What changes
The statement of changes HC 1691, laid on 5 March 2026, raises the settlement English level from B1 to B2 on these routes: Skilled Worker, Scale-up, Global Talent, UK Ancestry, Innovator Founder, Minister of Religion, Representative of an Overseas Business, International Sportsperson, long residence, private life and family. It applies to people already on the way to settlement.
Skilled Workers and Scale-up Workers do not need to prove their English again to settle today. From 26 March 2027 they will need B2 in speaking and listening at settlement, unless their visa was granted on B2 evidence.
If your visa was granted on B2
Appendix KoLL counts a B2 test or qualification your current visa was granted on, as long as the provider is still approved when you apply. Skilled Workers who first applied from 8 January 2026 had to show B2 for their visa.
Who does not need a test
- People aged 65 or over, or under 18.
- People with a long-term physical or mental condition that stops them meeting it, with a doctor's exemption form.
- Nationals of the majority English-speaking countries on GOV.UK's list.
- People with an academic degree taught in English: a UK degree, or one Ecctis confirms.
Tests that show B2
| Test | B2 needs | Where |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS for UKVI IELTS SELT Consortium | 5.5 in each skill | In and outside the UK |
| PTE Academic UKVI Pearson | 59 in each skill | In and outside the UK |
| LanguageCert Academic SELT LanguageCert | 60 in each skill | In and outside the UK |
| LanguageCert General SELT LanguageCert | 60 in each skill | In and outside the UK |
| Trinity ISE (Integrated Skills in English) Trinity College London | ISE II, pass | In the UK |
| Skills for English UKVI (4 component) PSI Services | B2, pass | Outside the UK |
On today's approved list, every B2 test examines all four skills. The settlement requirement is B2 in speaking and listening.
Applying before 26 March 2027
A settlement application made before 26 March 2027 is decided on the B1 rule: B1 in speaking and listening on routes that need a test, and no new proof for Skilled Workers. The date that counts is the date you apply.
Questions
Does the B2 rule apply if I am already in the UK?
Yes. The Home Office says the change applies to people already on a pathway to settlement. It starts on 26 March 2027 so that they have time to prepare.
If I apply for ILR before 26 March 2027, do I need B2?
No. Applications made before 26 March 2027 use the B1 rule, and Skilled Workers do not need to prove their English again.
Does the change apply to British citizenship?
Citizenship asks for B1 in speaking and listening (Form AN guidance, July 2026). The March 2026 change is to the settlement rules.
I passed a B1 test for my visa. Can I use it at settlement?
For applications made before 26 March 2027, yes, if the provider is still approved. From 26 March 2027 you need B2, unless your visa was granted on B2 evidence.
Which B2 test should I take?
Any approved SELT at B2. IELTS for UKVI needs 5.5 in each skill, PTE Academic UKVI 59, LanguageCert Academic or General SELT 60. Results count for two years.