On 14 October 2025, the Home Office laid a new set of changes to the UK’s immigration rules, following the publication in May 2025 of the Immigration White Paper titled Restoring Control over the Immigration System.
A central change affecting economic migration is the increase in the English Language requirement for several key work routes. Specifically, from CEFR level B1 (intermediate), the requirement will rise to CEFR level B2 (upper-intermediate/ A-level standard) for the following routes:
- Skilled Worker
- High Potential Individual (HPI)
- Scale-up
The change will apply to initial applications submitted on or after 8 January 2026.
Importantly, individuals who already hold permission under these routes i.e. are already in the UK on such a visa will not need to meet the new B2 requirement when applying for extension under the same route.
Difference between CEFR Level B2 and B1, and what does this mean in practice?
Under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the difference is as follows:
- B1 (intermediate) corresponds to a lower-intermediate level — often compared to a GCSE-level standard in English. At B1, a candidate may handle everyday situations and basic work communications but might struggle with complex or abstract topics.
- B2 (upper-intermediate / independent user) is more demanding — comparable to A-level standard English. At B2, applicants are expected to: understand the main ideas of complex texts (including technical or professional contexts); express themselves fluently and spontaneously, interact comfortably with native speakers, and produce clear, detailed written and spoken communication.
The new requirement aims to ensure applicants can communicate effectively, not only in basic workplace situations, but also in more complex professional and social contexts, something that the government says will better support integration and contribution to the UK society.
Implications: who is affected by these changes?
- New applicants: Anyone applying for the Skilled Worker, HPI, or Scale-up routes from 8 January 2026 onwards will need to prove English at B2 level.
- Existing visa holders: Applicants who already hold one of these visas under the previous B1 requirement will not be required to meet B2 for future extensions of the same route. In short, there is no retrospective requirement.
- Dependents: The 14 October 2025 Statement does not introduce a B2 requirement for dependants of skilled workers or students at this stage. However, the White Paper proposes introducing English language requirements for adult dependants in the future — starting from A1 for initial applications. A timetable for these changes has not yet been confirmed.
The upcoming increase in English language standards marks a significant development in the UK’s approach to economic migration. Whether you are planning to apply for a work visa or managing international recruitment, understanding these changes early will help avoid delays and ensure compliance with the updated rules.
