In the UK immigration system, the English language requirement means an applicant must show a minimum level of ability in reading, writing, speaking and listening, usually through an approved test or a recognised academic qualification. It is designed to ensure that migrants can communicate effectively with employers, colleagues, education providers and public bodies, and can integrate socially and economically during their stay in the UK.

Which visas require an English Requirement?

The requirement applies mainly to longer‑term residence, work routes, and family routes. It is central to the Skilled Worker visa (work visa), the Scale‑up route and the High Potential Individual (HPI) route, where a CEFR level such as B1 or B2 is specified depending on the role. Student and Graduate routes, some research and business routes, and family routes for partners and spouses also set defined English levels, while naturalisation and registration as a British citizen involve English and Life in the UK tests.

How has the immigration rule changed?

Although an English requirement has existed for many years, recent reforms have raised both the level and the strictness of its application, especially in work‑related visas. A key change, announced in 2025 and in force from 8 January 2026, increases the required level for many new work‑route applicants, particularly in the Skilled Worker visa (work visa) and related routes, from CEFR B1 (intermediate) to B2 (upper‑intermediate, broadly A‑level standard).

What does this change signify?

The UK government links the higher English threshold to aims such as better integration, higher productivity and attracting more highly skilled workers. Stronger English is said to support mobility in the labour market, performance in complex roles, reduced need for interpretation and greater participation in community life, and the reforms sit within a wider shift towards migrants who have both skills and language.

How has this requirement changed since 8 January 2026?

From 8 January 2026, most new Skilled Worker visa (work visa) applications must meet CEFR B2 rather than B1. This reflects an upper‑intermediate standard, implying an ability to follow detailed instructions, produce structured written work and discuss professional topics with some sophistication in English, and it signals an intention to screen language ability more rigorously at the point of entry to the labour market.

What does the new standard specifically require?

For first‑time applications on or after 8 January 2026 under the Skilled Worker visa (work visa), Scale‑up or HPI routes, applicants must demonstrate English at B2 level in reading, writing, speaking and listening. This is usually done via a Secure English Language Test (SELT), an eligible degree taught in English or another form of evidence specified in the Immigration Rules, with each approved test setting its own minimum scores for B2.

What is the impact on existing Skilled Worker holders?

Those already holding a Skilled Worker visa (work visa) who met the B1 requirement when first granted are generally expected to remain on that threshold when extending in the same route or applying for indefinite leave to remain in the Skilled Worker route, under transitional arrangements. The higher B2 level is primarily aimed at new entrants, while people already in the system are shielded from the full impact of the change, whereas first‑time applicants after 8 January 2026 – including switchers from Student or Graduate – must now plan to meet B2.

What does this mean in practice?

New applicants must reach B2 before submitting a visa application and risk refusal if they cannot evidence it, so they need to work backwards from their intended application date to allow for study, test booking and possible re‑sits. For employers and sponsors, some candidates who would previously have met B1 may no longer qualify, so more careful assessment of English at the recruitment stage and, where appropriate, support for test preparation before sponsorship are increasingly important.

In this context, English is no longer a condition to “sort out later” but the starting point of any realistic work visa plan, with required levels and preparation strategies varying according to current immigration status, planned timing and target role. Understanding the exact requirement for one’s own situation and planning studies and exams to reach B2 is widely seen as a practical first step to improving the chances of a successful UK work or immigration application.

How can applicants raise their English to the B2 level?

Applicants should first decide which approved test to take – for example, IELTS or PTE – and check the precise component scores needed for B2. They can then follow an upper‑intermediate course, build grammar and vocabulary, and use past papers and full practice tests to become familiar with exam format, while practicing workplace‑style tasks such as writing reports and emails, understanding detailed instructions, taking part in meetings and presentations and discussing technical matters in English.

If you would like more tailored guidance on English language requirements for different visa types, please contact us on 020 3865 6219 or leave a message. The ARIS International Lawyers team aims to provide practical, individually focused advice and support that reflects the latest changes to UK immigration law and English language requirements.