The government’s Immigration White Paper, Restoring control over the immigration system, published on 12 May 2025, set out a tougher approach to English for people coming to and settling in the UK. The proposals were policy plans, not rules: each one needs a Statement of Changes before it applies.
Key facts
- What Immigration White Paper, Restoring control over the immigration system
- Published 12 May 2025
- Proposals B2 for workers and settlement; A1 then A2 for adult dependants
- Done so far Workers B2 from 8 Jan 2026; settlement B2 from 26 Mar 2027
What the White Paper proposed
- Skilled Worker and other work routes: the English level would rise from B1 to B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference.
- Adult dependants of workers and students: a new requirement to show A1, the level already used for partners on the family route, with the level expected to rise over time.
- Extensions: progression to A2 when a visa is extended.
- Settlement: B2 across most routes, up from B1.
- Support: easier access to English classes for people already in the UK.
The White Paper also linked English to wider settlement reform, including a standard ten-year qualifying period that could be shortened by contributions.
What has happened since
Two of the proposals are now in the rules. HC 1333 raised the level to B2 for new Skilled Worker, Scale-up and High Potential Individual applicants from 8 January 2026. HC 1691 raises settlement English to B2 for applications made on or after 26 March 2027. As of 30 October 2026 no Statement of Changes has introduced the A1 requirement for dependants of workers and students, and the A2 step on extension for those dependants is also not in force.
What this means
Plan around what is in the rules, not what is proposed. If you are applying for a work visa, aim for B2 in all four skills. If you will apply for settlement from 26 March 2027, prepare for B2 in speaking and listening. Dependants of workers and students do not yet need an English test, but this could change, so check the official guidance before each application. The full proposals are in the White Paper.