Most immigration routes require an applicant to show a proficiency in the English language at different levels, referred to as meeting Level A1, A2, B1 or C1 of the CEFR, which stands for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
This can be done by a taking an approved test from an accredited service provider, unless an applicant can demonstrate English proficiency by way of a degree that was taught in English or approved by ECCTIS if a non UK degree or show that they are a national of a country on the Government’s list of countries who is majority English speaking. An applicant will not need to prove knowledge of English if a national of one of the following countries or territories:
Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize. the British overseas territories, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Ireland (for citizenship only), Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and USA
If the applicant is national of a country that’s not on the list, then they will need to prove knowledge of English, even if English is an official language.
Applicants exempt from taking a test, are:
- Children under 18 at the point of application
- Those 65 or over at the point of application
Those medically declared unfit, having a long-term physical or mental condition, preventing the person from taking the test. An applicant must provide a completed exemption form from a doctor confirming the physical or mental condition and include original copies of current relevant medical reports.
In the recent White Paper issued by the Government with suggested reforms to bring net migration down, the government is proposing a significant overhaul in late 2025 and 2026.
All applicants intending to start an immigration process to come to the UK or those already in the UK working through their journey to become settled, needs to take notice of the proposed changes.
The White Paper proposes to raise the threshold of English Language required for the Skilled Worker Route from the current level B1 (intermediate) to B2 (independent user) of the CEFR.
The English language requirement for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) will increase from level B1 to B2 for most immigration routes.
A new requirement will be introduced for adult dependants on the PBS routes (workers and students), requiring English Language requirement at level A1 (beginner) of the CEFR, in line with the current partner route. Dependants will then need to show progression to level A2 (basic user) for visa extensions and level B2 (independent user) when applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Not meeting the English requirement can have dire consequences. In the event of entry clearance applications, it is likely to be faced with a refusal and will have to re-apply once meeting the requirement. For those already in the UK, the current route could be downgraded from the five year route to the ten year route to settlement, meaning it will take double the amount of time to get ILR and as a result plus significant extra cost, having to make extra immigration applications. In the event of making an application for ILR but not meeting the required level of English, it would likely lead to a grant of further leave to remain until the applicant passed the required test level.
It is also anticipated at the start of 2026 the current Secure English Language Test (SELT) available across several UK Visas and Immigration approved test centres, will be consolidated into one test, called the Home Office English Language Test (HOELT) and will be delivered in the UK and internationally.
Transitioning the current system into just one test (HOELT) could cause a bottleneck in test centre waiting times and cause delays at the test booking stage.
We recommend that UK sponsors and applicants are aware of the transition and prepare in good time, having particular concern for the predicted delays to book a test and longer waiting times.
Get in touch
Our team will discuss with you your needs and provide you with a fixed fee tailored to the service with no hidden cost so you know exactly what the cost will be from the outset. To discuss this or any other aspect of your case, please contact us on 0808 166 8831 or the number at the top of this page.
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