The Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 1691, laid on 5 March 2026, introduces a staged increase in the English language requirement for UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and other long term, settlement-linked routes.
Under the new ILR rules, the English language requirement for affected routes will rise from CEFR level B1 to CEFR level B2 in speaking and listening, with the higher level applying by reference to the date of application.
The higher B2 language threshold is scheduled to apply from 26 March 2027.
What is changing & when?
Across multiple routes, the Immigration Rules are amended so that where an applicant is required to show English language ability in speaking and listening, the threshold becomes B2 for applications made on or after 26 March 2027. For applications made before 26 March 2027, the threshold remains B1 in the amended provisions. The amendments use the same drafting pattern, distinguishing between applications made before 26 March 2027 and applications made on or after 26 March 2027.
Applications made before 26 March 2027 continue to be assessed against a B1 speaking and listening requirement where that route currently sets B1. Applications made on or after 26 March 2027 are assessed against a B2 speaking and listening requirement, unless an exemption applies.
This drafting approach is repeated in the route specific rules and in the central English language provisions, so that the evidence rules and verification routes align with the higher level from the same date.
Which routes are affected?
HC 1691 applies the B2 uplift to a range of immigration routes that currently require applicants to show English language ability at B1 speaking and listening at settlement stage or at another stage linked to long term residence. The Statement does this by amending the English language provisions within each relevant route and by updating the central Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK framework.
The routes affected include the following:
- Skilled Worker, including a new settlement English language provision for applications made on or after 26 March 2027.
- Scale up Worker, including a settlement English language provision applying from the same date.
- Global Talent.
- Innovator Founder.
- International Sportsperson.
- Minister of Religion.
- Representative of an Overseas Business.
- UK Ancestry.
- Long Residence.
- Private Life.
- Settlement Family Life.
- Bereaved Partner.
- Child Relative where the sponsor holds protection status.
In each case, the Rules are amended so that applications made before 26 March 2027 continue to be assessed against a B1 speaking and listening requirement; and applications made on or after 26 March 2027 require English language ability at B2 speaking and listening, unless an exemption applies. This allows the higher language requirement to be introduced across multiple routes at the same time while preserving the existing B1 standard for applications submitted before the new threshold date.
The B2 uplift is drafted to apply to routes and stages where the Rules set a speaking and listening requirement at B1 and then substitute B2 from 26 March 2027. It does not, by itself, change routes that already require a higher level, routes that do not impose an English language requirement at the relevant stage, or applicants who qualify under an exemption. It also does not change the Life in the UK requirement, which continues to be dealt with separately under the Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK framework.
Skilled Worker to ILR rules
HC 1691 inserts a specific English language requirement for settlement as a Skilled Worker. Where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027, the applicant needs to show speaking and listening at least at level B2, unless an exemption applies. The provision then points to Appendix English Language for how the requirement is met, which means the evidence and verification routes in Appendix English Language and Appendix KOLL become central to how applicants prove B2.
What is B2 Level English?
HC 1691 does not only change the language level within individual immigration routes. It also amends the central evidence framework in Appendix KOLL and Appendix English Language so that the methods used to demonstrate English language ability align with the higher B2 threshold.
These provisions set out the main ways applicants can evidence the required speaking and listening standard when applying for settlement or another stage where English language ability is required.
The principal evidence routes include the following:
- Approved qualification route, where previous leave was granted on the basis of an English language qualification at the required level. Under the amended rules, the relevant level changes from B1 to B2 depending on the application date, with the applicant also needing to show that their leave has remained unbroken and that the qualification provider remains approved.
- Secure English Language Test route, where the online verification system of an approved test provider confirms that the applicant has passed a speaking and listening test at the required level. The required level remains B1 for applications made before 26 March 2027 and increases to B2 for applications made on or after that date. The existing two year validity period for SELT results continues to apply.
- Teacher evidence route within Appendix KOLL and Appendix English Language, where an applicant may provide specified evidence from a qualified English language teacher confirming that they have completed at least 75 hours of guided learning and are unlikely to reach the required level through further study. Under HC 1691 the relevant threshold also changes from B1 to B2 for applications made on or after 26 March 2027.
The amendments therefore ensure that both the substantive requirement and the evidential framework move together when the higher B2 standard takes effect.
The rule change does not remove existing exemptions. The drafting throughout the amended provisions continues to state that the English language requirement applies unless an exemption applies. Applicants still need to consider the relevant exemption categories and the detailed provisions of Appendix English Language when preparing a settlement application.
Impact of the higher English Language Level for ILR
Although the B2 threshold does not apply until 26 March 2027, employers and applicants should treat this as a planning issue for settlement timelines. For sponsored workers on multi-year pathways, the relevant question is whether their settlement application date will fall before or on or after 26 March 2027. Where a worker is likely to apply on or after that date, they should allow time for test preparation and booking, as well as time to resolve any issues with evidence, provider verification, or exemption reliance. Sponsors are not responsible for meeting the language requirement, but delays at settlement stage can affect workforce planning and retention for roles that depend on continuity of immigration status.
Author
Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law.
Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing Agency for the Professional Services Sector.
