UK Work Visa English Language Requirements: What's Changed in 2026

What are the significant changes to English language requirements for UK work visas that came into effect on 8 January 2026?

What's Changed?

The UK government has raised the English language threshold for first-time applicants under three key visa routes:

• Skilled Worker visa

• High Potential Individual (HPI) visa

• Scale-up visa

The requirement has increased from B1 level (GCSE equivalent) to B2 level (A-Level equivalent) under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Who Does This Affect?

This change applies to new applications only submitted on or after 8 January 2026. If you're already holding one of these visas and applying for an extension, you'll need to check the specific requirements for your route and stage, as English language thresholds vary across extensions and settlement applications.

What Does B2 Level Mean?

At B2 level, applicants must demonstrate competence across all four language skills:

• Speaking

• Listening

• Reading

• Writing

This represents a higher standard than the previous B1 requirement and means showing greater fluency and comprehension in English.

How Can You Meet the Requirement?

There are several ways to satisfy the English language requirement:

Secure English Language Test (SELT): Take an approved test with a Home Office-recognised provider at an approved test centre. The test must be at B2 level for the affected routes.

English-taught degree: Provide evidence of a degree taught or researched in English that meets Home Office recognition criteria.

Nationality: Hold citizenship from a majority English-speaking country.

Exemptions: Certain individuals are exempt, including children under 18, applicants aged 65 or over, and those with physical or mental conditions preventing them from meeting the requirement.

What About Other Visa Routes?

It's important to note that this change doesn't affect all work visas:

Temporary Worker routes continue at B1 level and remain unchanged.

Global Talent visa has no English language requirement at entry stage, only later at settlement or citizenship stage.

Innovator Founder visa already requires B2 level, so remains unchanged.

Global Business Mobility routes (Senior or Specialist Worker, UK Expansion Worker, Graduate Trainee, Service Supplier) continue with no announced changes.

Family and Dependant Visas

Currently, work visa dependants have no English language requirement, though this may change in future with potential B1 requirements being considered.

Family visa applicants have different thresholds: A1 for initial partner applications, A2 for extensions, and B1 for settlement.

Important Timing Considerations

The key date is when you submit your application, not when you receive a job offer or Certificate of Sponsorship. This means:

• Applications submitted before 8 January 2026 fall under the old B1 requirement

• Applications submitted on or after 8 January 2026 must meet the B2 standard

For employers and applicants, this creates urgency around securing proper English language evidence early in the recruitment process rather than treating it as a last-minute formality.

Practical Advice

For applicants: Start preparing your English language evidence early. Book SELT appointments well in advance, as test centres can have waiting times. If relying on a degree, verify it meets Home Office criteria before applying.

For employers: Review your recruitment timelines to account for the higher English requirement. Build English language verification into your sponsorship readiness checks alongside salary and role eligibility. Consider whether alternative visa routes like Global Talent might suit particular candidates.

For both: Be aware that this change comes alongside other recent immigration reforms, including increased Immigration Skills Charge costs and the upcoming Graduate visa reduction to 18 months from January 2027.

Looking Ahead

The government has indicated that higher English language thresholds could eventually extend to other visa categories, including dependant routes. Staying informed about these developments will be crucial for anyone navigating the UK immigration system.

Need Guidance?

Immigration rules continue to evolve, and understanding how these changes affect your specific situation requires careful analysis. If you're planning to apply for a UK work visa or sponsor international workers, seeking professional advice can help ensure your application is properly prepared and compliant with current requirements.

Contact us.

These changes represent a tightening of UK immigration policy. Early preparation and understanding of the new thresholds will be essential for successful visa applications under the affected routes.