UK to toughen English language requirements for visa applicants

From 8 January 2026, certain economic immigration routes, including the popular Skilled Worker visa, will require applicants to demonstrate a higher standard of English language proficiency. This change forms part of the implementation of proposals set out in the Immigration White Paper.

At present, the standard of English required for visa applicants across most UK work visa routes is set at level B1 for speaking, listening, reading and writing under the Common European Framework of Languages (CEFR).

From 8 January 2026, this will increase to level B2 CEFR, roughly equivalent to A-level standard, for applicants under the Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual and Scale-Up visa routes.

Applicants will be able to meet this requirement through a number of means, such as providing evidence of nationality from a majority English-speaking country, holding a degree taught in English, or passing a Home Office-approved English language test at the required standard.

The Government states that its aim is to reduce net migration, and believes that raising the English language standard will assist in achieving this goal, together with facilitating integration.

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