Which UK work visas have higher English language requirements now?
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ross@vanessaganguin.com +44 (0) 20 4551 4897 +44 (0) 7894 790890 |
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ross@vanessaganguin.com +44 (0) 20 4551 4897 +44 (0) 7894 790890 |
Updated 8 January 2026
The UK Government has raised English language requirements for some of the UK’s major work immigration routes, effective from 8 January 2026. The required standard as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is raised for these visa categories from B1 (intermediate or GCSE standard) to B2 (upper intermediate or roughly foreign-language A-level standard) in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
The UK government insists such changes will ensure skilled immigrants will have more linguistic expertise which will improve integration. Their planned English language requirements mean extra hurdles for migrants from non-English speaking nationalities.
Below you can find details of who will be affected and how.
Which UK visa applicants have an increased English level requirement from 8 January 2026?
The English language level is raised from B1 to B2 for new applications made from 8 January onwards for the following visas. (This includes new applications from those already in the UK and switching into the following work visa routes from other immigration options.)
Who is exempt from January’s English language change to B2?
Existing visa holders on the above routes who have already satisfied the B1 requirement can – at least for now – continue to rely on that previous level of attainment for extensions and settlement applications if they stay on the same immigration route.
This change does not affect those coming to the UK as family dependants of those on these routes for now.
NB: the UK government has said that it is reviewing the English requirement rules for family dependants and for settlement requirements too, see below, so there may be more changes over the course of this year or next.
Who is exempt from English language tests in general?
- Nationals of majority English-speaking countries are automatically exempt from having to prove their English aptitude in tests. These include Canada, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Ireland and certain Caribbean nationals.
- Academic qualifications can also be sufficient evidence of English aptitude. Graduates of degree courses taught in English qualify: UK university graduates automatically, overseas graduates have to have their qualification verified by ECCTIS.
- Those with prior evidence: applicants who already hold evidence of sufficient English attainment from previous applications.
- Those entering the country as family dependants of people on work and student visas.
- There are other exceptions, such as applicants for settlement who are under 18, over 65, or have physical or mental conditions that would make such requirements unreasonable.
How will these immigration rules changes affect applicants and their employers?
If they do not qualify for the above exemptions, after 8 January 2026 new applicants to the UK’s Skilled Worker, Scale‑up or HPI immigration routes will need to prepare for a higher‑level English test and allow time to reach B2 standard if they are currently only at B1.
This will impact future hires. Employers sponsoring workers may face longer lead‑times and extra examination costs if candidates must now pass a test to demonstrate a B2 level in English speaking, listening, reading and writing.
An employer who sponsors someone who then doesn’t meet the visa requirements is likely to lose the Certificate of Sponsorship fee (£525) as well as the visa fee (up to £1,751) if they are paying this on behalf of the employee – more if they are also paying for dependant visas. The Immigration Skills Charge and Immigration Health Surcharge should be refundable if a visa is refused, but this can take time, during which the employer will be out of pocket (by up to £11,775 or more if including dependants). It is therefore advisable to ensure candidates meet the new requirements first before employers issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, the necessary precursor before they can apply for a visa.
What do HR teams need to know about the English language changes for sponsored workers?
The English language requirement is down to the applicant to meet in their visa application and should not ordinarily have legal consequences for sponsors if their potential employee cannot pass the English requirement and obtain their visa. However, Home Office Sponsor Guidance expects sponsors to satisfy themselves that workers would meet the immigration requirements for the visa route – including English attainment. This is subjective and, if employers genuinely believe a candidate meets the required English level, there is unlikely to be any reflection on a sponsor licence unless the Home Office were somehow to conclude the sponsor knew the candidate didn’t meet the requirements and it was not a genuine sponsorship.
HR professionals are advised to familiarise themselves with what is expected of candidates to meet the new higher level of English language to avoid costly delays, as well as understanding the various ways to meet the language requirement. Evaluating if the candidate is likely to meet this based on their performance during the recruitment and assessment process is also important to avoid the loss of immigration and sponsorship fees.
Who else faces future changes to UK immigration English language attainment rules?
The UK government has promised to overhaul the English language requirements for other UK immigration and nationality applications in its Immigration White Paper of last May. The paper trailed proposals to have higher language requirements for most of the UK immigration system, including adult dependent family members joining their partners on visa routes and applicants for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
How and when these changes will be implemented has not yet been confirmed. Anyone concerned is advised not to put off immigration, settlement and nationality applications if English standards may become harder. They should also keep abreast of UK immigration rules changes.
These are the English language changes that the UK’s Immigration White Paper trailed:
| CEFR English proficiency level | Proposed changes mean these will apply to: |
| A1 (beginner) | Adult dependants of workers and students to align with current routes for spouses and partners of British and settled people. The government warns that this requirement will increase over time. |
| A2 (elementary) | Visa extensions will require demonstration of progression to level A2. |
| B2 (upper intermediate) | Set to become a requirement for settlement applications and most work visas |
How do UK visa applicants demonstrate they meet English language requirements?
Visa and settlement applicants can demonstrate English language proficiency through approved qualifications, tests, or nationality-based exemptions, depending on the route and required CEFR level.
Academic qualifications:
A degree-level qualification taught in English from a UK institution automatically meets the requirement. Applicants with a GCSE, A- Level, SNQ Level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher from a UK institution automatically meets the requirement too if it was taught in the UK in qualifying schooling started under the age of 18.
Non-UK courses taught in English require an Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) statement confirming equivalence to a UK bachelor’s degree or above and that it was delivered in English.
Secure English Language Tests (SELT):
Tests must be taken at a centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), with results valid for two years from the award date. Applicants would need to pass an approved SELT from providers such as IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI, Trinity College London SELT, or Language Cert SELT) at the required level in all four skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Nationality:
Nationals of majority English-speaking countries (such as USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and others on the Home Office list) are exempt and do not need to provide evidence.
Other accepted evidence:
Certain professional qualifications or prior successful UK visa applications where English was already proven at the required level (transitional cases).
What do English levels B1, B2 and the other levels mean?
Many immigrants are already required to prove levels of attainment in speaking, listening, reading, and writing as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For example, partners and spouses joining British citizens and settled partners on family visas must show an A1 level of English, rising to A2 for a visa extension. Skilled Workers had to show B1 attainment – now raised to B2. There are suggestions that levels may be raised across the board and that advanced English attainment level of C1 would shorten immigrant’s route to settlement.
The CEFR defines language proficiency across six levels, with B1 and B2 falling under the “independent user” category. B1 represents an intermediate “threshold” level, while B2 signifies upper-intermediate “vantage” proficiency, enabling more confident and nuanced communication. It is often described as a level of fluency equivalent to an A-level in a foreign language.
These are the CEFR’s descriptions of the six levels which become exponentially more difficult.
| A1 | These “basic users” understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases for concrete needs. They can introduce themself and others and can ask and answer questions on topics such as where they live, who they know and things they have. They can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. |
| A2 | These “basic users” understand sentences and frequently used expressions is areas such as very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment. They can communicate simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. They can describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need. |
| B1 | These “independent users” can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. They can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken. They can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. They can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. |
| B2 | These “independent users” understand main ideas in complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialisation. They can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. They produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. |
| C1 | These “proficient users” understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, recognising implicit meaning. They are fluent and spontaneous without much obvious searching for expressions. They use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. They produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. |
| C2 | These “proficient users” understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. They can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. They express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations. |
What English language level do I need for my UK visa in 2026?
This is a current snapshot of the English language requirements as published by the Home Office on 8 January 2026. Expert advice may be needed on how to demonstrate you meet these requirements.
| Immigration route | CEFR English level |
| Family visa | A1 (A2 if applying to extend) |
| Student | B2 if studying at a UK bachelor’s degree level or above, B1 below |
| Skilled Worker | B2, unless previous permission as a Skilled Worker was subject to a B1 requirement |
| T2 Minister of Religion | B2 |
| Representative of an Overseas Business | A1 |
| High Potential Individual | B2 |
| Scale Up | B2, unless applicant’s previous permission as a Scale Up worker was subject to a B1 requirement |
| Innovator Founder | B2 |
| International Sportsperson | A1 – if applying for more than 12 months |
| International Agreement (Temporary Work) | B1 |
| Family member of HM Armed Forces | A1 |
Other UK immigration changes to watch out for in 2026
There are several other upcoming immigration reforms expected as outlined in 2025’s Immigration White Paper plus recent and ongoing consultations. These aim to reduce net migration through higher thresholds, longer settlement paths, and tighter controls.
- The consultation on settlement (ILR) is open until 12 February 2026. All are urged to respond to proposals that have caused great concerns for those who have up to now felt Britain was a country with a straightforward path to settle on their immigration route. The Home Secretary expects to implement these changes starting from April. After this the government may also review requirements for citizenship. Controversial suggestions include an increase from five years to as much as 20 years of renewed visa extensions before those who have at some point claimed benefits can settle in the UK.
- The final date to apply for Investor visa extensions is on 17 February 2026.
- Britain’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will be fully enforced from 25 February 2026, meaning visitors from 85 countries who do not require prior visas (including the US, Canada, and EU nations) will need a digital permission to travel to the UK. Carriers will be required to check an ETA before boarding or deny travel. Currently, there’s an implementation period allowing pending applications, but from February an approved ETA or existing visa will mandatory for entering the UK.
- Occupations that can currently be sponsored on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) and the Immigration Salary List (ISL) are set to be reassessed by 31 December 2026. The ISL with its discounted salary threshold is meant to be scrapped altogether. Sectors are invited to respond to a call for evidence for the Migration Advisory Committee’s review of TSL which allows lesser skilled immigrant workers to be sponsored by 2 February 2026.
- Right to work checks are to be extended from employees to workers not engaged in an employer-employee arrangement. The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 extended right to work checks to organisations hiring gig economy, temporary or zero-hours workers in sectors such as construction, food delivery, beauty salons, courier services and warehousing. It has now been given royal assent and passed into legislation. We are awaiting confirmation as to when and how the changes will be implemented. Organisations should consult an immigration expert if they haven’t already and prepare for this legislation change.
- Anyone applying for a Graduate visa on or after 1 January 2027, who did not complete a PhD, will only get 18 months instead of the current two years.
Vanessa Ganguin Immigration Law Senior Counsel Ross Kennedy has a proven track record of immigration nous with over a decade experience in personal and business immigration. He is a regular participant of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (ILPA) Economic Migration Working Group and a contributing author for Lexis PSL, as well as writing about immigration law developments for other legal, immigration and national publications.
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