(UNITED KINGDOM) — The UK implemented higher english language requirements for several work visa routes on January 8, 2026, raising the required standard from B1 (intermediate) to B2 (upper-intermediate) on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
Scope and effective date
- The new requirement applies to new applications made on or after January 8, 2026 for the following routes:
- Skilled Worker visa
- High Potential Individual (HPI) visa
- Scale-up visa
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The change applies to first-time applicants under those routes.
- People who already hold permission under the Skilled Worker visa, HPI visa or Scale-up visa can extend their stay without demonstrating B2; the higher proficiency level is not required for extensions for existing permission holders.
Required CEFR level
- The required CEFR level for new applicants on the covered routes is B2 (upper-intermediate), replacing the previous B1 (intermediate) threshold.
The government says the change aims to ensure skilled immigrants have stronger linguistic expertise to improve workplace integration and communication.
Ways to meet the B2 requirement
Applicants can satisfy the B2 requirement through several routes:
Schedule your B2 English test early with an approved SELT, verify the result will be valid at application time, and keep a copy with expiration date for reference.
1. Secure English Language Tests (SELT)
- Approved SELT providers and tests listed by the government include:
- IELTS for UKVI
- PTE Academic UKVI
- Trinity College London SELT
- Language Cert SELT
- Test results are valid for two years, so results must be in date when required by the rules.
2. Degree-level qualification taught in English
- A degree-level qualification taught in English can be used to meet B2, including degrees from UK institutions.
- Non-UK degrees are acceptable only with confirmation from Ecctis that the qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree.
3. UK academic qualifications taught in the UK before age 18
- Recognised school-level qualifications (completed in the UK and taught in English) include:
- GCSE
- A-Level
- Scottish National Qualification Level 4 or 5
- Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher
4. Citizenship of a majority-English speaking country
- Citizenship of a majority-English speaking country is an alternative route to meet the requirement.
- Government examples include:
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
Adult dependents of workers and students — new English requirements
- The government introduced separate English requirements for adult dependents of workers and students.
- At initial visa application, adult dependents must demonstrate A1 (basic) English.
- At extension, they must show progress to A2 or above.
This creates an additional set of obligations for dependents alongside the higher bar for primary work visa applicants.
Practical implications and transition
- The policy creates a clear split between:
- Existing permission holders under the Skilled Worker, HPI or Scale-up visas — who may extend without demonstrating B2, and
- New first-time applicants from January 8, 2026 onward — who must meet B2.
For first-time applications after Jan 8, 2026, you must meet B2. Existing visa holders can extend without B2, but new applicants cannot assume exemption.
- Applicants planning to meet the requirement through SELT should note:
- Multiple SELT options are available from approved providers (listed above).
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Because the government sets a two-year validity for test results, applicants must ensure test results are still valid at the time the higher standard is required.
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The alternative qualification-based routes provide options for those who have already studied in English:
- Degree-level qualifications taught in English from UK institutions are accepted.
- Non-UK degrees require Ecctis confirmation of equivalence to a UK bachelor’s degree.
- Certain UK school-level qualifications completed before age 18 are also recognised.
Summary of key points
- Effective January 8, 2026, the English requirement for new applicants under the Skilled Worker, HPI, and Scale-up visas rises from B1 to B2 (CEFR).
- SELT, degree qualifications taught in English, certain UK school qualifications, and citizenship of a majority-English speaking country are accepted routes to meet B2.
- Test results (SELT) are valid for two years.
- Adult dependents now face a separate requirement: A1 at application, progressing to A2+ at extension.
- Existing visa holders on the named routes may extend without demonstrating B2, while first-time applicants from January 8, 2026 must meet the new standard.
The UK is increasing English language requirements for major work visas to a B2 (upper-intermediate) level effective January 2026. The change targets first-time applicants for Skilled Worker, HPI, and Scale-up routes to improve professional communication. While current visa holders are unaffected during extensions, adult dependents now face a tiered requirement starting at A1. Applicants have several paths to compliance, including testing, academic qualifications, and citizenship.
