Date: 14 October 2025
Source: Home Office and GOV.UK
The UK government has announced that migrants applying under certain immigration routes will now be required to demonstrate English language ability equivalent to an A-level standard (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages level B2) in speaking, listening, reading and writing.
What’s changing
Applicants under key legal migration routes (including the Skilled Worker, Scale-Up and High Potential Individual visa streams) must meet the higher English language threshold.
The English requirement is being raised from the current B1 level (generally considered equivalent to a GCSE standard) to B2 (more comparable to an A-level standard) for the affected routes.
From 8 January 2026, new applications for the relevant routes must satisfy the higher requirement.
Applicants will need to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from a Home Office-approved provider.
Government rationale
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says the changes reflect a commitment to ensuring that migrants “learn our language and play their part” in British society. The move is framed as part of a broader immigration reform agenda aimed at making the system more selective, better controlled and focused on integration.
Implications and reactions
For migrants and visa applicants: Those applying from early 2026 onward for the affected routes will need to ensure they either already meet or can reach the B2 standard. Migration advisers are warning that applicants should begin preparing for the higher level of English proficiency.
For employers: Businesses sponsoring overseas workers must factor in the raised English requirement when recruiting, as it may reduce the pool of eligible candidates and add extra testing or lead-time.
On integration: Supporters of the reform view the measure as strengthening language ability, which, in turn, may improve integration, workplace communication and social participation.
Concerns / critics: Some worry that raising the requirement could exacerbate labour shortages in sectors where English fluency to B2 level is less critical (for example, roles that rely more on practical or manual skills). There is also concern that the enforcement of the rule might create administrative burdens or delay processing. Expert commentary suggests that while the raised standard may have limited direct effect on net migration numbers, it reflects political and policy signalling.
What is B2 / A-level standard?
According to CEFR definitions and practical guides: at B2 level a user should be able to:
Understand the main ideas of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field.
Interact with native speakers with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction possible without strain for either party.
Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
In contrast, the previous B1 level indicated: understanding the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters, dealing with most situations likely to occur whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken, producing simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.
What this means going forward
Those planning to apply under the affected visa routes should assess their English language proficiency now — and consider enrolling in preparation for the SELT (Secure English Language Test) if needed.
Employers and sponsors should review recruitment and sponsorship processes to ensure that language testing is integrated and timeline risks are managed.
Migrant support, language-teaching and assessment providers may see increased demand as preparation for the higher standard becomes more widespread.
Observers will be watching whether this requirement has a measurable impact on migration flows, labour supply in specific sectors, and on the ability of new arrivals to integrate more swiftly into UK society.
Source: LIIE IMMIGRATION
