October 10, 2023
NMBI’s Registration Committee has decided to extend the period of validity for English Language test results for a defined cohort of applicants.
NMBI’s Registration Committee has decided to extend the period of validity for English Language test results for a defined cohort of applicants.
This is in response to requests from applicants who were impacted by recent ATWS visa issues, and with the aim of supporting more nurses and midwives to join our Register and become part of the Irish healthcare workforce.
A three-month extension is now available for applicants who meet all the following requirements:
- Have previously passed an English language test with a satisfactory score.
- Have a test which expired within three months of application for registration.
- Have evidence of delay in application due to ATWS issues (evidence of rejections in 2023).
- Have successfully completed a compensation measure in 2023.
To register with NMBI, all applicants are required to have the necessary knowledge and competency in English to communicate effectively and safely in their practice. This requirement is important in our role in protecting service users and the broader public.
NMBI recognises both the International English Language Test System (IELTS) and Occupational English Test (OET) and verified test providers. IELTS and OET are valid for two years across all Irish regulators, as well as Canadian, Australian, American and UK regulators. This is also the standard validation period across immigration services internationally.
For more information, please see the English language requirements section of our website.
NMBI continues to support applicants from outside of Ireland who wish to join the Register of Nurses and Midwives. We are keen to register more nurses and midwives to meet the demands of the health sector, while ensuring that all nurses and midwives working in Ireland provide excellent quality of care.