The first step when moving somewhere new is to find food, housing, and a job, in no particular order. But UK immigrants face unique challenges when it comes to securing employment. Whether it’s language barriers, complex visa requirements, or difficulty getting foreign qualifications recognised, establishing new roots in the UK as a professional isn’t always easy.
Despite the hurdles, workers in specific fields can only practice legally in the country after seeking accreditation from the relevant UK regulatory body. Healthcare, accounting, IT, and project management are just some professions where this may apply. However, possessing the right credentials makes immigrants more competitive in the UK labour market.
So, do you want to upskill with a new certification or get your foreign qualification accepted by UK employers? Use this Remitly guide to learn everything you need to know.
Common questions about UK professional certifications
When it comes to professional qualifications, UK immigrants have a lot of information to catch up on. Here are the most important details:
What is considered a professional qualification in the UK?
Professional qualifications are credentials you can earn through advanced career training for a specific role or industry. They differ from academic degrees, which provide a broader, more research-based exploration of a particular area of study.
But what counts as a professional qualification is a little different in the UK. Here, it refers to a course designed to help you build industry-related skills. These vocational training courses often offer several other key features, such as:
- They are granted by professional bodies or associations.
- They are oriented toward specific career paths.
- They focus on developing practical, directly applicable skills for the workplace.
A professional qualification is a great way to demonstrate that you have the specialised knowledge and skill set to do a particular job.
What is a NARIC certificate in the UK?
The National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC) certificate previously referred to an official document showing the comparability of international qualifications to those acquired in the UK.
The UK NARIC Certificate evolved post-Brexit, and it’s now called the UK ENIC certificate. The European Network of Information Centres (ENIC) is an organisation that offers comprehensive information and advice on academic equivalence and recognition for immigrants. It is managed by Ecctis, the dedicated provider of national agency services in skills, qualifications, and immigration in the UK. Find more information on the UK ENIC certificate on the official website.
The UK ENIC certificate allows you to:
- Prove that your overseas qualification is authentic and equivalent to one earned in the UK education system at a similar level.
- Meet the English-language requirements for a work visa. Learn more about the UK’s Skilled Worker visa here.
- Use your overseas qualification to work, practice professionally, and study in the UK.
This document offers definitive proof of your qualification level to UK employers, academic institutions, and professional bodies.
How do I get my qualifications recognised in the UK?
Getting your international qualification regulated—or recognised—in the UK is fairly straightforward. The two-step process broadly involves:
- Preparing the required documentation.
- Using an accredited service like UK ENIC to apply for your overseas credentials to be recognised.
Let’s break it down, one step at a time.
Step-by-step guide for acquiring UK professional certification
Your existing qualifications are a valuable tool when building your new home in the UK. More than proving your expertise to academic institutions and prospective employers, they provide a crucial starting point for finding employment opportunities in your field.
However, assessing these credentials against UK benchmarks and standards is necessary. To get this process started, follow these steps:
1. Research required UK certifications for your profession
Certain professions are regulated in the UK. This means you must meet legal requirements for qualifications and experience to practice professionally or to use specific titles, like “doctor” or “engineer.”
Find out if your profession falls under the regulated qualifications list using this official tool.
2. Steps to apply for certificate recognition
Using an officially designated service like UK ENIC is the best way to apply for international qualification recognition. By supporting online applications, this avenue allows you to free up time and gain extensive professional support throughout the process.
To apply, just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Before arriving in the UK, gather documentation proof of your existing qualifications. Contact your alma mater or relevant professional body for those official qualifications.
Step 2: Apply to verify and apostille—or legalise—your existing qualifications at the UK Legislation Office. Learn more about the process here.
Step 3: Create your online account on the UK ENIC/Ectiss portal here.
Step 4: Click the verification link sent to your email address and start your application.
Step 5: Specify the qualification you want recognised and upload all supporting documents. Remember to include your high school qualification, along with the professional qualification under evaluation. You can add up to six such credentials in each application.
Step 6: Provide current contact information indicating where your UK ENIC certificate will be delivered.
Step 7: Pay the requisite fee for your specific service. For instance, the application fee for a Statement of Comparability is £49.50 GBP plus VAT, excluding delivery costs.
Step 8: Submit your application for evaluation.
While easy, this avenue calls for patience, as preparing all the required documentation can take a while. UK ENIC may ask for additional documentation, like an Industry Skills Statement, for certain professions. However, the evaluation process only lasts up to 15 working days.
Once your international qualification is recognised in the UK, you will receive a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability—proof that you can legally practice your profession anywhere nationwide. Present this alongside your existing qualifications when applying for jobs or study. Learn more about the evaluation methodology here.
3. Prepare for certification exams
Even with a UK ENIC certificate, you will have to take a professional certification examination in the UK before being cleared to work in certain professions. These include education, healthcare, law, architecture, and more.
Take these steps to prepare for your UK certification exams:
Step 1: Why do you want to be professionally certified in the UK? Defining your goal and keeping it in mind will help sharpen your focus and motivation.
Step 2: Register for your certification exam with an accredited body. Find your nearest approved awarding organisations using this tool.
Step 3: Do your research and find out what your specific certification exam entails, including topics covered and question formats.
Step 4: Create a detailed study plan to stay on track. Allocate time for revision and practice, too.
Step 5: Only review quality study materials to ensure you get the latest knowledge and an in-depth overview.
Step 6: Use exam simulators and ramp up your practice in a real-world setting.
Step 7: Keep yourself in top shape by prioritising rest, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and self-care.
Step 8: Prepare early for exam day and gather everything you need well beforehand.
Taking your certification exam may require a lot of time and effort, but it will open doors to new opportunities.
UK immigration law offers several considerations for immigrants, international workers, and expats. These immigration rules are primarily based on a unique point system.
Understanding the UK’s point-based visa system
Back in 2021, British legislators introduced the new point-based visa system that revolutionised immigration in the country. These new procedures prioritise talent and skill, giving applicants new pathways to obtain a UK visa. They apply to both EU/EEA and non-EU nationals.
Under the point-based system, you must score a certain number of points to be eligible for several work and study visa categories. These points are assigned based on:
- Professional qualifications
- Skill level
- English language proficiency
- Job offers from approved sponsors
- Minimum salary threshold
In addition, applicants for the Skilled Worker visa must be sponsored by their employers, who now have additional responsibilities to the labour force.
How to be an immigration consultant in the UK
An immigration advisor is a professional who offers a wide range of beneficial services for new arrivals to the UK. These services include:
- Entry clearance applications
- UK citizenship and residency
- Asylum claims
- Employment documents
- Deportation, bail applications, and appeals
These professionals must be registered by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) before they can legally provide these services. You don’t need any relevant prior qualifications to apply, but regulators will conduct rigorous assessments of your abilities beforehand. To be eligible, you must demonstrate:
- Compliance with the IAA’s regulations
- A track record of honesty and legal compliance
- Proven financial integrity
Find more details on this unique position here.
Additional resources and support services for UK immigrants
Today, the UK is home to a significant immigrant population, meaning you can easily find helpful resources and support services near you.
Legal and educational resources
- Citizens Advice: Access expert help for any immigration challenge free of charge.
- Praxis: The largest immigration advice provider in London.
- Migrants’ Rights Network: Get free, confidential legal advice about employment, housing, welfare, and more.
- Gov.uk: Join free skill-building courses through the official government portal that will update your knowledge and foster career development. Options for refugees are available, too.
- The Open University: Provides free educational content tailored to immigrants and refugees.
- Asylum Welcome: Gain access to scholarships and funding opportunities, as well as assistance to get your international credential recognised in the UK.
Professional networks and support groups
- Migrant Help: Offers assistance to underrepresented and vulnerable immigrant groups.
- Talent Beyond Borders: Connects skilled migrants with employers and exciting job opportunities.
- Immigrant Founders’ Network UK: A community of foreign-born entrepreneurs launching businesses and supporting local economies throughout the UK.
Next steps for career advancement in the UK
With numerous professional opportunities and a reasonable cost of living, the UK is an attractive hub for skilled immigrants seeking better prospects. There are plenty of avenues for continued professional development, making this the perfect place to set long-term goals for success.
FAQs
What is considered a professional qualification in the UK?
In the UK, professional qualifications are vocational training courses designed to help you build industry-related skills.
What is a NARIC certificate in the UK?
The UK NARIC certificate was an official document showing the comparability of international qualifications to those acquired in the UK. Post-Brexit, it is referred to as the UK ENIC certificate.
How do I get my qualifications recognised in the UK?
Getting your international qualification recognised in the UK is a straightforward process. Just research the equivalent professional certification you’ll need in the UK, gather relevant documents, submit them to UK ENIC, and await the evaluation results.
What is needed for a Certificate of Sponsorship in the UK?
A Certificate of Sponsorship is electronic proof that you have received a job offer from an approved UK sponsor. To receive one, your future employer must have a valid Sponsor License and provide your personal information, job offer, professional qualifications, and other relevant details to UK authorities.
How to be an immigration consultant in the UK?
Immigration advisors offer a wide range of benefits for new arrivals to the UK. These professionals must be registered by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) and demonstrate compliance with the IAA’s regulations, a track record of honesty and legal compliance, and proven financial integrity.
Who needs a PCC for a UK visa?
Skilled immigrants in the education, health, and social care sectors must provide a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) when applying for a visa, as well as those who have lived outside the UK for 12 months or more in the last decade.
