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.

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.)

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. The government said that it is reviewing the English requirement rules for family dependants and for settlement requirements 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.

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.

You can find more details of who will be affected and how here .

Other upcoming UK immigration changes

  • 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.
  • 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. Visitors from countries who do not require prior visas will need a digital permission to travel to 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.
  • 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 leave instead of the current two years.

More UK immigration press, media & news from our lawyers

How to respond to the UK government consultation on settlement (ILR) and what’s at stake

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