Visas and Nationality Services

The Visas and Nationality services support you if you need to evidence the level of your degree and/or your English language proficiency for the UK Home Office.

These services are for you if you are applying for one of the following visas or routes:

  • Family (including spouse), settlement or citizenship/naturalisation
  • Skilled Worker
  • Skilled Work: Health and Care
  • Start-up and Innovator
  • Minister of Religion
  • High Potential Individual
  • Student Route

There are five Visas and Nationality services available:

  • Visas and Nationality (English proficiency)
  • Visas and Nationality (PhD verification)
  • Visas and Nationality (PhD verification with English proficiency)
  • Visas and Nationality (High Potential Individual)
  • Visas and Nationality (High Potential Individual with English Proficiency)

It is important that you carefully read the service descriptions below and apply for the correct service.

This is a reference to the information that we provide within these services.

Service Academic Qualification
Level Statement (AQUALS)
English Language
Proficiency Statement (ELPS)*
Verification of Degree Fast Track Available

Visas and Nationality (English proficiency)

ü

ü*

û ü

Visas and Nationality (PhD verification)

ü û ü û

Visas and Nationality (PhD verification with English proficiency)

ü

ü*

ü û

Visas and Nationality (High Potential Individual)

ü û ü û

Visas and Nationality (High Potential Individual with English proficiency)

ü

ü*

ü û

The Visas and Nationality service (English proficiency) is suitable for you if:

  • You hold a qualification comparable to a Bachelor, Master’s or PhD degree in the UK
  • You have completed said qualification with English as the only language of instruction.

If your qualification meets both requirements, our team will complete the assessment and issue either one or two statements with the results, depending on the qualification submitted.

These are the:

When comparing overseas qualifications to UK qualifications, we consider factors such as entry requirements to the course, syllabus studied, length of study etc. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and many aspects are considered to allow us to comment on your qualification. With these, our team will then research your qualification and try to determine an appropriate level of comparison with the UK framework.

We aim to complete applications for this service within 10 working days; however, in circumstances where further research or other requirements need to be considered the process can take longer. Our team will notify you through your account if this applies to your application.

Providing documents that we can independently verify will help to prevent delays to your application. This means documents that are verifiable online or downloadable on the awarding institution’s website.

For more information about how we assess qualifications, please see our Methodology page.

Please note that a Visas and Nationality (English proficiency) statement should be presented to the Home Office along with your qualification. It does not replace or supersede your qualification.

* English Language Proficiency Statement (ELPS) – this information is not provided if you have studied at an institution in a majority English speaking country as this is not necessary for the Home Office in these cases. Only the Academic Qualification Level Statement (AQUALS) will be issued, as well as verification if applicable to that service.

Applications for the Visas and Nationality service (English proficiency) are submitted online through our website.

At the bottom of this page, you will see an Apply Now button. This will allow you to register for an online account to begin your application process with Ecctis.

Once you have successfully registered your account and followed the verification link emailed to you, select the “Start your application” button in your account.

This will take you through the application process which includes adding your qualification as an entry, uploading photographs of the supporting documents, providing your contact information to assist with delivery of your order and choosing a delivery option based on your location.

Please note that a successful Identity Check is required before the application will be passed to our team for review. Further information of this will be explained when you reach this stage.

Please note that an application is not submitted until after the payment has been made.

All documents given must be clear colour photographs. We may request further images if we are not able to clearly see all four corners of the page. Please avoid using scanning apps or a pdf, and attach the document photograph as a jpeg file.

The initial documentation required to begin our assessment are:

  • The final certificate given upon completion of your qualification
  • The official transcript showing all subjects and grades achieved throughout your studies. This must be produced by the awarding institution. Please note that we cannot accept transcripts from affiliated colleges.
  • A Medium of Instruction letter issued by the awarding institution, confirming the languages used throughout the course of study. (Further information on this can be found on our FAQ page)
  • The original language documents, with certified translations of these documents, if they are not originally issued in English by the institution.
  • Passport / Photo ID
  • Evidence of name change. We will require the legal document that evidences the reason for your name change (e.g. marriage certificate, deed poll etc) as well as valid identification in your current legal name (such as a passport or driving licence) This is only required if the name used during your studies is not the same as your current legal name.

Please note that these documents are necessary to begin the application process, however, our team may ask for further supporting documents to assist with our assessment.

This service costs £140.00 + VAT* and your chosen delivery option. The timeframe to complete your order is 10 working days from when we have received all necessary documentation for each submitted qualification and full payment.

All timeframes mentioned include our review process. An update will be given within 10 working days from when any additional documentation is provided. Please allow the full 10 working days for our team to provide an update through the “Order Status” area of the User Portal.

Please note that a successful Identity Check is required before the application will be passed to our team for review. Further information of this will be explained when you reach this stage.

If further documents are required throughout the application process, your due date for completion will be updated and resets.

Please note that additional research or verification measures may be required to complete your assessment. When this is necessary our Team will update you through your User Portal to confirm whether you are happy to proceed. This may cause delays to the original timeframe.

This service is eligible for our optional Fast Track process. Information about what this is, timeframes available and additional fees can be found on our Fast Track page. If your application moves to a research or verification process, we will not be able to honour the Fast Track timeframe and will refund this fee where possible.

*VAT if applicable

The Visas and Nationality service (PhD verification) is suitable for you if:

  • You hold a qualification comparable to a PhD degree in the UK

If your qualification meets this requirement, our team will issue a statement with your outcome.

This statement will include the:

  • Academic Qualification Level Statement (AQUALS) – this comments on whether the university-awarded qualification meets a PhD degree level in the UK
  • The statement will also include the verification result; this is achieved by contacting your institution to confirm that the degree is genuine.

This service will not provide a reference to English proficiency based on the degree.

When comparing overseas qualifications to UK qualifications, we consider factors such as entry requirements to the course, syllabus studied, length of study etc. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and many aspects are considered to allow us to comment on your qualification. With these, our team will then research your qualification and try to determine an appropriate level of comparison with the UK framework.

We aim to complete applications for this service within 30 working days; however in circumstances where further research or other requirements need to be considered this can take longer. Our team will notify you through your account if this applies to your application.

For more information about how we assess qualifications, please see our Methodology page.

Please note that a Visas and Nationality (PhD Verification) statement should be presented to the Home Office along with your qualification. It does not replace or supersede your qualification.

Applications for the Visas and Nationality service (PhD verification) are submitted online through our website.

At the bottom of this page, you will see an Apply Now button. This will allow you to register for an online portal to begin your application process with Ecctis.

Once you have successfully registered your account and followed the verification link emailed to you, select the “Start your application” button in your portal.

This will take you through the application process which includes adding your qualification as an entry, uploading photographs of the supporting documents, providing your contact information to assist with delivery of your order and choosing a delivery option based on your location.

Please note that a successful Identity Check is required before the application will be passed to our team for review. Further information of this will be explained when you reach this stage.

Please note that an application is not submitted until after the payment has been made on your portal.

All documents given must be clear colour photographs. We may request further images if we are not able to clearly see all four corners of the page. Please avoid using scanning apps or pdf’s, and attach the document photograph as a jpeg file.

The initial documentation required to begin our assessment are:

  • The final certificate given upon completion of your qualification
  • The official transcript showing all subjects and grades achieved throughout your studies. This must be produced by the awarding institution. Please note that we cannot accept transcripts from affiliated colleges.
  • Certified translations of these documents if they are not originally issued in English by the institution
  • Passport / Photo ID
  • Evidence of name change. We will require the legal document that evidences the reason for your name change (e.g. marriage certificate, deed poll etc) as well as valid identification in your current legal name (such as a passport or driving licence) This is only required if the name used during your studies is not the same as your current legal name.

Please note that these documents are necessary to begin the application process, however, our team may ask for further supporting documents to assist with our assessment.

This service costs £210.00 + VAT* and your chosen delivery option. The timeframe to complete your order is 30 working days from when we have received all necessary documentation for each submitted qualification and full payment.

All timeframes mentioned include our review process, an update will be given within 30 working days from when any additional documentation is provided. Please allow the full 30 working days for our team to provide an update through the “Order Status” area of the User Portal.

Please note that a successful Identity Check is required before the application will be passed to our team for review. Further information of this will be explained when you reach this stage.

Due to the nature of this service, we are not able to offer a faster timeframe than the 30 working days.

Please note that additional research may be required to complete your assessment. When this is necessary our Team will update you through your User Portal to confirm whether you are happy to proceed. This may cause delays to the original timeframe.

*VAT if applicable

The Visas and Nationality service (PhD verification with English proficiency) is suitable for you if:

  • you hold a qualification comparable to a PhD degree in the UK
  • you have completed said qualification with English as the only language of instruction, or hold another qualification equivalent to a Bachelor, Master’s or PhD degree level in the UK that has been taught solely in English.

If your qualification meets this requirement, our team will complete the assessment and issue a statement with your outcome.

This statement will include the:

  • Academic Qualification Level Statement (AQUALS) – this comments on whether the university-awarded qualification meets a PhD degree level in the UK
  • The statement will also include the verification result; this is achieved by contacting your institution to confirm that the degree is genuine.
  • English Language Proficiency Statement (ELPS)* – this comments on the level of English proficiency required to complete the given qualification according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

When comparing overseas qualifications to UK qualifications, we consider factors such as entry requirements to the course, syllabus studied, length of study etc. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and many aspects are considered to allow us to comment on your qualification. With these, our team will then research your qualification and try to determine an appropriate level of comparison with the UK framework.

We aim to complete qualifications for this service within 30 working days; however in circumstances where further research or other requirements need to be considered this can take longer. Our team will notify you through your account if this applies to your application.

For more information about how we assess qualifications, please see our Methodology page.

Please note that a Visas and Nationality (PhD verification with English proficiency) statement should be presented to the Home Office along with your qualification. It does not replace or supersede your qualification.

If further documents are required throughout the application process, your due date for completion will be updated and resets.

* English Language Proficiency Statement (ELPS) – this information is not provided if you have studied at an institution in a majority English speaking country as this is not necessary for the Home Office in these cases. Only the Academic Qualification Level Statement (AQUALS) will be issued, as well as verification if applicable to that service.

Applications for the Visas and Nationality service (PhD verification with English proficiency) are submitted online through our website.

At the bottom of this page, you will see an Apply Now button. This will allow you to register for an online portal to begin your application process with Ecctis.

Once you have successfully registered your account and followed the verification link emailed to you, select the “Start your Application” button in your portal.

This will take you through the application process which includes adding your qualification as an entry, uploading photographs of the supporting documents, providing your contact information to assist with delivery of your order and choosing a delivery option based on your location.

Please note that a successful Identity Check is required before the application will be passed to our team for review. Further information of this will be explained when you reach this stage.

Please note that an application is not submitted until after the payment has been made on your portal.

All documents given must be clear colour photographs. We may request further images if we are not able to clearly see all four corners of the page. Please avoid using scanning apps or pdf’s, and attach the document photograph as a jpeg file.

The initial documentation required to begin our assessment are:

  • The final certificate given upon completed of your qualification
  • The official transcript showing all subjects and grades achieved throughout your studies. This must be produced by the awarding institution. Please note that we cannot accept transcripts from affiliated colleges.
  • Certified translations of these documents if they are not originally issued in English by the institution
  • A Medium of Instruction letter issued by the awarding institution, confirming the languages used throughout the course of study. (Further information can be found on our FAQ page)
  • Passport / Photo ID
  • Evidence of name change. We will require the legal document that evidences the reason for your name change (e.g. marriage certificate, deed poll etc) as well as valid identification in your current legal name (such as a passport or driving licence) This is only required if the name used during your studies is not the same as your current legal name.

Please note that these documents are necessary to begin the application process; however, our team may ask for further supporting documents to assist with our assessment.

This service costs £210.00 + VAT* and the price of your chosen delivery option. The timeframe to complete your order is 30 working days from when we have received all necessary documentation for each submitted qualification and full payment.

All timeframes mentioned include our review process, an update will be given within 30 working days from when any additional documentation is provided. Please allow the full 30 working days for our team to provide an update through the “Order Status” area of the User Portal.

Please note that a successful Identity Check is required before the application will be passed to our team for review. Further information of this will be explained when you reach this stage.

Due to the nature of this service, we are not able to offer a faster timeframe than the 30 working days.

Please note that additional research may be required to complete your assessment. When this is necessary our Team will update you through your User Portal to confirm whether you are happy to proceed. This may cause delays to the original timeframe.

If further documents are required throughout the application process, your due date for completion will be updated and resets.

*VAT if applicable

The Visas and Nationality service (High Potential Individual) is suitable for you if:

  • you hold a qualification comparable to a Bachelor, Master’s or PhD degree that meets the Home Office requirements for the visa route.

We will process all undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications which meet the academic level requirements for this service. Responsibility for checking whether the qualification meets the Home Office requirements rests with the applicant.

This statement will include the:

  • Academic Qualification Level Statement (AQUALS) – this comments on whether the university (Higher Education) awarded qualification meets a Bachelor, Master or PhD degree level in the UK
  • The statement will also include receive the verification result; this is achieved by contacting your institution to confirm that the degree is genuine.

This service will not provide a reference to English proficiency based on the degree.

When comparing overseas qualifications to UK qualifications, we consider factors such as entry requirements to the course, syllabus studied, length of study etc. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and many aspects are considered to allow us to comment on your qualification. With these, our team will then research your qualification and try to determine an appropriate level of comparison with the UK framework.

We do aim to complete qualifications for this service within 30 working days; however in circumstances where further research or other requirements need to be considered this can take longer. Our team will notify you through your account if this applies to your application.

For more information about how we assess qualifications, please see our Methodology page.

Please note that a Visas and Nationality (High Potential Individual) statement should be presented to the Home Office along with your qualification. It does not replace or supersede your qualification.

Applications for the Visas and Nationality service (High Potential Individual) are submitted online through our website.

At the bottom of this page, you will see an Apply Now button. This will allow you to register for an online portal to begin your application process with Ecctis.

Once you have successfully registered your account and followed the verification link emailed to you, select the “Start your Application” button in your portal.

This will take you through the application process which includes adding your qualification as an entry, uploading photographs of the supporting documents, providing your contact information to assist with delivery of your order and choosing a delivery option based on your location.

Please note that a successful Identity Check is required before the application will be passed to our team for review. Further information of this will be explained when you reach this stage.

Please note that an application is not submitted until after the payment has been made on your portal.

All documents given must be clear colour photographs. We may request further images if we are not able to clearly see all four corners of the page. Please avoid using scanning apps or pdf’s, and attach the document photograph as a jpeg file.

The initial documentation required to begin our assessment are:

  • The final certificate given upon completed of your qualification
  • The official transcript showing all subjects and grades achieved throughout your studies. This must be produced by the awarding institution. Please note that we cannot accept transcripts from affiliated colleges.
  • Certified translations of these documents if they are not originally issued in English by the institution
  • Passport / Photo ID
  • Evidence of name change. We will require the legal document that evidences the reason for your name change (e.g. marriage certificate, deed poll etc) as well as valid identification in your current legal name (such as a passport or driving licence) This is only required if the name used during your studies is not the same as your current legal name.

Please note that these documents are necessary to begin the application process; however our team may ask for further supporting documents to assist with our assessment.

This service costs £210.00 + VAT* and the price of your chosen delivery option. The timeframe to complete your order is 30 working days from when we have received all necessary documentation for each submitted qualification and full payment.

All timeframes mentioned include our review process, an update will be given within 30 working days from when any additional documentation is provided. Please allow the full 30 working days for our team to provide an update through the “Order Status” area of the User Portal.

Please note that a successful Identity Check is required before the application will be passed to our team for review. Further information of this will be explained when you reach this stage.

Please note that additional research or verification measures may be required to complete your assessment. When this is necessary our Team will update you through your User Portal to confirm whether you are happy to proceed. This may cause delays to the original timeframe.

Due to the nature of this service, we are not able to offer a faster timeframe than the 30 working days.

If further documents are required throughout the application process, your due date for completion will be updated and resets.

*VAT if applicable

The Visas and Nationality service (High Potential Individual with English proficiency) is suitable for you if:

  • you hold a qualification comparable to a Bachelor, Master’s or PhD degree that meets the Home Office requirements for the visa route.
  • you have completed said qualification with English as the only language of instruction, or hold another qualification equivalent to a Bachelor, Master’s or PhD degree level in the UK that has been taught solely in English.

We will process all undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications which meet the academic level requirements for this service. Responsibility for checking whether the qualification meets the Home Office requirements rests with the applicant.

This statement will include the:

  • Academic Qualification Level Statement (AQUALS) – this comments on whether the university (Higher Education) awarded qualification meets a Bachelor, Master or PhD degree level in the UK
  • The statement will also include the verification result; this is achieved by contacting your institution to confirm that the degree is genuine.
  • English Language Proficiency Statement (ELPS)* – this comments on the level of English proficiency required to complete the given qualification according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

When comparing overseas qualifications to UK qualifications, we consider factors such as entry requirements to the course, syllabus studied, length of study etc. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and many aspects are considered to allow us to comment on your qualification. With these, our team will then research your qualification and try to determine an appropriate level of comparison with the UK framework.

We aim to complete qualifications for this service within 30 working days; however in circumstances where further research or other requirements need to be considered this can take longer. Our team will notify you through your account if this applies to your application.

For more information about how we assess qualifications, please see our Methodology page.

Please note that a Visas and Nationality (High Potential Individual with English proficiency) statement should be presented to the Home Office along with your qualification. It does not replace or supersede your qualification.

* English Language Proficiency Statement (ELPS) – this information is not provided if you have studied at an institution in a majority English speaking country as this is not necessary for the Home Office in these cases. Only the Academic Qualification Level Statement (AQUALS) will be issued, as well as verification if applicable to that service.

Applications for the Visas and Nationality service (High Potential Individual and English proficiency) are submitted online through our website.

At the bottom of this page, you will see an Apply Now button. This will allow you to register for an online portal to begin your application process with Ecctis.

Once you have successfully registered your account and followed the verification link emailed to you, select the “Start your application” button in your portal.

This will take you through the application process which includes adding your qualification as an entry, uploading photographs of the supporting documents, providing your contact information to assist with delivery of your order and choosing a delivery option based on your location.

Please note that a successful Identity Check is required before the application will be passed to our team for review. Further information of this will be explained when you reach this stage.

Please note that an application is not submitted until after the payment has been made on your portal.

All documents given must be clear colour photographs. We may request further images if we are not able to clearly see all four corners of the page.

The initial documentation required to begin our assessment are:

  • The final certificate given upon completed of your qualification
  • The official transcript showing all subjects and grades achieved throughout your studies. This must be produced by the awarding institution. Please note that we cannot accept transcripts from affiliated colleges.
  • Certified translations of these documents if they are not originally issued in English by the institution
  • A Medium of Instruction letter issued by the awarding institution, confirming the languages used throughout the course of study. (Further information can be found on our FAQ page)
  • Passport / Photo ID
  • Evidence of name change. We will require the legal document that evidences the reason for your name change (e.g. marriage certificate, deed poll etc) as well as valid identification in your current legal name (such as a passport or driving licence) This is only required if the name used during your studies is not the same as your current legal name.

Please note that these documents are necessary to begin the application process; however our team may ask for further supporting documents to assist with our assessment.

This service costs £210.00 + VAT* and your chosen delivery option. The timeframe to complete your order is 30 working days from when we have received all necessary documentation for each submitted qualification and full payment.

All timeframes mentioned include our review process, an update will be given within 30 working days from when any additional documentation is provided. Please allow the full 30 working days for our team to provide an update through the “Order Status” area of the User Portal.

Please note that a successful Identity Check is required before the application will be passed to our team for review. Further information of this will be explained when you reach this stage.

Due to the nature of this service, we are not able to offer a faster timeframe than the 30 working days.

Please note that additional research or verification measures may be required to complete your assessment. When this is necessary our Team will update you through your User Portal to confirm whether you are happy to proceed. This may cause delays to the original timeframe.

If further documents are required throughout the application process, your due date for completion will be updated and resets.

*VAT if applicable