Effective January 8, 2026, the Home Office has increased the English language level required for entry under the Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual and Scale-up routes from B1 to B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The change was announced in the statement of changes laid before parliament in October 2025. B2 is equivalent to A Level, while B1 is similar to GCSE level.
The new requirements apply to those seeking an initial grant of leave in a relevant route following the implementation of these provisions on January 8, 2026. Those who have already obtained a permission where they were required to show a B1 level, will continue to be subject to a B1 level requirement where they are seeking an extension on the same route.
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