The UK government has introduced a future increase to the English language requirement for many settlement applications. Under changes set out in the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 1691, the required level of English will increase from B1 to B2 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The new ILR requirement is scheduled to take effect on 26 March 2027.
For applicants planning to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, this represents a higher language threshold than the one that currently applies in many settlement routes.
Current English language rules for settlement
At present, many applicants applying for settlement in the UK are required to demonstrate English language ability at level B1 in speaking and listening. This requirement applies in a number of immigration routes that lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain, including work routes such as Skilled Worker, as well as certain family routes under Appendix FM.
B1 represents an intermediate level of English ability. Applicants typically meet this requirement by passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) at the required level or by relying on an eligible academic qualification taught in English.
Some applicants are exempt from the English language requirement. Exemptions may apply where the applicant is a national of a majority English-speaking country, where they meet the relevant age exemptions or where a medical condition prevents them from satisfying the requirement.
How the B2 requirement will change the rules
From 26 March 2027, the Immigration Rules will require many settlement applicants to demonstrate English language ability at level B2 speaking and listening instead of B1.
B2 represents a higher intermediate level of English under the CEFR framework. Applicants at this level are expected to communicate more confidently in everyday situations, understand longer conversations and express opinions in greater detail.
The structure of the English language requirement itself will not change. Applicants will still be able to rely on approved English language tests, recognised academic qualifications or applicable exemptions where they qualify.
The main difference is the higher level of English ability that applicants will need to demonstrate when applying for settlement.
Who will be affected by the new requirement
The increase to B2 will apply to settlement applications made through immigration routes where English language ability forms part of the eligibility criteria.
This includes routes that commonly lead to settlement, such as Skilled Worker and certain family routes under Appendix FM. Applicants applying for settlement under these routes after the implementation date will need to demonstrate B2 English where the Immigration Rules require an English language test.
Applicants who qualify for an exemption from the English language requirement will continue to rely on those exemptions where the Immigration Rules permit.
When the new rule will apply
The increase to the B2 requirement will take effect on 26 March 2027.
Settlement applications are assessed under the Immigration Rules in force on the date the application is submitted. Applications submitted before the implementation date will therefore continue to be assessed under the current B1 English language requirement where the rules permit.
Applications submitted on or after 26 March 2027 will need to meet the new B2 requirement where English language ability forms part of the settlement eligibility criteria.
Practical advice for settlement applicants
Applicants who expect to apply for settlement after March 2027 may wish to prepare for the higher English language requirement in advance. This may involve ensuring that they are able to demonstrate English language ability at B2 level through an approved test or recognised qualification.
Individuals who expect to become eligible for settlement before the implementation date may wish to review their eligibility carefully. Where the Immigration Rules permit, applicants who qualify for settlement before the new requirement takes effect may still be able to apply under the existing B1 requirement.
Because settlement applications depend on the rules in force at the date of application, applicants approaching the end of their qualifying residence period often review the timing of their application carefully when future rule changes have been scheduled.
