Update March 2021 – the English Language Assessment service discussed in this blog post is no longer available. If you need to evidence your English language proficiency for UK Home Office visa or settlement purposes, then a suitable service would be our Visas and Nationality service.
Please note that since this article has been published immigration guidance has changed. Please see our post UK NARIC’s Visas and Nationality Service launches on 6 April which contains more up-to-date information. Also, as of 6 April 2017, UK NARIC statements can be used to evidence English levels A1, A2, B1, and B2, in addition to C1.
Language is the main entity that separates man from the apes and other animals.
(Henry Morris, Ph.D, The Mystery of Human Language)
It has been said that English is the most important language in the world; it is the language most used on the internet (although use of Chinese is growing) and is recognised as the language of communications, science, information technology, business, seafaring, aviation, entertainment, radio and diplomacy.
In terms of the UK immigration system, the Home Office place a great deal of significance in being able to speak and understand English. They have identified three ways migrants can demonstrate their proficiency:*
- They are a national of a majority English speaking country, or*
- They have passed an English language test, at or above the level for the PBS tier in which they are applying, which has been approved by the Home Office, or*
- They hold a degree that was:
- taught in English, and
- is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or above.*
The first two options are fairly cut and dried; migrants either fulfil these or they don’t, but what about the last one?
To meet this purpose, UK NARIC have developed an assessment that can indicate an individual’s proficiency in English. Visit our website for more information about this service.
How the Assessment helps
The English Language Assessment helps migrants prove that they meet the Home Office’s English requirements. In essence it confirms the level of a qualification and that it must have been taught in English, with the sole exception of foreign language modules. The methodology underpinning the Assessment means that an individual’s proficiency can be compared to C1 on the CEFR scale; meaning that it can be used to support applications to Tiers 1 & 2 of the Points Based System.*
What needs to be sent?
In order to make an assessment we need the following information:
- a covering letter with your contact details and stating the purpose of your enquiry
- a photocopy of your English test certificate(s) OR evidence of the medium of instruction of your study
- a photocopy of your final certificate and course transcripts
- a photocopy of a certified translation in English if necessary
- payment for the service (!)
- a self-addressed envelope with correct postage paid if the letter is for a UK address (if the postal address is outside the UK you do not need to provide postage)
How quick is the assessment?
We aim to get the assessment completed within 15 working days, once we have received all the appropriate documentation, but if there is a need to research the qualification / institution it might take longer.
If you have any further questions about the service please get in touch!
Please check the Home Office website to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information.*
*Please check the Home Office website to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information.