Changes to the English Language Requirement
On 14 October 2025 the UK Government published changes to the Immigration Rules including to the English language requirements that people in economic migration routes need to meet.
These changes will come into force for new applications made from 8 January 2026.
Why has the Government made changes to the English language requirement?
These changes were proposed in the Immigration White Paper published early in 2025. The Government said that it would increase English language requirements in order to achieve better integration and because migrants with a higher level of English ability tend to work in higher skilled jobs.
Who do the changes apply to?
They apply to people entering the following economic migration routes:
- Skilled Worker
- High Potential Individual
- Scale-up Worker
What are the current English language requirements for economic migrants?
The current English language requirement is that the applicant must be able to read, write, speak and understand English to at least Level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. This must be proven by either:
- Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) offered by an approved provider
- Having a UK school qualification e.g. GCSE or A-level obtained when under 18
- Having a degree taught in English.
Applicants who are nationals of English-speaking countries e.g. USA do not need to prove their English language ability.
What are the new English language requirements for economic migrants?
From 8 January 2026, new applicants to these routes will need to be able to read, write, speak and understand English to at least Level B2.
This is higher English language requirement and is being described as A-level standard.
What about people already in an economic migration route?
Those in the route before 8 January 2026, will be unaffected by these changes. They will continue to need to meet the Level B1 English language requirement when they extend their visa in the route.
Are dependants affected?
These changes do not affect dependants. There is no English language requirement for dependants of economic migrants applying for limited permission to enter or stay in the UK.
However, they will need to meet English language and knowledge of life in the UK requirements to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
What about English language requirements for other immigration routes?
Some other visa routes also have English language requirements. For example, applicants in the Partner route must have Level A1 when making an initial application and then Level A2 when they apply to extend their visa in the 5-year route.
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