The English level for three UK work routes has gone up a step. The Statement of Changes HC 1333, published on 14 October 2025, raised the requirement for the Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual and Scale-up routes from B1 to B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference. The change took effect on 8 January 2026.
Key facts
- What English level rises from B1 to B2
- Routes Skilled Worker, Scale-up, High Potential Individual
- From 8 January 2026
- Rule Statement of Changes HC 1333, 14 October 2025
Who is affected
The higher level applies to people seeking a first grant of permission on one of these routes from 8 January 2026. People who already hold permission granted on the basis of B1 continue to be assessed at B1 when they extend on the same route. Applications made before 8 January 2026 were decided under the rules as they stood on 7 January 2026.
The change came from the May 2025 Immigration White Paper, Restoring control over the immigration system. HC 1333 did not add an English requirement for dependants.
Ways to show B2
The usual ways of meeting the English requirement still apply, including passing a Home Office approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) at the required level in all four skills, holding a degree taught in English, or being a national of a majority English-speaking country. For Skilled Worker and similar routes the SELT must cover reading, writing, speaking and listening.
What this means
If you are applying for one of these visas for the first time, aim for B2 in every skill, not just an overall score. Check the minimum score per skill that your chosen test sets for B2, and book the UKVI version of the test (for example IELTS for UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI), not the standard version. Results must be no more than two years old when you apply. If you already hold a Skilled Worker visa granted at B1, an extension on the same route stays at B1. Read the official SELT guidance for the approved tests.