Section A: What is UK ENIC and how does it relate to UK NARIC?
UK ENIC is the UK’s national body responsible for assessing and comparing overseas qualifications against UK standards. Its role is to provide official confirmation of how international academic qualifications align with UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and PhD levels, and where relevant, whether a qualification can be relied on to meet UK immigration English language requirements.
UK ENIC is not an immigration decision-maker and does not grant visas or nationality. Instead, it provides formal statements that UK Visas and Immigration can rely on when assessing whether an applicant has met specific evidential requirements set out in the Immigration Rules or nationality guidance.
1. UK NARIC and the change to UK ENIC
UK ENIC was previously known as UK NARIC, which stood for the UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre. UK NARIC operated as the UK’s designated recognition body within the European Union’s NARIC network prior to the UK leaving the EU.
Following Brexit, the UK could no longer participate in the EU NARIC network. As a result, the UK recognition function moved to the European Network of Information Centres framework, which operates under the Council of Europe and UNESCO and supports the Lisbon Recognition Convention. From 1 March 2021, the UK recognition body therefore became known as UK ENIC.
The change in name reflects the UK’s alignment with the ENIC network rather than any change in the underlying function of the service. The assessment methodology and recognition principles applied after the change remain consistent with those previously used under UK NARIC.
2. Who operates UK ENIC?
UK ENIC is operated and managed by Ecctis Limited under contract with the UK Government. Ecctis is responsible for carrying out qualification assessments, issuing official statements and providing specialist recognition services on behalf of UK ENIC.
For immigration and nationality purposes, Ecctis also delivers specific services designed to support applications made to UK Visas and Immigration. These are referred to as the Visas and Nationality services and are separate from standard statements of comparability used for employment, study or professional registration outside the immigration system.
3. What UK ENIC does and does not do
UK ENIC assesses overseas qualifications to confirm their academic level compared with UK standards. Where relevant, it can also confirm whether a qualification was taught or researched in English to a level that meets the English language requirements set out in the Immigration Rules.
UK ENIC does not determine whether a visa or citizenship application will be approved, and it does not assess an applicant’s overall eligibility under a specific immigration route. Its role is limited to evidencing qualification level and, where applicable, English language proficiency in a form that UKVI accepts.
4. Is UK NARIC still valid?
UK NARIC no longer issues statements and has not operated under that name since March 2021. All new qualification assessments for UK purposes are carried out through UK ENIC services delivered by Ecctis.
References to UK NARIC in older guidance, employer policies or application checklists are references to what is now UK ENIC. Applicants looking for a UK NARIC certificate should apply through the UK ENIC Visas and Nationality services where qualification evidence is required for immigration purposes.
Older UK NARIC statements may still be relevant in limited circumstances, but they are not interchangeable with current UK ENIC Visas and Nationality statements and should not be relied on without checking whether they meet the evidential requirements of the application being made.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
ENIC’s role in the immigration process can easily be misunderstood by applicants and employers. How it works in practice is that ENIC is acting only as an evidential mechanism. It’s not a general approval body and doesn’t do what UK NARIC was often assumed to do in the past (where a ‘signed off’ degree was treated as permanently resolved). UKVI won’t drill down into past circumstances. They’re only concerned with whether the current evidence in front of them meets the rules in force on the date of the application.
Section B: When is UK ENIC required for UK visas, settlement & citizenship?
UK ENIC is only required in specific circumstances where an applicant is relying on an overseas qualification to meet an evidential requirement under the UK Immigration Rules or nationality guidance. It is not a blanket requirement for all applicants with overseas degrees, and many applicants meet the English language requirement in other permitted ways.
Understanding when a UK ENIC statement is needed, and when it is not, is central to avoiding unnecessary cost, delay or refusal.
1. Using overseas qualifications to meet the English language requirement
When applying for entry clearance, leave to remain or British citizenship, applicants aged 18 or over may be required to prove their knowledge of the English language.
One permitted way of meeting this requirement is by relying on a degree-level qualification that was taught or researched in English. Where that qualification was awarded outside the UK, UK Visas and Immigration requires independent confirmation of both academic level and, where applicable, English language proficiency. This confirmation is provided through the Visas and Nationality services operated by Ecctis on behalf of UK ENIC.
2. When ENIC is not required
A UK ENIC statement is not required in every case. Where an applicant is a national of a majority English-speaking country, UKVI may treat the applicant as exempt from the English language requirement altogether, depending on the route and stage of application.
Similarly, applicants who hold a degree awarded by a UK institution generally rely on their original degree certificate without needing any ENIC confirmation. In some cases, applicants can also rely on English language evidence accepted at an earlier immigration stage, provided it meets the current rules for the application being made.
6. Majority English-speaking country exemptions
UK Visas and Immigration maintains a fixed list of majority English-speaking countries. Nationals of those countries are treated as meeting the English language requirement automatically for relevant routes and stages of application.
Applicants relying on nationality-based exemption do not need to obtain a UK ENIC statement or take an English language test. However, the exemption applies only where the applicant’s nationality is on the approved list and where the rules for the specific application allow reliance on nationality alone.
3. Settlement and citizenship applications
For settlement and British citizenship applications, the English language requirement is applied strictly and evidence is assessed as at the date of application. Where an applicant is relying on an overseas degree to meet this requirement, a Visas and Nationality statement from Ecctis is required unless the applicant falls within an exemption.
English language evidence used for an earlier visa or Indefinite Leave to Remain application can often be reused for naturalisation, provided the evidence remains valid and meets nationality guidance. Where this is not the case, applicants may need to obtain a new ENIC statement or rely on a different permitted form of evidence.
4. Skilled Worker route and tradeable points
Under the Skilled Worker route, overseas qualifications may also be relied on for tradeable points purposes where the Immigration Rules permit this. In particular, applicants relying on an overseas PhD to qualify for tradeable points need to obtain a PhD verification statement from Ecctis.
Where an applicant also wishes to rely on the same qualification to meet the English language requirement, the appropriate combined Visas and Nationality service must be selected. Choosing the wrong service can leave an applicant without usable evidence for the Skilled Worker application.
5. Do UK ENIC or UK NARIC statements expire?
UK ENIC and former UK NARIC statements do not have a formal expiry date. However, whether a statement can be reused depends on the evidential rules that apply to the specific visa, settlement or citizenship application being made.
A statement accepted at an earlier immigration stage may not meet the requirements at a later stage if the rules have changed or if the statement does not confirm the correct qualification level or English language standard now required. UK Visas and Immigration assesses English language evidence strictly as at the date of application, and there is no opportunity to correct errors after submission.
Applicants should therefore check carefully whether an existing statement remains usable for their current application rather than assuming it can be reused.
| Applicant situation | Is UK ENIC required? | Alternative evidence route |
|---|---|---|
| You are a national of a UKVI-approved majority English-speaking country and your route allows nationality-based exemption | No | Rely on your passport or nationality evidence as part of the application |
| You have a UK degree awarded by a UK institution and you are using it to meet the English language requirement | No | Rely on your UK degree certificate where the rules allow a UK degree as evidence |
| You have an overseas degree and you want to use it to meet the English language requirement | Yes | Use Ecctis Visas and Nationality service to obtain an Academic Qualification Level Statement and, where required, an English Language Proficiency Statement |
| You have an overseas degree awarded outside a majority English-speaking country and you believe it was taught in English | Usually yes | Use Ecctis Visas and Nationality English proficiency service and provide a Medium of Instruction letter if required |
| You have an overseas PhD and you want to claim Skilled Worker tradeable points for a PhD | Yes | Use Ecctis Visas and Nationality PhD verification service for tradeable points evidence |
| You have an overseas PhD and you want to use it both for Skilled Worker tradeable points and to meet the English language requirement | Yes | Use Ecctis Visas and Nationality PhD verification with English proficiency service |
| You have an overseas PhD that was not taught or researched in English, but you have an overseas Bachelor’s or Master’s degree taught in English | Yes | Use PhD verification for the PhD, and rely on the Bachelor’s or Master’s degree for English proficiency where it meets the Ecctis service requirements |
| You are not relying on a degree and plan to meet the English language requirement through a Secure English Language Test | No | Take an approved Secure English Language Test at the required CEFR level with an approved provider |
| You previously obtained a UK NARIC or UK ENIC statement and want to reuse it for a new application | Depends | Check whether the existing statement confirms the correct academic level and, where relevant, the required CEFR level for the application being made |
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Be careful here with assumptions about if and how ENIC applies. Don’t assume ENIC applies automatically to overseas degrees or that it won’t apply because you speak fluent English. You could waste time securing an ENIC statement when it’s not needed or you could risk a refused application if you skip ENIC on a false assumption that you don’t need it as evidence.
Always revert back to the Immigration Rules and the route-specific guidance on evidence because that’s what UKVI will be assessing against at decision stage: basic evidential compliance.
For employers, the risk is leaving this all to the applicant to check and sort. In practice, it’s better to work with the applicant to make sure they’re clear on what evidence is appropriate in their circumstances to avoid application issues that could impact their employment with you.
Section C: UK ENIC services & Statements for Immigration Applications
UK ENIC provides different services depending on whether an overseas qualification is being assessed for general recognition purposes or specifically to support a UK immigration or nationality application. Only certain ENIC statements are accepted by UK Visas and Immigration, and selecting the correct service is a key evidential step.
1. Statements for non-immigration purposes
Where confirmation of an overseas qualification is required for employment, study or professional registration outside the immigration system, applicants can apply for a standard Statement of Comparability through the ENIC service operated by Ecctis.
A standard Statement of Comparability confirms how an overseas qualification compares to UK academic standards but is not designed for use in visa, settlement or citizenship applications. UKVI does not accept a general Statement of Comparability as evidence of English language ability or qualification level where the Immigration Rules require a Visas and Nationality statement.
2. Visas and Nationality services for UKVI
Where an overseas qualification is being relied on to meet an Immigration Rules requirement, the assessment must be carried out using the Visas and Nationality services provided by Ecctis on behalf of the Home Office. These services are accessed via [www.ecctis.com/visasandnationality](http://www.ecctis.com/visasandnationality) and are structured to meet UKVI evidential standards.
Statements issued under these services are accepted by UK Visas and Immigration for visa, settlement and nationality applications, provided the Immigration Rules permit reliance on a degree qualification in the circumstances of the application.
3. Academic Qualification Level Statements
Under the Visas and Nationality services, Ecctis assesses whether an overseas qualification meets or exceeds the academic standard of a UK Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or PhD. Where the qualification is assessed as comparable, Ecctis issues an Academic Qualification Level Statement confirming the level.
The qualification being assessed needs to be a completed and awarded degree. Professional certificates, incomplete programmes and qualifications that do not meet degree-level standards are not accepted under these services.
4. English Language Proficiency Statements
Where English language ability is being evidenced through an overseas qualification awarded outside a majority English-speaking country, Ecctis assesses whether the qualification was taught or researched in English and whether it meets the English language level required for the application being made.
If the requirements are met, Ecctis issues an English Language Proficiency Statement confirming the relevant Common European Framework of Reference for Languages level. The CEFR level confirmed reflects the requirement applicable to the specific visa, settlement or nationality application, rather than a single fixed standard.
5. PhD verification for Skilled Worker applications
Where an applicant is relying on an overseas PhD to qualify for tradeable points under the Skilled Worker route, the qualification must be assessed under one of the PhD verification services.
These services confirm that the PhD is comparable to a UK PhD and include additional checks to verify the legitimacy of the award. Where English language proficiency also needs to be evidenced, a combined PhD verification with English proficiency service is available.
6. Using UK ENIC instead of an English language test
UK ENIC is one permitted way of meeting the English language requirement, but it is not interchangeable with a Secure English Language Test. An applicant can rely on a degree assessed through UK ENIC only where the Immigration Rules allow English language ability to be evidenced through a qualification.
Where a degree does not meet the requirements of the Visas and Nationality service, or where the rules require a test at a specific level or stage, an English language test will be required instead. Submitting the wrong type of evidence, or relying on degree evidence where a test is required, will normally result in refusal.
Applicants often default to an English test unnecessarily, or rely on a degree that cannot be accepted under the rules. Both mistakes cause avoidable delay and cost.
7. Employer and sponsor considerations
For sponsored work routes, employers should not assume that an applicant’s English language evidence is correct or usable simply because the individual has a degree. Where an overseas qualification is relied on, the sponsor should ensure that the correct UK ENIC service has been used and that the statement meets the specific requirements of the Skilled Worker route.
Errors in English language evidence are not correctable after submission and frequently result in refused applications, delayed start dates and recruitment disruption. Early evidence checks reduce the risk of late-stage issues that can affect sponsorship timelines.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
ENIC is not always ENIC! There are different types of statement. A standard Statement of Comparability will be no good for an immigration application.
Check which type of ENIC statement is required, because if you get it wrong, your application can be refused on this technicality alone.
Section D: How to Apply for a UK ENIC Visas & Nationality Statement
Applications for UK ENIC Visas and Nationality services are made online through the Ecctis website. Applicants need to create an online account, or log in using existing details if they have previously applied for a UK NARIC or UK ENIC service. The same account is used to submit applications, upload documents, make payment, receive messages and track progress.
Once an application has been submitted, applicants upload their supporting documents electronically. Ecctis will not begin assessing a qualification until all required documents have been received, checked for completeness and accepted as suitable for assessment.
1. Documents you will need to provide
The documents required depend on the service selected, but applicants are generally expected to provide evidence of the completed qualification and, where relevant, evidence of the language of instruction.
- A final certificate confirming that the overseas qualification has been awarded.
- Official academic transcripts, sometimes referred to as mark sheets, showing the subjects studied and grades achieved for each year or semester of study.
- A certified translation of any document that is not issued in English.
- A Medium of Instruction letter where English language proficiency needs to be evidenced through the qualification.
2. Medium of Instruction letters and English language evidence
A Medium of Instruction letter is used to confirm the language in which a degree programme was taught and assessed. Where an English Language Proficiency Statement is required, Ecctis expects confirmation of the language of instruction to be provided in a separate document issued by the awarding institution.
References to the language of instruction on a degree certificate or academic transcript are not accepted on their own. The Medium of Instruction letter should confirm that the qualification was taught or researched entirely in English and should be issued by the institution that awarded the qualification.
Where a formal Medium of Instruction letter is not available, Ecctis may accept confirmation sent directly by email from the awarding institution or an affiliated college. Such confirmation is typically accepted where it comes from an official institutional email address and is issued by an appropriate authority within the institution.
3. Verification and authorisation checks
As part of the assessment process, Ecctis may request that an applicant completes and signs a Letter of Authorisation. This allows Ecctis to contact the awarding institution directly to verify the authenticity of the qualification and the information provided.
Applicants are expected to upload clear electronic scans of all documents. Once Ecctis confirms that all required documentation has been received and any verification steps completed, the assessment process will begin and the relevant Visas and Nationality statement will be issued.
4. Submitting UK ENIC statements to UKVI
UK ENIC Visas and Nationality statements are uploaded as part of the online visa, settlement or citizenship application. Applicants upload a scanned copy of the statement and retain the original physical document.
UKVI assesses English language and qualification evidence based solely on what is submitted at the point of application. If incorrect or insufficient evidence is uploaded, there is no discretion for later correction and no request for clarification.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
If your ENIC application isn’t complete and comprehensive, processing will be paused to allow for clarification or verification. You can avoid knock-on effects for the Home Office application by getting your ENIC application right first time and making sure it’s complete and that the documents are usable. A common issue is Medium of Instruction evidence, especially where the applicant assumes transcript wording is enough or relies on informal confirmations.
Section E: UK ENIC Costs, Processing Times & Fast Track options
When relying on a UK ENIC Visas and Nationality statement to support a visa, settlement or British citizenship application, applicants need to factor in both cost and timing alongside UKVI application deadlines. ENIC processing operates independently from UKVI, and delays at this stage can affect the timing of an immigration application.
1. Fees for UK ENIC visas and nationality services
A fee is payable to Ecctis when applying for a Visas and Nationality statement. This fee is separate from and additional to any UKVI fee payable when submitting a visa, settlement or British citizenship application.
For the Visas and Nationality (English proficiency) service, the fee is £140 plus VAT. For either of the PhD verification services, including PhD verification with English proficiency, the fee is £210 plus VAT. These fees cover the assessment and, where relevant, verification of the qualification.
2. Delivery costs and format of statements
Visas and Nationality statements are issued as physical documents and sent by post. Applicants select a UK or international delivery option when submitting their application.
Where delivery is to an overseas address, Ecctis recommends using a courier service to reduce the risk of delay. The courier option is currently priced at £80 and is charged separately from the assessment fee. International postal delivery options are also available but may take longer depending on destination.
3. Standard processing times
Processing times begin only once Ecctis confirms that all required documents and payment have been received and accepted.
For the Visas and Nationality (English proficiency) service, the standard assessment timeframe is 10 working days. For PhD verification services, including PhD verification with English proficiency, the standard timeframe is up to 30 working days. These timeframes relate to the assessment only and do not include delivery.
Delays can arise where additional verification is required with the awarding institution or where documents are incomplete or unclear.
4. Fast Track options
Fast Track options are available for the Visas and Nationality (English proficiency) service only. Applicants can select either a 24-hour or 48-hour Fast Track option, provided all documents are complete and suitable for immediate assessment.
The 24-hour Fast Track service costs £174 plus VAT, and the 48-hour service costs £124 plus VAT. These timeframes apply to the assessment only, do not operate over weekends or public holidays, and do not include delivery time. Fast Track services are not available for PhD verification applications.
Applicants working to a visa submission deadline should allow contingency time for both assessment and delivery and should avoid submitting a UKVI application until the ENIC statement has been received and checked.
| Service type | Standard assessment time | Fast Track available? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visas and Nationality (English proficiency) | 10 working days | Yes | Assessment time starts only once Ecctis has accepted all required documents and payment. Delivery time is additional. |
| Fast Track 24 (English proficiency) | 24 hours | Yes | Assessment only. Does not include weekends, public holidays or delivery time. Additional verification can delay completion. |
| Fast Track 48 (English proficiency) | 48 hours | Yes | Assessment only. Does not include weekends, public holidays or delivery time. Additional verification can delay completion. |
| Visas and Nationality (PhD verification) | Up to 30 working days | No | Designed for Skilled Worker tradeable points evidence. Verification steps with institutions can affect timing. |
| Visas and Nationality (PhD verification with English proficiency) | Up to 30 working days | No | Used where the PhD is relied on for tradeable points and English language evidence. Delivery time is additional. |
| Postage and delivery | Not included in assessment times | Courier optional | Statements are issued as physical documents. International delivery times vary and courier is often used for time-sensitive applications. |
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
ENIC is completely separate from the Home Office and operates outside UKVI control but its timing can still directly affect your immigration application.
Fast Track can create a false sense of certainty because where verification checks or clarifications are required, processing will be paused, effectively nullifying the expedited service. Fast Track also doesn’t include delivery time.
For employers, a mismanaged ENIC stage can stall even well-planned immigration processes. A technically eligible worker can fall out of status or lose out on a role simply because ENIC timing was underestimated.
So when you’re planning your application, it’s sensible to factor in possible delays at the ENIC stage, and not just work backwards from the visa application.
Section F: Summary
UK ENIC has a limited but decisive role in UK immigration and nationality applications. It is used only where an applicant relies on an overseas qualification to meet a specific requirement under the Immigration Rules, such as English language ability, academic level or Skilled Worker tradeable points. It is not a general requirement for all applicants with overseas degrees and is not interchangeable with English language tests.
Ongoing confusion between UK ENIC and its former name, UK NARIC, continues to lead to avoidable errors. Applicants often assume that any degree taught in English will be accepted, that older statements can always be reused, or that a previous visa approval resolves the issue. In practice, UK Visas and Immigration assesses evidence strictly as at the date of application, with no opportunity to correct mistakes after submission.
Choosing the correct ENIC service, understanding when a statement is required and recognising when it is not are critical. Where the wrong evidence is submitted, refusal is the usual outcome rather than a request for clarification. For sponsored routes, these errors can also disrupt recruitment timelines and compliance planning.
Section G: Need assistance?
DavidsonMorris are specialist UK immigration lawyers. We provide specialist advice and support to employers, migrant workers and individuals with all aspects of UK immigration applications, including guidance on process and eligibility requirements in areas such as English language requirements. For specialist advice, speak to us.
If you are unsure whether you need a UK ENIC statement, which service applies to your application, or whether existing evidence can be reused, early advice can prevent costly mistakes. Errors in English language or qualification evidence cannot be corrected after submission and frequently result in refusal.
DavidsonMorris offers fixed-fee telephone consultations with specialist UK immigration advisers. These consultations focus on practical, application-specific guidance, including ENIC requirements, English language evidence options and Skilled Worker sponsorship risks.
To arrange a telephone consultation, contact our advisers for tailored advice before you submit your application.
Section H: ENIC FAQs
What is UK ENIC?
UK ENIC is the UK’s national body responsible for assessing overseas qualifications and confirming how they compare to UK degree standards. For immigration and nationality purposes, its services are delivered by Ecctis and used to evidence qualification level and, where permitted, English language ability.
Is UK NARIC still valid?
UK NARIC no longer operates under that name and does not issue new statements. References to UK NARIC relate to what is now UK ENIC. New applications should be made through UK ENIC services delivered by Ecctis.
Do I need a UK ENIC statement for every UK visa?
No. A UK ENIC statement is required only where an applicant relies on an overseas qualification to meet a specific requirement under the Immigration Rules. Many applicants meet the English language requirement through nationality, a UK degree or an approved English language test.
Can I use UK ENIC instead of taking an English language test?
In some cases, yes. A degree assessed through UK ENIC can be used to meet the English language requirement only where the Immigration Rules allow reliance on a qualification. Where a test is required, degree evidence cannot be substituted.
Do UK ENIC statements expire?
UK ENIC and former UK NARIC statements do not have a formal expiry date. However, reuse depends on whether the statement meets the evidential requirements that apply at the date of the new application.
Can I reuse an old UK NARIC or ENIC statement?
Possibly, but not automatically. UKVI assesses English language and qualification evidence strictly as at the date of application. Applicants should check carefully whether an existing statement confirms the correct qualification level and English standard required.
Do I need UK ENIC if I studied in a majority English-speaking country?
No, provided your nationality is on the UKVI list of majority English-speaking countries and the rules for your application allow reliance on nationality alone. In those cases, no ENIC statement or English test is required.
What documents do I need for a UK ENIC application?
You will usually need your final degree certificate, official academic transcripts, certified translations if applicable and, where English language proficiency is being assessed, a Medium of Instruction letter from the awarding institution.
How long does a UK ENIC application take?
Standard processing is around 10 working days for English proficiency services and up to 30 working days for PhD verification services, starting only once all documents are accepted. Delivery time is additional.
Can I fast track a UK ENIC application?
Fast Track options are available only for the English proficiency service and reduce the assessment time to 24 or 48 hours. Fast Track does not apply to PhD verification services and does not include delivery time.
How do I submit my UK ENIC statement to UKVI?
You upload a scanned copy of the statement as part of your online visa, settlement or citizenship application. UKVI assesses evidence based solely on what is submitted at the point of application, with no opportunity for later correction.
Section I: Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| UK ENIC | The UK’s national body responsible for assessing overseas qualifications and confirming how they compare to UK academic standards. Its services are delivered by Ecctis. |
| UK NARIC | The former name of the UK’s qualification recognition body. The service now operates as UK ENIC following the UK’s exit from the EU. |
| Ecctis | The organisation contracted by the UK Government to operate UK ENIC services, including qualification assessments for immigration and nationality applications. |
| Visas and Nationality services | Specialist UK ENIC services designed specifically for UK immigration and nationality applications and accepted by UK Visas and Immigration. |
| Statement of Comparability | A general ENIC statement confirming how an overseas qualification compares to UK standards, used for employment or study but not accepted for immigration applications. |
| Academic Qualification Level Statement (AQUALS) | A statement issued under UK ENIC Visas and Nationality services confirming that an overseas qualification meets the academic level of a UK degree. |
| English Language Proficiency Statement (ELPS) | A UK ENIC statement confirming that an overseas qualification was taught or researched in English and meets the required CEFR level for an immigration application. |
| Medium of Instruction letter | A document issued by an awarding institution confirming the language in which a degree programme was taught and assessed. |
| Skilled Worker route | A UK sponsored work visa route allowing employers to sponsor overseas workers, subject to skill, salary and English language requirements. |
| Tradeable points | Points under the Skilled Worker route that can be met through factors such as qualifications, including verified PhD-level qualifications. |
| UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) | The Home Office department responsible for assessing and deciding UK visa, settlement and citizenship applications. |
| Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) | An international standard used to describe language proficiency levels, applied by UKVI when assessing English language requirements. |
