If you are preparing a UK visa application that requires verification of your overseas degree, you should be aware of recent changes to ECCTIS – the Home Office’s commercial partner for assessing international academic credentials.
What’s changed?
As of 2025, ECCTIS has replaced its previous Visa and Nationality Service with a new Qualification and Language Service (QLS). This updated service is designed to simplify the process, but also introduces significant changes, including increased fees the applicants must pay to have their qualifications assessed.
Two new service types
The QLS now offers two distinct types of assessment:
1. English Proficiency and Qualification Comparison
This service is relevant for visa routes where applicants must demonstrate both the academic level of their qualification and their English language ability. It assesses whether your qualification is comparable to a UK Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD, and evaluates the level of English required to complete your course, using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
If your qualification was taught in a Home Office-specified majority English-speaking country, the English level will not be assessed. ECCTIS will also contact your awarding institution to verify the authenticity of the qualification.
2. Qualification Comparison Only
This option is intended for those applying under specific routes, such as the Skilled Worker route (when using a PhD to claim salary points) and the High Potential Individual route. These applicants are not required to demonstrate their English level through ECCTIS, as their route does not involve an English language requirement.
New fees and processing times
One of the most notable updates is the revised fee structure. Regardless of which service you choose, the cost is now:
- £210 + £42 VAT (total £252)
This marks a significant increase from the previous £140 + VAT for the qualification and English proficiency check. Previously, the higher £210 fee applied only to PhD-level verification.
In terms of processing time, both services now have a standard turnaround of 20 working days. This replaces the previous timeframes of 10 working days for the English/qualification check and 30 days for PhD assessments. Importantly, there is no longer a fast-track option available.
Conclusion
While the revamped ECCTIS service may streamline the application process, the fee increases and removal of the fast-track option could pose challenges for some applicants. It is more important than ever to plan ahead and ensure that you allow sufficient time for your ECCTIS assessment before submitting your visa application.
If you are unsure which service you need, or how these changes may affect your application, it is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified immigration adviser.
Updated: 7 May 2025
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