her story shows that the journey may change direction, but the dream can still come true.
Conclusion
While the UK pathway may no longer be as open as before, it certainly isn’t the end of the road. New doors have opened — especially in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and Ireland.
The key is to choose your target country, understand its requirements, and start preparing step by step. Your skills are valuable, and the world still needs you.