NMC SIFE Important Guidance
What is SIFE?
Supporting Information from Employers (SIFE) is a reference provided by an employer to help internationally trained professionals with their registration. However, it can only be used alongside other evidence of English proficiency, such as an English test or previous studies in English.
SIFE is available to applicants who meet specific criteria, ensuring they have strong communication skills to work safely in UK healthcare. Employers can only provide a SIFE reference if they have observed your English skills in practice for at least 12 months. It’s entirely up to the employer whether to provide this reference, even if you qualify, as they must be confident in your abilities.
Who is SIFE for?
SIFE (Supporting Information from Employers) is extra evidence of English skills for NMC applications. You can use it if you studied nursing or midwifery in English in a country where English isn’t the main language, or if you missed the required score in one part of IELTS (by 0.5) or OET (by half a grade). To qualify, you must have worked in a UK healthcare or care job (not as a registered nurse) for at least 12 months, stayed with the same employer during that time, and had the same manager for at least 6 months. Your current employer must provide the SIFE reference, and you must still be working there when you apply.
Key Steps in the SIFE Process:
- Applicant Discussion: Eligible applicants should first talk to their employer about using SIFE as part of their NMC registration.
- Employer Decision: The employer reviews whether they can support the applicant by providing evidence of English proficiency. Line managers assess the applicant’s communication skills using provided NMC guidance.
- SIFE Nomination: If the employer agrees, the line manager and a counter-signatory provide their names and PINs for the applicant to enter in their NMC Online application.
- Online Submission: The applicant nominates the employer through NMC Online.
The line manager receives a link via their NMC Online account to complete the SIFE form, confirming the applicant’s English skills and employment details.
After submitting, the counter-signatory gets a link to complete their section and submit it online.
When to begin the SIFE Process?
There is no specific order in which you need to complete the Test of Competence or submit the required evidence for your application, including SIFE. However, your application can only be assessed once all necessary evidence has been provided. It’s important to ensure that you submit everything required before your application can be processed. To help with this, the NMC provides a pre-application checklist on their website to guide you through the steps and ensure you have all the necessary documents.
Conclusion
In simple terms, Supporting Information from Employers (SIFE) helps internationally trained professionals prove their English skills when applying for registration in the UK. However, it can only be used with other evidence, like an English test or previous studies in English. Employers can provide a SIFE reference if they’ve seen your English skills in practice for at least 12 months. But it’s up to the employer to decide if they want to give this reference, even if you meet the requirements, because they need to be confident in your ability to work safely in healthcare.
Get additional information about the SIFE pathway on the NMC website.
NMC SIFE: Frequently asked Questions
What is the full form of SIFE?
Supporting Information from Employers (SIFE) is the full form for SIFE.
How much is the NMC UK verification fee?
Complete the final NMC form with required documents and pay the fee that is £153.
How long does NMC UK verification take?
The NMC will review your application within 30 days once they have all your documents and reference verifications.
What is the IETLS score for NMC?
The NMC will accept an IELTS Academic certificate if you have scored at least 6.5 in writing and 7 in reading, listening, and speaking.
