New English language requirements for UK work visas

On 8 January 2026, the UK government raised the English language requirements for the Skilled Worker, Scale-up and High Potential Individual routes. Applicants are now required to demonstrate English language proficiency at B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), an increase from the previous B1 standard.

Requirements to qualify for a Skilled Worker, Scale-up or High Potential Individual visa

A Skilled Worker visa allows individuals to come to or remain in the UK to undertake an eligible role with an approved employer.

To qualify, an applicant must:

• work for a UK employer that has been approved by the Home Office;
• have a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ (CoS) from the employer with information about the role offered in the UK;
• be undertaking an eligible occupation from the prescribed list;
• be paid at least the minimum salary for the role (determined by occupation and date of CoS).

A Scale-up Worker visa enables individuals to come to the UK to work for a fast-growing UK business (sometimes called a ‘scale-up business’). Applicants must:

• have a confirmed job offer from an approved scale-up business for at least 6 months;
• have a CoS from their employer with information about the role offered in the UK;
• be undertaking a role on the eligible occupations list;
• be paid at least the minimum salary for their role.

A High Potential Individual visa grants permission to stay in the UK for 2 years. To apply, applicants must have been awarded a qualification by an eligible university in the last 5 years. There is a yearly limit on applications for this visa. The application year runs between 1 November and 31 October.

What has changed with the UK’s English language requirements?

From 8 January 2026, new applicants under the Skilled Worker, Scale-Up and High Potential Individual routes have to prove that they can read, write, speak and understand English at level B2 CEFR, an increase from the B1 standard.

This change applies only to new applicants. Those who held leave on the above routes before 8 January 2026 will continue to only require knowledge of the English language at level B1 CEFR when applying to extend their leave.

This change has significant practical implications, as applicants are now required to have more advanced technical language skills, written and oral, before applying for a visa under the above routes.

How to meet the English language requirement

To demonstrate knowledge of the English language for a UK visa application, applicants will need to provide evidence of one of the following:

• a UK school qualification at the required level (started before age 18);
• a degree from a UK institution;
• a degree from an institution outside of the UK that was taught in English; however, applicants will need to pass an assessment by Ecctis to confirm that their qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher and was taught in English;
• passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider at the required level.

If an applicant has already demonstrated their knowledge of English in a previous successful UK visa application, they may not have to evidence it again.

Nationals of certain majority English-speaking countries are exempt from proving English language ability. The list of specified countries or territories can be found here: Skilled Worker visa: Knowledge of English – GOV.UK .

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on all UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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