The English language requirement for settlement in the UK is changing. From 26 March 2027, most applicants applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) will need to demonstrate English language ability at CEFR level B2, rather than the current B1 level.
The change is particularly important for people already living in the UK on routes such as the Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Family life, Global Talent, Scale-up and other routes leading to settlement. Some applicants who previously met the English requirement at B1 may therefore need to obtain new evidence of their English ability before applying for ILR.
The change applies to the speaking and listening element of the English language requirement. This is an important distinction. Applicants do not need to demonstrate B2 reading and writing specifically for the ILR requirement.
The Government has stated that the change will apply to people who are already on a pathway to settlement, giving affected applicants time to prepare for the higher requirement.
An applicant applying for settlement before 26 March 2027 must demonstrate B1 speaking and listening, whereas an application made on or after that date will require B2 speaking and listening, unless an exemption applies.
The distinction between ILR in March 2027 and citizenship is important. The English language requirement for British citizenship remains at B1 or above, meaning that someone who later applies to naturalise as a British citizen will not automatically face the new B2 standard simply because they have applied for citizenship after March 2027.
Anyone approaching their settlement date should therefore check the timing of their application and whether they already have evidence that will satisfy the new requirement.
B1 vs B2: What Is the Difference?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an internationally recognised system for describing language ability. It ranges from A1 and A2, through B1 and B2, to C1 and C2.
For immigration purposes, B1 is generally regarded as an intermediate level, while B2 represents an upper-intermediate level.
At B1, a person should generally be able to understand the main points of clear speech on familiar matters and deal with many everyday situations. They can communicate about experiences, plans and familiar subjects.
At B2, the level of independence and fluency is higher. A person should be able to understand the main ideas of more complex communication, interact with a greater degree of fluency and explain their views in greater detail.
The new English requirement for settlement in the UK applies across a range of immigration routes where the existing settlement requirement is B1.
The Government's March 2027 changes specifically cover settlement under routes including:
The change will also affect relevant adult dependants applying for settlement, unless they are exempt.
The change is specifically aimed at the settlement stage. It does not mean that every visa applicant will suddenly need B2 English.
Existing English language requirements for visa applications and extensions continue to depend on the specific immigration route.
If you need to take an English test for settlement, it is important to use an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) and select the test that is approved for the level and components required for your application.
The current list of approved SELT providers in the UK include:
Apart from Trinity College London, the tests offered by the providers mentioned above can be taken outside the UK too and PSI Services is also an approved provider for applicants taking certain SELTs outside the UK.
It is particularly important not to assume that an ordinary English examination is acceptable simply because it is described as a B2 qualification. The Home Office requires an approved test from an approved provider and, where a test is required, it must have been taken at an approved test location.
A SELT will generally need to have been awarded within two years of the date of application. This makes the timing of your test important when planning your SELT B2 test for ILR.
Not everyone applying for ILR will need to take a B2 English test. The Immigration Rules provide exemptions and alternative ways of demonstrating the required level of English. These include certain applicants who are nationals of majority English-speaking countries.
Applicants may also be able to meet the requirement through a qualifying degree taught or researched in English. A UK degree can satisfy the requirement, while applicants relying on an overseas qualification may need confirmation that the qualification meets the relevant requirements.
Other exemptions include:
There are also circumstances where English demonstrated in a previous successful immigration application can be relied upon. However, applicants should be particularly careful where their previous evidence only demonstrated B1, as this will not be sufficient once B2 becomes the required level for their settlement route.
If you expect to apply for ILR on or after 26 March 2027 and currently only meet the B1 level, it is sensible to start preparing well in advance.
A practice assessment can help establish whether your current English is already close to B2 or whether further preparation is likely to be needed.
Depending on your starting level, preparation could include:
The key date is 26 March 2027.If you are eligible to apply for ILR before that date and meet the requirements applicable at the time, the existing B1 standard will still apply.
The new requirement applies to relevant settlement applications made on or after 26 March 2027. Applicants will generally need to demonstrate English at B2 level in speaking and listening, unless an exemption applies.
No. The English language requirement for British citizenship remains at B1 speaking and listening or above.
Someone who successfully demonstrated B1 English when obtaining ILR can generally rely on that successful ILR evidence when later applying for naturalisation, rather than taking another English test solely because the settlement requirement has subsequently increased.
Yes, provided you are otherwise eligible to apply for ILR and submit a valid application before 26 March 2027. The settlement rules currently provide for B1 speaking and listening for applications before that date, with B2 applying from 26 March 2027.
You must use an approved SELT where a test is required. Approved providers include IELTS SELT Consortium, LANGUAGECERT, Pearson and Trinity College London for tests taken in the UK. The particular test must be approved for the required level and components.
Possibly. Exemptions and alternative methods of meeting the requirement can apply to nationals of majority English-speaking countries, certain degree holders, people who have already demonstrated the required level in a previous application and certain applicants based on age or a qualifying long-term physical or mental condition.
A SELT generally needs to have been awarded within two years of the date of application. However, certain previously accepted English qualifications can continue to be relied upon after they have technically expired.
If you need a B2 test to meet the settlement requirement, you will need to obtain the required evidence before submitting an application that relies on the test.
If you do not achieve the required level first time, you can consider taking another approved test. Allowing sufficient time for preparation and a possible retest is therefore sensible, particularly if your current visa permission is approaching expiry.
The introduction of the B2 English requirement for ILR is an important change for anyone planning to settle permanently in the UK from March 2027 onwards.
If you are approaching your settlement date, it is worth checking the English requirement now rather than waiting until your ILR application is approaching. You should establish whether you are exempt, whether existing evidence can be relied upon and, if necessary, which approved SELT is appropriate for your circumstances.
Unsure whether the new B2 English requirement affects your ILR application? Speak to Migrate UK for personalised advice on your settlement pathway.