Skills assessment for Sri Lankan nurses/engineers migrating to NZ/UK in 2026.

Navigating Your 2026 Migration Journey: An Overview

Planning to move to New Zealand or the United Kingdom in 2026? If you are a nurse or an engineer from Sri Lanka, your journey starts with one key step: the skills assessment. This is the official process to prove that your qualifications and work experience meet the standards of your new country. Think of it as the foundation of your entire migration plan.

A skills assessment is not a visa application. It is a separate review by an official body in the UK or NZ. This authority will check your university degrees, work history, and other professional documents. Their goal is to confirm you have the right skills to work safely in your field. A positive outcome is required before you can apply for most skilled work visas.

The process differs for each country and profession. For example, nurses aiming for the UK must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Those going to New Zealand will deal with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ). Likewise, engineers have their own assessment bodies. Understanding these specific paths is vital for success. For many nurses, a positive assessment opens the door to options like the UK Health & Care Worker Visa.

Starting early is your best strategy. Begin gathering your documents now, including university transcripts and detailed letters from past employers. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and help you avoid delays. This guide will walk you through the specific steps for your profession, whether you are targeting the UK or the NZ Accredited Employer Work Visa pathway.

Pathway for Nurses: UK & NZ Skills Assessment For Sri Lankan nurses planning to migrate in 2026, both the UK and New Zealand offer clear but different pathways to getting your skills recognised. These countries value your experience, but you must prove you meet their standards before you can work. The process often starts while you are still in Sri Lanka.

# United Kingdom (UK) The UK's process is managed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). To register, you must complete several steps. 1. English Language Test: You need to prove your English skills with a test like IELTS or OET. 2. Computer-Based Test (CBT): This is a multiple-choice theory exam. You can take this test at a certified centre in Sri Lanka. It checks your nursing knowledge. 3. OSCE Exam: The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a practical test. You must travel to the UK to take it. It simulates real hospital situations to test your clinical skills. Once you pass these exams and your documents are approved, you can get NMC registration. This allows you to apply for jobs and the UK Health & Care Worker Visa, which is a fast-track route for medical professionals.

# New Zealand (NZ) New Zealand’s process is handled by the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ). It focuses on matching your qualifications to NZ standards. 1. English Language Test: Like the UK, you must pass an English test like IELTS or OET. 2. Document Verification: Your Sri Lankan nursing degree and work experience will be checked. The NCNZ uses an international agency to confirm your qualifications are genuine and equivalent to theirs. 3. Competence Assessment Programme (CAP): Most nurses from Sri Lanka will need to complete a CAP course. This is a short, 6- to 12-week course in New Zealand. It teaches you about the local healthcare system, cultural safety, and practical skills. After you pass the CAP, you can get your NZ nursing registration. This is a key requirement for getting a job offer and applying for the NZ Accredited Employer Work Visa.

Blueprint for Engineers: UK & NZ Skills Assessment For Sri Lankan engineers who want to move to the UK or New Zealand in 2026, the first step is proving your skills. Both countries need to know that your engineering degree and work experience meet their high standards. This is called a skills assessment. You cannot get a skilled work visa without passing it.

New Zealand: The Engineering New Zealand (ENZ) Pathway

In New Zealand, the main group that checks your qualifications is Engineering New Zealand (ENZ). For immigration, you must show them that your skills are equal to those of local engineers.

• Qualifications: If your degree is from a university covered by the Washington Accord (like the University of Moratuwa or Peradeniya), the process is much simpler. Your degree is already recognised.
• Experience: You will need to provide detailed evidence of your work. This includes project reports and letters from your past employers that explain your duties.
• Assessment: If your degree is not from an Accord-accredited university, you will face a more detailed review of your knowledge and skills.

This assessment is vital for visa options like the NZ Accredited Employer Work Visa.

United Kingdom: Getting Registered

The UK system focuses on professional registration with the Engineering Council (EngC). This is often done through groups like the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) or the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

• Academic Check: Like NZ, a Washington Accord degree makes things easier. If you do not have one, your degree will be compared to UK standards.
• Professional Review: You must show you have the right skills and experience to earn a title like Chartered Engineer (CEng). This involves writing reports and sometimes an interview.

Key Tips for Success

Start preparing early. This process can take many months. Collect all your documents now, including university transcripts, detailed reference letters, and proof of any training. A positive skills assessment is your ticket to starting a new life and career. However, always weigh the benefits against the challenges, as the cost of living can be a major factor in your decision.

## Your Action Plan: Timeline and Next Steps for 2026 The migration process can feel long and complex. Breaking it down into smaller steps makes it much easier to manage. Here is a simple timeline to help you plan your journey for 2026.

Early 2026 (January – April): Research and Preparation This is your foundation stage. Getting these steps right will prevent delays later. * Check Your Eligibility: Visit the official websites for your profession. For nurses, this is the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK or the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ). For engineers, check Engineering NZ or the UK Engineering Council. * Gather Documents: Collect all essential papers. This includes your passport, birth certificate, university degree, and academic transcripts. Make sure they are certified copies if required. * Improve Your English: Start studying for your English language test (IELTS or OET). Consistent practice is key to getting the score you need.

Mid-2026 (May – August): Applications and Exams Now it is time to take action and submit your applications. * Book and Take Your English Test: Schedule your IELTS or OET exam. Your results are a vital part of your skills assessment. * Submit Your Assessment: Once you have your English results, complete and submit your application to the relevant assessment body. * Prepare for Professional Exams: Nurses should begin studying for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) for the UK. Engineers should start writing their competency reports or career episodes.

Late 2026 (September – December): Job Search and Visa With a positive skills assessment, you can move to the final stage. * Find a Job: Update your CV and start applying for jobs. Look for roles through platforms like NHS Jobs in the UK or Seek and Trade Me Jobs in New Zealand. * Secure a Job Offer: Prepare for online interviews with potential employers. Once you receive a job offer, you can apply for your visa. * Apply for Your Visa: For nurses heading to the UK, the UK Health & Care Worker Visa offers a fast-track route. Those moving to New Zealand will likely need an offer from an accredited employer for the NZ Accredited Employer Work Visa.