United KingdomSettlement (Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Scale-up)

B2 English required for UK settlement from 26 March 2027

Starts 26 Mar 2027Sources checked 28 Oct 2026

Settlement applications on routes including Skilled Worker, Global Talent and Scale-up will need English at B2 instead of B1 from 26 March 2027. The change also applies to people already on a pathway to settlement.

Who it affects

Workers in the UK planning to apply for indefinite leave to remain

What the official source says

โ€œThis change increases the English language requirement for settlement to B2 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for a number of immigration routes where the existing requirement is at B1 level.โ€
โ€œThese changes will come into force on 26 March 2027. The changes will therefore apply to those already on a pathway to settlement in the UKโ€
GOV.UK: Explanatory memorandum to the statement of changes in the Immigration Rules HC 1691, 5 March 2026 gov.uk, checked 28 Oct 2026

Quotes are copied from the official pages on the dates shown. This page is a summary, not legal advice: rules can change, so check the source before you act.

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