E-Book A Guide for Employment Abroad and Relocation to EMEA
Grab a copy of a guide to international employee relocation
View E-book
On May 1, 2025, the UK introduced a significant change to its immigration and visa landscape with the official launch of the Qualification Language Service (QLS). This new service, brought to life in partnership with the Home Office, replaces the previous Visa and Nationality Service (VNS) previously managed by Ecctis.
For many international applicants eyeing the UK for work, study, or residency, this change brings both clarity and complexity. The QLS is now the official pathway to verify English language proficiency and assess the UK equivalency of overseas academic qualifications. This will be mandatory for many visa categories where English language skills or degree equivalency play a role.
But what do these changes mean in practice? Let’s break down the crucial details for prospective applicants.
The transition from VNS to QLS is more than a name swap—it overhauls the process, costs, timelines, and compliance measures for applicants.
Perhaps the most striking difference is the cost hike.
🔸The new fee is £210 plus VAT, replacing the previous £147.50 plus VAT under Ecctis’ service.
🔸The processing time has doubled to 20 working days.
It’s worth noting that if Ecctis requests additional documents, the 20-day clock will restart.
Also, the popular fast-track option has been scrapped, which may impact applicants under tight deadlines.
Applicants must now complete a live identity check, including:
🔸A live scan of their biometric passport and face.
🔸Failure to complete this step will result in immediate application refusal.
🔸Importantly, third-party representatives—like legal agents—are no longer allowed to submit applications on behalf of clients.
In a more rigid approach, applications will automatically close if the awarding institution does not respond to Ecctis’ inquiries.
🔸This puts added pressure on applicants to ensure their awarding institution is cooperative and responsive.
🔸Additionally, no refunds will be issued while an application is pending, no matter the outcome.
The new QLS marks a fundamental shift in how the UK assesses overseas qualifications and English proficiency. With tighter controls, longer timelines, and higher costs, applicants must now approach the process with meticulous preparation and patience.
By leveraging expert support from services like xpath.global, you can reduce the stress and uncertainty of the process. Remember, acting early and being detail-oriented is now more essential than ever.
What is the Qualification Language Service (QLS)?
The QLS is the UK’s official service, launched in May 2025, to verify English proficiency and assess the equivalency of overseas degrees. It replaces the former Visa and Nationality Service by Ecctis.
How much does the QLS cost?
The new fee is £210 plus VAT, which is higher than the former service.
How long does the process take?
Expect 20 working days, and if further documentation is needed, the process restarts from day one.
Can legal representatives submit QLS applications for their clients?
No. All applicants must complete the process themselves, including identity verification.
What happens if my institution doesn’t respond to Ecctis?
Your application will be automatically closed, with no refund available.
How can xpath.global help me with QLS?
We offer video consultation services, document reviews, and application setup assistance to ensure a smooth experience.
Ready to transform your mobility program? Explore xpath.global’s solutions.
Previous article
Next article
E-Book A Guide for Employment Abroad and Relocation to EMEA
Grab a copy of a guide to international employee relocation
View E-book