Increased English language requirement for settlement to B2 level
Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Partner (family)
What changed
The English language requirement for settlement is increasing from B1 to B2 level for several routes, including Skilled Worker and Family Life. This change is deferred until March 2027 to allow applicants time to prepare.
Who the official source says it applies to
Anyone applying for settlement on or after 26 March 2027 under a route where the requirement is currently B1, including Appendix Skilled Worker (and Health and Care Worker) and Appendix Settlement Family Life (partners). Applications made before that date keep the B1 requirement.
- applications made on or after 2027-03-26
- people applying for settlement
What the official source says to do
If you plan to apply for settlement on or after 26 March 2027, book an approved English test at CEFR B2 level in good time. A test at B1 will no longer be enough for those applications.
This change increases the English language requirement for settlement to B2 level... for a number of immigration routes where the existing requirement is at B1 level.
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