The UK government is introducing stricter English language rules for visa applicants in 2025. Central among them is the proposed move from CEFR level B1 to B2 for certain visa categories (including Skilled Worker). The changes also clarify which test providers are approved, tighten verification for academic qualifications (especially degrees taught in English outside the UK), and introduce exemptions. Overall, the standard has been raised since 2024, significantly affecting applicants, dependents, students, and those seeking indefinite leave to remain.
What’s Changing?
- Currently, many visa routes (Skilled Worker, Student, settlement) require English at B1 level (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages — CEFR).
- In 2025, the government announced proposals and began consulting on raising this requirement to CEFR B2 for certain visa routes, especially for Skilled Workers and for those applying for settlement / indefinite leave to remain.
- For student visas, degree-level or above study already often requires an English equivalent to CEFR B2. But one of the new rules is to ensure consistency in how qualifications from outside the UK are verified and whether degrees taught in English are accepted.
The key takeaway is that applicants who previously met the B1 requirement will likely need to ensure they satisfy the B2 requirement for certain visa types under the new rules.
UK Visa English B2 Requirement
When we say “UK visa English B2 requirement”, this refers to:
- English proficiency at Upper-Intermediate level (B2) under the CEFR framework. That means being able to understand the main ideas of complex text, interact with fluency and spontaneity in many settings, and produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects.
- The requirement is proposed for visa routes such as:
- Skilled Worker visa holders (main applicants)
- Applicants seeking indefinite leave to remain or settlement in the UK via work/skills routes.
- Dependents in many visa routes may also face stricter English requirements, especially for extensions and settlement.
Accepted Test Providers & Verification Processes
To meet the B2 requirement (or other required levels), there are a few accepted ways:
| Route | How can you demonstrate your English? |
| Secure English Language Test (SELT) | Taking a test at an approved centre with a recognised provider. Tests must cover all four skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing) unless the route only needs speaking/listening. |
| Academic qualification (degree, etc.) | A UK undergraduate or postgraduate degree taught in English, or a degree from outside the UK taught in English. But under the 2025 changes, the verification of such degrees is more rigorous. |
| Qualification & Language Service (QLS) | As of 1 May 2025, the Home Office has updated its processes: degrees taught in English outside the UK need verification via QLS (replacing or complementing what ECCTIS used to do) to confirm they meet equivalence standards. |
Important notes:
- If you rely on an overseas degree taught in English, QLS (or whatever the official verifier is) will need documentation that the course was indeed taught in English, is at degree level, and is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s/master’s/PhD.
- There is no Fast Track option for certain qualification verifications; processing times may be longer under the new rules.
- There are fees associated with verification – these have increased compared to earlier rates for services like equivalency or English proficiency assessments.
Exemptions & Transitional Provisions
Not everyone will be affected in the same way, and there are exemptions and grey areas to be aware of:
- Nationals of majority English-speaking countries often don’t need to prove English (or are exempt under some rules).
- Some visa categories, like certain student visa holders or dependents, have different requirements depending on whether the qualification is degree level or below. For example, in Student Visas, those studying below degree level might only need B1, while degree level or above will require B2.
- Existing visa holders applying for extensions or settlement may have transitional arrangements for when new rules come into force. Always check the date your certificate of sponsorship was issued, or when your visa route changes take effect.
Why the Government is Raising the Standard?
Several reasons have been cited:
- Integration & Social Cohesion: Better English improves integration in communities, workplaces and helps reduce isolation.
- Economic Productivity: Skilled Worker visa holders who can operate more fluently in English can contribute more efficiently to work, interact more easily with employers and colleagues, and reduce misunderstandings.
- Alignment with International Education Standards: UK universities often expect higher English levels for admission; raising visa English requirements helps align visa holders’ English ability with academic expectations.
- Immigration Policy and Control: The government wants to ensure that visa leavers and long-term residents meet a level that ensures effective communication and reduces the burden on English teaching/language support post-arrival.
What does this mean for Applicants?
If you’re applying for a visa in 2025 or planning to, here’s what to do:
- Check your visa type: Determine whether your visa (Skilled Worker, Student, Settlement, etc.) is affected by the move to B2. If you are applying under a route that currently requires B1, find out when B2 will come into force for you.
- Take a recognized test if you don’t already meet the requirement. Book an SELT that covers all required skills. Make sure the test is approved for UKVI.
- If relying on a degree taught in English outside the UK, gather documentation: transcripts, year of study, and proof of medium of instruction. Start the QLS verification process early, because delays are possible.
- Prepare for additional fees and time: The verification process is more rigorous, pricier, and may take longer. Budget accordingly.
- Keep evidence: In any application or extension, always provide the verification codes, reference numbers, and official statements from QLS or the test centre. Mistakes or missing documentation can lead to refusals.
- Watch for transitional/timing rules: If your application or Certificate of Sponsorship predates changes, certain older rules may still apply. Always check statements of changes from the Home Office.
Comparison: How the Standard Has Increased Since 2024?
- English Level: Pre-2024, many visas required B1; proposing move to B2 means a substantial jump in expected fluency.
- Qualification Verification: Before 2025, overseas degrees taught in English were more easily accepted; now stricter verification via QLS (or similar) is required.
- Dependents & Extensions: More routes are introducing stricter language tests for dependents, especially when extending visas or applying for settlement. This was less common previously.
- Processing & Fees: Verification and equivalency fees have increased, and processing times are longer; the “fast track” options have diminished or been removed for some services.
Potential Implications and Challenges
- Cost burden: Applicants may face higher costs for testing, degree verification, and possibly needing English coaching or classes.
- Delays: More rigorous assessment and verification may cause delays in visa applications, particularly if documentation is incomplete.
- Barrier to applicants: Those from non-majority English-speaking countries may find it harder to meet the B2 standard, especially for non-academic routes.
- Impact on employers & sponsors: Employers sponsoring Skilled Worker visas will need to be aware of raised standards and ensure prospective employees meet them. This may affect recruitment timelines.
- Legal & administrative complexity: Changes in rules bring legal interpretations, exemptions, and transitional provisions that can be confusing. Immigration advisors and legal professionals will be in demand to help applicants navigate.
Conclusion!
The introduction of a UK visa English B2 requirement for many categories in 2025 marks more than just a bureaucratic shift — it signals a cultural one too. The move from B1 to B2 sets the bar higher for communication, integration, and opportunity in the UK. While the paperwork may feel daunting, it also reflects the growing value placed on clarity, confidence, and shared understanding.
For applicants, the path forward is less about box-ticking and more about preparation. Checking your category requirements, keeping your paperwork organised, and budgeting extra time and money are all practical steps that make the process smoother. The challenge may be greater, but so are the rewards for those ready to meet the new benchmark.
At the end of the day, success with the B2 standard isn’t just about passing a test; it’s about stepping into life in the UK with stronger skills and fewer barriers. If you’re navigating these changes, don’t go it alone. Stay tuned to Skilled Worker Mag for clear, accessible updates, practical guidance, and expert insights designed to keep you ahead of the curve.
