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Hi everyone,

I am applying for British naturalisation based on Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and need to confirm whether my ECCTIS (formerly UK NARIC) certificate is still valid as proof of English language proficiency.

Here’s my situation:
My academic degree is from a non-majority English-speaking country, but it was taught in English. I had my degree assessed by UK NARIC (now ECCTIS) in 2018, and they provided a Statement of Comparability (both Academic Qualification Level Statement (AQUALS) and English Language Proficiency Statement (ELPS)) confirming that it meets the required standard. I used this certificate to meet the English language requirement when applying for Leave to Enter (Skilled Worker visa (previously Tier 2)). I did not need to submit further English proof when applying for ILR, as it was already accepted during my first visa application.

I want to confirm whether my 2018 NARIC certificate is still accepted or if I need to obtain a new assessment Has anyone successfully used an older ECCTIS/NARIC certificate for naturalisation without needing a new one? Or has anyone received official confirmation from UKVI/Home Office regarding this?

Additional Question
Another question in the application asks:
"Name in which you made the application" under previous UK immigration applications.

Does this refer to:
- The type of application (e.g., Skilled Worker visa, ILR, etc.), OR
- The applicant’s name as written in the previous application?
I assume it refers to the applicant's name, but I’d appreciate any clarification from those who have completed the process.

Any guidance or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

- If qualification/certificate was used for the ILR application you can rely on it for naturalisation. Tick the appropriate box.
- "Name in which you made the application" = name of applicant at the time of application.

Thank you for your response.

Re: Knowledge of English Language

I wanted to clarify my situation further because the Skilled Worker ILR application does not explicitly ask for English language evidence, as this requirement is automatically considered met if it was satisfied during the initial entry clearance.

I did use my ECCTIS (formerly UK NARIC) assessment certificate for my first Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa application to prove my English proficiency, but I did not submit it again for ILR since it was not required at that stage.

Guide-AN Naturalisation booklet (page 19) states:
"If you successfully made an application for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) on the basis of a B1 level qualification you would meet the English language requirement for naturalisation and do not have to pass another test. This includes where you satisfied the requirement for ILR because you had already met the B1 level qualification for entry clearance or leave to remain."

However, this is mentioned under the section for "a Home Office approved qualification in English at B1 CEFR or higher, from the Secure English Language Test list."

When it comes to academic qualifications, the guidance on Page 20 states:
A degree certificate that was taught or researched in a non-majority English speaking country and both of the following:
- An Academic Qualification Level Statement (AQUALS) from ECCTIS (formerly UK NARIC) confirming the qualification is equivalent to a UK qualification.
- An English Language Proficiency Statement (ELPS) from ECCTIS (formerly UK NARIC) showing that your degree was taught in English.

There is no expiry date on ECCTIS certificate. I am wondering if I can rely on a previous ECCTIS assessment for the first visa application but not explicitly for ILR?

Thanks!

This point is slightly murky in the guidance but you can use your degree with the ECCTIS letter.

Thanks!

I have another question regarding the Referee Declaration Form. Since the form is to be submitted electronically, would it be acceptable to digitally insert the photograph (ensuring it meets the requirements) and have the referee add their signature digitally, instead of pasting the pictures with name and date of birth on the back and following the traditional steps?

You can do it digitally. The form hasn't been updated since the pen and paper days.

Great, thanks for the help!