Q: Are you able to give me some idea of whether I will be accepted immediately for registration?

A: No, because each application for registration is considered individually.

Q: How do I contact the NMC if I have a query about my application?

A: Overseas applicants can contact the NMC by telephone on 020 7333 6600 or e-mail Overseasreg@nmc-uk.org.

Q: If I am not happy with the decision given on my application, do I have a right of appeal?

A: Yes. You should appeal in writing to the person who notified you of the NMC's decision and outline the basis for your appeal. It will be considered either:

• by the NMC officer who made the original decision, if you present additional information to support your application or
• by the professional officer responsible for overseas applications.
• If you are not satisfied with the professional officer's decision, you may appeal to the NMC's Director of Standards and Registration, whose decision is final. You may be invited to attend an interview to put your case.

Q: If I am not accepted for registration immediately, for how long do I have to undertake any additional education or practical experience?

A: It depends which decision you were given. The decision letter itself will state the time period for which the placement must take place.

Q: Can I make up any lack of practical experience by working for an agency?

A: No. Short duration placements are not acceptable. Where can I do my supervised placement? Supervised placements can be carried out either in a hospital, or in a nursing home that has been specifically audited by a Higher Education Institution for the purpose of preparing pre-registration nurses. For more information on the nature of supervised placements and guidelines for nursing home placements please see Supervised Placements.

Q: If I am a midwife where do I do my practice placements on an adaptation programme?

A: The approved higher education institutions that run adaptation programmes will provide appropriate practice placements according to your needs. These may be within a maternity unit and/or in the community. What do I have to do when I am accepted for registration? When you are accepted for registration, you will be asked to sign a form agreeing to abide by the NMC's Code of professional conduct. You will also need to pay the registration fee. This is currently £162.

For more information

You can download the NMC overseas information booklet about how to apply for registration in the UK, or order a copy by mail from www.nmc-uk.org