Changes to the English Language Requirement for UK Work Visa Applicants
On 8 January 2026, the Home Office will implement an enhanced English language requirement for some Work Visa applicants. In this blog, our UK Immigration Solicitors explain the new rules and who they will affect.
If you need help with a Work Visa application, our Immigration Lawyers in London can assist.
Contact OTS Solicitors Today for Specialist Immigration Legal Advice.
Changes to the English language requirement
In May 2025, the UK government published an Immigration White Paper called Restoring Control over the Immigration System. In the Paper, the government stated it would introduce new English language requirements for visa applicants applying to live and work in the UK under economic migration routes.
The new requirements are set out in the Explanatory memorandum to the statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 1333, 14 October 2025.
When announcing the changes, the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said:
‘’This country has always welcomed those who come to this country and contribute. But it is unacceptable for migrants to come here without learning our language, unable to contribute to our national life. If you come to this country, you must learn our language and play your part.’’
However, UK Immigration Solicitors have been quick to clarify that successful applicants for the affected Work Visas already meet an English language requirement. The only change is that from 8 January 2026, affected new Work Visa applicants will need to pass the English language requirement at B2 standard rather than the current B1 standard.
Which Work Visa applicants will be affected by the English language requirement rule changes?
The English language rule changes apply to applications made on 8 January 2026 onwards for:
- The Skilled Worker Visa.
- The High Potential Individual Visa.
- The Scale-up Visa.
The White Paper indicates that in the future, other visa routes will be subject to enhanced English language requirements. For example, the introduction of English language requirements for dependants in work and study routes.
Will existing Work Visa holders be affected by the English language requirement rule changes?
The government says that those already in the UK on Skilled Worker Visas, High Potential Individual Visas or the Scale-up Visa will not need to sit a new English language test to remain in the UK. They also will not need to sit an enhanced English language test when applying to extend their Work Visa. However, if they apply to switch to a different type of visa, they may need to do so.
Will all new Work Visa applicants be affected by the new English language requirement rules?
Work Visa applicants will only be subject to the new rules on English language proficiency if:
- They are applying for a relevant visa – the Skilled Worker Visa, the High Potential Individual Visa or the Scale-up Visa, and
- Their application is made on or after 8 January 2026, and
- They are not exempt from meeting the English language requirement under the immigration rules.
UK Immigration Lawyers recommend that UK employers and Work Visa applicants:
- Try to allocate certificates of sponsorship to Work Visa applicants as soon as possible so that Work Visa applicants can apply for their visa before the cut-off date on 8 January 2026.
- Check to see if Work Visa applicants are exempt from sitting the English language test because of the applicant’s nationality or qualifications.
Taking an English language test
If an applicant must take an English language test, there are strict requirements to prevent fraud. The test must be a secure English language test carried out by an approved provider. A complete list of SELT providers can be found here.
If the test is passed, the applicant receives a digital reference number from the approved test provider. This number confirms they have passed an approved English language test to the required level for the visa route.
Exemptions from sitting an English language test
A Work Visa applicant is exempt from sitting an English language test if they:
- Have evidence they passed an English language test for an earlier visa application and the test was to the required level (B1 Visa if the application is submitted before 8 January 2026 or B2 after that date), or
- Have a degree-level qualification that was taught or researched in English. There are confirmation requirements if the qualification was not awarded in the UK, or
- Are a national of a majority English-speaking country. The country must be listed in the immigration rules.
The current list of English-speaking countries includes:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- The British Overseas Territories
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Jamaica
- Malta
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United States of America
Talk to OTS Solicitors about applying for a Work Visa
Our Law Society-accredited team of Skilled Worker Visa Solicitors can help Work Visa applicants and UK employers with:
- Specialist immigration legal advice on Work Visa applications and Work Visa sponsorship.
- Advice on the forthcoming changes to the English language requirement.
- Assistance with switching to a Work Visa and the English language requirement.
- Evidence of exception to prove an applicant meets the English language requirement.
The scale of UK immigration changes is immense and fast-paced. That’s why visa applicants and work sponsors need expert Immigration Lawyers on their side to ensure that Work Visa applications comply with the latest immigration rules and are fully compliant with Home Office guidance.
Contact OTS Solicitors Today for Specialist Immigration Legal Advice.
Frequently Asked Questions on the English Language Requirement for Visa Applicants
What is the English language requirement for UK visa applicants?
Most UK visa applicants need to meet an English language requirement. The level of proficiency in English they must demonstrate depends on the type of visa application.
What is The Common European Framework for Reference for Languages?
The Common European Framework for Reference for Languages, or CEFR, is a way of measuring language ability. The CEFR six-point scale is internationally recognised. The UK government will continue to use the CEFR classifications when setting English language requirements for UK visa applicants, but will increase the English language requirement for economic migrants commencing January 2026.
The CEFR ranges from the most basic language ability to proficiency in the language. The lowest CEFR category is A1 beginner, and the highest is C2 proficient.
Is The Common European Framework for Reference an English language test?
The Common European Framework for Reference for Languages is not an English language test. It is an internationally recognised way of measuring language ability, allowing governments, employers, and organisations to accurately understand an individual's proficiency level by referencing the grade secured in a language test.
What is the current English language proficiency requirement for a UK Work Visa?
The current immigration rules require a Work Visa applicant to meet the B1 level of proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening to English.
What is the B2 level in English language proficiency under the CEFR?
The B2 level of language proficiency is described as upper intermediate. To demonstrate grade B2 proficiency in a language, a candidate does not need to be fully fluent in the language, but they must be able to:
- Speak confidently on everyday topics.
- Participate in discussions on familiar subjects.
- Write on topics of interest or areas of expertise.
- Understand a conversation or discussion spoken at normal speed on a known subject area.
In essence, B2 is not speaking like an English person, but the individual must be able to have a conversation and write, with skill or language familiarity in their chosen area of employment.
Is the B2 CEFR proficiency an A-level in English?
Work Visa applicants will not need to sit an A-level in English to qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa, a High Potential Individual Visa or a visa under the Scale-up routes.
Many newspapers reported that Work Visa applicants will need to sit the equivalent of an A-level in English to qualify for a Work Visa, but that is not strictly accurate. UK Skilled Worker Visa Solicitors say that a better explanation is that a Work Visa applicant will need to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language to an A-level standard. A British student studying English to an A-level standard is an inappropriate example because they are already proficient in English. It’s more akin to a British student being expected to speak German to A-level standard if they want to secure a German Work Visa.
Contact OTS Solicitors Today for Specialist Immigration Legal Advice.
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