Post
by jimmybhathena » Wed Aug 27, 2014 3:04 pm
Hi All
I will give my current situation update about this English Language Requirement and the Citizenship application which is currently under process.
Our application is done after October 2013 where the new English Language Requirements are a must. I was also under the impression as others to just submit the PBS printout, but we were wrong. Read our story below.
My Wife has completed a B.A. (Bachelor) Degree from Indian university which is also giving 10 points in the PBS calculator and is considered equivalent to a UK Bachelor Degree. We made our Citizenship application on these grounds submitting the original degree certificate, marksheets and the original transcripts too which clearly state that the "Medium of Instruction for the Degree is in English".
Before making my application I had sent an email to the Home Office and they replied that PBS calculator may be sufficient but it will depend upon the case worker and PBS does not guarantee anything and a letter from NARIC is the best option.
However, reading others stories, we went ahead with our application and did not hear anything for over 3 months and then suddenly my wife got a letter stating that we need to confirm with NARIC that this degree is equivalent to a UK degree and that meets the english language requirement. However, we were only given about 20 days to get this letter, which in itself is a challenge because NARIC clearly states that it will take 15 days (only for service and does not include postage times) for doing the English Language Assessment. However, this English Language assessment service does not tell you if the degree is considered equivalent to UK degree level and there is a separate service for the degree comparison called the "Comparison Service".
So we said lets not wait for long as we have already spent so much money just get it done in fast track service. Thats when I further realised how big a money making scam this is. My degree transcript which is an official document from the Indian University and has a NAAC stamp and clearly states that the language of instruction in the degree is English and the PBS calculator should have been enough, but not sure why. So they give you so less time that there is no option but to go ahead with the service because if you cant send the letter within the timeframe, then your application will be rejected.
Well I had to cough up £250 pounds for the two services, where only the comparison service is available in Fast Track, not the English Language assessment. So what we have done is sent the "Degree Comparison" letter which arrived in 2 or 3 days to the Home Office with a letter explaining that our Official Transcript clearly states it is taught in English but we are still getting the NARIC english language assessment done and request to not cancel our application. So I had to send all the original degree documents again in recorded delivery and with another recorded delivery which is another 15 quid, but moreover all originals are at risk due to a possible loss in transit.
Now we are awaiting the English Language Assessment letter to arrive which we will send immediately to the home office and hope for the best.
So in my opinion, do not try to save the money for the test as that is an easier option. The test requirement is only English listening and speaking skills equivalent of B1 CEFR level so no writing or anything difficult.
This is my personal experience and hope it helps others.
