Section A: What is the Skilled Worker English Language Requirement?
If you’re applying for the UK Skilled Worker visa, you are required to meet an English language requirement as part of the Immigration Rules.
Under the Immigration Rules in force from 8 January 2026, the Skilled Worker English language requirement is set at Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. This is the default standard for Skilled Worker applications and applies unless a specific exception applies under the Rules. The English language requirement is assessed independently of the job offer, skill level and salary criteria and cannot be offset by strength in other aspects of the application.
In limited circumstances, applicants applying for permission to stay as a Skilled Worker may still be permitted to rely on CEFR level B1 rather than meeting the higher B2 standard. This applies where the applicant’s most recent permission as a Skilled Worker was granted subject to a B1 English language requirement and the Rules allow that earlier standard to carry forward for a further Skilled Worker application. B1 does not apply simply because an applicant is extending or switching routes, and it does not apply to entry clearance applications made on or after 8 January 2026.
The English language requirement is set out in Appendix Skilled Worker. The permitted ways of meeting the requirement, including accepted tests, academic qualifications and exemptions, are set out in Appendix English Language.
An applicant can meet the English language requirement in a number of ways, depending on their circumstances.
- Passing a Secure English Language Test at the required level with a Home Office approved provider.
- Relying on a degree-level academic qualification that was taught or researched in English, supported by Ecctis confirmation where the qualification was awarded outside the UK.
- Being a national of a majority English-speaking country listed in Appendix English Language.
- Relying on English language evidence that was accepted in a previous successful UK application, where the Skilled Worker Rules permit prior proof to be carried forward at the level required for the application being made.
The requirement applies to most main applicants under the Skilled Worker route, whether applying from outside the UK or switching from another immigration category. Where the application is made under the Health and Care Visa route and the role is in a regulated profession, English language ability can also be demonstrated through a professional body English language assessment accepted by the relevant regulator.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Applicants either meet the English language requirement or they don’t. It’s not balanced against the other eligibility criteria and there’s no scope for explanations or discretion. The caseworker is simply looking for one of the prescribed forms of evidence, like the appropriate type of Secure English Language Test at the relevant CEFR level.
Section B: Skilled Worker English Language Changes 2026
The English language standard that applies to a Skilled Worker application depends on the type of application being made and the applicant’s immigration history under the Skilled Worker route.
For applications made on or after 8 January 2026, the default English language requirement for the Skilled Worker route is CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. This applies to entry clearance applications made from outside the UK and to in-country applications where the applicant is making their first application for permission as a Skilled Worker under the post-January 2026 rules.
For applications for permission to stay, an exception applies in limited circumstances. Where an applicant’s most recent grant of permission as a Skilled Worker was subject to an English language requirement at CEFR level B1, the Immigration Rules allow the applicant to continue to rely on B1 rather than meeting the higher B2 standard when applying for further permission as a Skilled Worker. This exception is specific to Skilled Worker extensions and depends on the applicant’s previous permission having been granted subject to B1.
CEFR level B1 does not apply to entry clearance applications made on or after 8 January 2026. It also does not apply automatically to all extensions or switches. Applicants and sponsors should not assume that B1 remains available simply because the application is made from within the UK. The applicant must fall within the defined exception linked to a previous Skilled Worker grant that was subject to the B1 requirement.
The English language requirement applies on an all-skills basis. Evidence needs to demonstrate that the applicant meets or exceeds the required level in each of the four components: reading, writing, speaking and listening. Evidence that only assesses speaking and listening, or that averages scores across skills without meeting the threshold in each component, is not accepted for Skilled Worker purposes.
Where an applicant is planning to progress from the Skilled Worker route to indefinite leave to remain, the English language requirement for settlement is assessed separately under the settlement provisions in force at the time of the ILR application. Applicants and employers should therefore avoid assuming that meeting B1 for a Skilled Worker extension will necessarily be sufficient for settlement, particularly where the ILR application will be made after 8 January 2026.
This distinction between B2 as the default standard and B1 as a preserved exception has practical consequences for recruitment and workforce planning. Employers should confirm which English language level applies before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship, and applicants should ensure they are preparing evidence that meets the correct standard for the specific type of application being made.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
The higher B2 level is not so much a language ability issue; most Skilled Workers are already competent at this level or higher. The issue in practice is making sure you have the correct, acceptable form of evidence to prove you meet the requirement. Without the required Secure English Language Test at the relevant level, or valid proof that an exemption applies, the entire visa application can be refused.
Applicants should also be alert to changing English language levels across the immigration journey. The required level, and how it’s evidenced, can differ between initial applications, extensions and settlement, so the applicable requirement should be clarified at each stage.
Section C: Skilled Worker English Language Exemptions & Automatic Proof
The Skilled Worker English language requirement at CEFR level B2 does not apply in every case. The Immigration Rules recognise a limited number of exemption and automatic proof categories, which allow an applicant to meet the English language requirement without sitting a Secure English Language Test. These categories apply regardless of whether the applicable level is B2 or, in limited extension cases, B1.
The exemption and automatic proof categories are set out in Appendix English Language. They are applied strictly. Where an applicant claims an exemption incorrectly or submits evidence that does not meet the technical requirements of the Rules, the English language requirement is treated as not met and the application will be refused.
| Exemption category | Who qualifies | Evidence required |
|---|---|---|
| Majority English-speaking nationality | Citizens of countries listed in Appendix English Language, paragraph EL 3.3 | Current passport confirming nationality |
| UK degree or higher qualification | Applicants holding a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree awarded by a UK institution | Degree certificate issued by the UK awarding body |
| Overseas degree taught in English | Applicants holding a non-UK degree confirmed by Ecctis as equivalent to a UK qualification and taught or researched in English | Degree certificate and Ecctis English Language Proficiency Statement |
| Previously accepted English language evidence | Applicants whose English language evidence was accepted in a previous successful UK application and remains valid for the current route. Prior evidence does not need to be within the two-year validity window if it was previously accepted and the Rules permit carry-forward. | Confirmation through Home Office records, with reference details where available |
| UK school qualification in English | Applicants awarded GCSE, A-level or Scottish equivalent in English while under 18 at a UK school | Official examination certificate |
Each exemption category operates narrowly. Holding a degree, having studied in English informally or having lived in the UK for a period does not remove the need to meet the formal requirements. Where an exemption is relied on incorrectly, the application fails on English language grounds in the same way as if no evidence had been provided.
1. Nationals of majority English-speaking countries
Applicants who are nationals of a country listed in paragraph EL 3.3 of Appendix English Language are treated as meeting the English language requirement automatically. They are not required to sit an English language test and do not need to provide separate English language evidence.
This category applies equally where the Skilled Worker English language requirement is B2 or, in limited extension cases, B1. A valid passport confirming nationality is sufficient.
| Country or territory | Country or territory | Country or territory |
|---|---|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda | Barbados | Dominica |
| Australia | Belize | Grenada |
| The Bahamas | British Overseas Territories | Guyana |
| Canada | Jamaica | Malta |
| New Zealand | St Kitts and Nevis | St Lucia |
| St Vincent and the Grenadines | Trinidad and Tobago | United States of America |
| Ireland |
Where an applicant holds dual nationality, they need to rely on a passport from a qualifying majority English-speaking country for the exemption to apply.
2. Academic qualifications taught in English
An academic qualification can be used to meet the Skilled Worker English language requirement at CEFR level B2 or, where applicable, B1, provided it meets the requirements of Appendix English Language.
Where the qualification was awarded in the UK, the applicant needs to provide the degree certificate issued by the awarding institution. No Ecctis confirmation is required for UK-awarded degrees.
Where the qualification was awarded outside the UK, it needs to be confirmed by Ecctis as equivalent to at least a UK bachelor’s degree and confirmed as having been taught or researched in English. The correct document is the Ecctis English Language Proficiency Statement. A standard statement of comparability is not sufficient.
Ecctis operates as the UK body responsible for qualification recognition and is the UK member of the ENIC network. However, only Ecctis-issued statements are accepted by the Home Office for immigration purposes.
Caseworker guidance requires decision makers to check that the qualification title, awarding institution and dates on the Ecctis statement match both the degree certificate and the information entered on the visa application form. Inconsistencies, or failure to upload the original degree certificate alongside the Ecctis statement, will result in refusal.
GCSEs, A-levels or Scottish Highers in English awarded by a UK school while the applicant was under 18 also meet the English language requirement at the relevant level.
3. Age and medical exemptions
Applicants are exempt from the English language requirement if they are under 18 or aged 65 or over on the date of application. The assessment is fixed at the point the application is submitted.
In limited circumstances, an exemption may also apply where a long-term physical or mental condition prevents the applicant from meeting the English language requirement. These cases require evidence from a qualified medical professional confirming the nature of the condition and why it prevents compliance with the English language requirement.
4. Previously accepted English language evidence
English language evidence accepted in a previous successful UK application can be relied on again only where the Immigration Rules permit that evidence to be carried forward for the application being made. For Skilled Worker applications, this is most commonly relevant where an applicant is applying for permission to stay and previously met the English language requirement at B1 under the Skilled Worker route.
Where the current application requires English language ability at CEFR level B2 and the applicant has not previously met that level, new evidence at B2 will be required. Caseworkers verify previously accepted evidence through internal Home Office records rather than by re-examining old certificates.
Where an applicant relies on previous evidence incorrectly, the English language requirement is treated as not met.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Nationality-based exemptions are generally straightforward and easily evidenced. The same can’t be said for degree-based and previous-evidence exemptions.
Studying in English in itself is not enough to qualify for an exemption, and general academic assurances also can’t be relied on. Only the correct Ecctis statement can be used for immigration purposes.
Incorrectly claiming an exemption is treated in the same way as if no English language evidence had been provided at all so the practical reality is exemptions only save time if they’re technically watertight.
Section D: Skilled Worker English Language Tests
If you need to rely on a test to meet the Skilled Worker English language requirement, the test needs to be a Secure English Language Test taken with a Home Office approved provider and at an approved test centre. Only tests that meet the Secure English Language Test requirements set out in Appendix English Language are accepted for Skilled Worker purposes.
Since 8 January 2026, the default Skilled Worker English language standard is CEFR level B2. As a result, applicants making entry clearance applications, or in-country applications where B2 applies, need to pass a four-skills Secure English Language Test at CEFR level B2. A B1-level test is not sufficient unless the applicant falls within the limited permission to stay exception that allows reliance on B1 based on a previous Skilled Worker grant.
Tests taken outside the Secure English Language Test framework are not accepted, regardless of the score achieved. Standard academic IELTS, general English tests and informal or online-only assessments cannot be used, even where they assess similar skills or exceed the required level. Caseworkers do not have discretion to accept alternative evidence where a non-approved test has been taken.
All Secure English Language Tests relied on for Skilled Worker applications need to assess reading, writing, speaking and listening. Tests that assess only speaking and listening are not sufficient for this route. The applicant needs to meet or exceed the required level in each of the four components.
When a test is passed, the provider issues a unique reference number. This reference allows UKVI to verify the result directly with the provider through a secure electronic system. The reference number needs to be entered accurately into the visa application form. If the result cannot be verified, the English language requirement is treated as not met.
Secure English Language Test results are valid for two years from the date of the test. An expired result cannot be relied on for a first-time Skilled Worker application. Where a test was accepted in a previous successful UK application, it may continue to be relied on only where the Immigration Rules allow that evidence to be carried forward for the application being made.
1. Authorised SELT providers
The Home Office publishes and updates a list of authorised Secure English Language Test providers. Applicants should always check the current list before booking, as providers, test formats and approved centres can change.
Each approved test needs to be taken at a UKVI-approved centre, assess all four language components and meet the required CEFR level for the Skilled Worker application. Booking the correct version of the test is the applicant’s responsibility.
| Provider | Test offered | General availability |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS SELT Consortium | IELTS for UKVI | UK and overseas |
| Pearson | PTE Academic UKVI | UK and overseas |
| LanguageCert | LanguageCert SELT (four skills) | UK and overseas |
| Trinity College London | ISE (four skills) UKVI | UK only |
| PSI | Skills for English UKVI | Primarily outside the UK |
Applicants should rely on the test names and formats as they appear on the Home Office Secure English Language Test list rather than provider marketing descriptions. Booking a test that does not exactly match the approved designation will result in refusal.
a. IELTS for UKVI
IELTS for UKVI is offered through approved centres by the IELTS SELT Consortium. For Skilled Worker applications made on or after 8 January 2026, applicants normally need to pass IELTS for UKVI at CEFR level B2 in all four skills. IELTS Life Skills tests are not accepted for the Skilled Worker route.
b. Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
Pearson PTE Academic UKVI is a computer-based four-skills test accepted for Skilled Worker applications. Where B2 applies, applicants need to meet the B2-equivalent score in each skill. Where the limited B1 exception applies for a permission to stay application, a B1-level result may still be relied on.
c. LanguageCert SELT
LanguageCert offers approved four-skills Secure English Language Tests at different CEFR levels. Applicants need to ensure that the test booked meets the correct level for their Skilled Worker application, which will usually be B2 from 8 January 2026 unless the B1 exception applies.
d. Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English
Trinity College London offers four-skills Integrated Skills in English qualifications accepted for UKVI purposes. The test needs to be taken at the appropriate level for the Skilled Worker application being made and at an approved UKVI test centre.
e. PSI Skills for English UKVI
PSI provides a four-skills Secure English Language Test assessed at different CEFR levels. Applicants should confirm that the level booked meets the Skilled Worker English language requirement that applies to their application and that the test is taken at an approved centre.
2. Practical booking points
Applicants should book their English language test early to avoid delays caused by limited availability, particularly where a B2-level test is required. Employers should factor test availability into recruitment timelines where English language evidence is not already in place.
Tests should only be booked through the official websites of approved providers. Booking through third-party platforms increases the risk of selecting a non-approved test or centre.
3. How to book a Secure English Language Test
Tests are booked directly with the provider. Applicants select the test type, level, location and date, and provide identity details that need to match their passport or travel document exactly.
Following a successful test, the provider issues the official Secure English Language Test reference number used by UKVI to verify the result. This reference needs to be entered accurately into the Skilled Worker visa application.
On the day of the test, applicants need to present the same original identity document used at booking. Failure to do so can result in refusal of entry to the test and loss of the test fee.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Get the test type right! It can be confusing for applicants because there are so many different English language tests on offer, but for visa purposes you can only rely on a test that appears on the approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) list.
If the wrong version of the test is booked, or if the reference number can’t be verified through the provider’s system, the application will be refused automatically.
Section E: How to Prepare for the English Language Test
Test preparation has to align to the English language level that applies to your Skilled Worker application. From 8 January 2026, most applicants will need to prepare for a four-skills test at CEFR level B2 rather than B1. The difference between the two levels is material and should not be underestimated, particularly for writing and listening.
At CEFR level B2, applicants are expected to understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity and produce clear, detailed written text on a wide range of subjects. This represents a higher standard than B1, which focuses on familiar topics and more limited language structures.
Secure English Language Tests are assessed skill by skill rather than on an overall average. Falling short in any one component will result in failure, even where performance in other skills is strong. Applicants therefore need to prepare across reading, writing, speaking and listening to the same standard.
Each test provider applies the CEFR framework through its own scoring system. For example, IELTS for UKVI, Pearson PTE Academic UKVI, Trinity Integrated Skills in English and LanguageCert SELTs all publish score equivalences that map directly to CEFR levels. Applicants should check that the scores they are targeting correspond to CEFR level B2 where that level applies to their Skilled Worker application.
1. Developing a realistic study plan
The amount of preparation time required will depend on the applicant’s starting level, confidence across all four skills and familiarity with formal English language tests. Applicants who previously met the Skilled Worker requirement at B1 should not assume that minimal additional preparation will be sufficient for B2.
A structured study plan reduces the risk of failure and repeat testing. Where time allows, a preparation period of several weeks is advisable for applicants moving from B1 to B2. An initial diagnostic test using official provider materials can help identify gaps, particularly in writing structure and listening accuracy, which are common weak points at B2 level.
Preparation should then focus on strengthening weaker skills while maintaining balanced practice across all four components. Applicants who already meet B2 may require less preparation, but they should still allow time to become familiar with the format, timing and marking criteria of their chosen Secure English Language Test.
2. Choosing appropriate preparation resources
Official preparation materials published by Secure English Language Test providers remain the most reliable source of practice. These materials are designed to reflect the structure, task types and assessment standards used in live tests.
IELTS for UKVI provides official sample questions, practice tests and preparation resources through the British Council and IDP. Pearson publishes preparation tools and scored practice tests for PTE Academic UKVI. Trinity College London and LanguageCert publish specifications and sample materials aligned to their approved four-skills tests. PSI also provides preparation resources designed around CEFR standards.
Third-party courses and applications can support preparation, but they should supplement rather than replace official materials. Applicants benefit from completing full practice tests produced by the provider they intend to use so that score expectations reflect real test conditions.
3. Balancing speaking, listening, reading and writing
Applicants often focus preparation on skills they feel most confident in, which can leave gaps that affect the final result. At B2 level, weaknesses in writing and listening are particularly common causes of failure.
Listening practice should involve exposure to a range of accents and more complex spoken English, ideally using official test materials. Reading practice should include longer and more detailed texts, with attention to inference and nuance rather than surface meaning.
Speaking preparation should focus on fluency, coherence and the ability to develop ideas rather than short factual responses. Writing preparation should emphasise structure, clarity and accuracy, with practice under timed conditions to reflect the demands of the test.
4. Monitoring progress and final preparation
Progress should be monitored through regular mock tests using official materials. Completing full practice tests at intervals allows applicants to track performance across all four skills and identify areas that need further work.
Where progress stalls in a particular skill, targeted practice over a short period can be effective. In the final days before the test, preparation should taper to light revision of test structure, timing and identity requirements. Familiarity with test-day procedures reduces avoidable stress and helps applicants perform consistently on the day.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Even if you’re confident in your English ability, take the time to practise for the test. Get familiar with the format, what you’ll be asked to do and what the examiner expects to pass you at the required level.
If you do fail the test, brace for the knock-on effects. Retakes take time, which can mean the Certificate of Sponsorship expires, you could miss the job start date or the job offer could be withdrawn altogether. A lot’s at stake.
Section F: Submitting Results in Your Skilled Worker Visa Application
English language evidence is assessed as part of the Skilled Worker visa application through the online application system. Even where the correct test, exemption or qualification applies, errors at this stage can result in refusal because the Home Office verifies English language evidence electronically and applies the Rules strictly.
The Skilled Worker application includes a dedicated English language section. Applicants are required to confirm how the English language requirement has been met, whether through a Secure English Language Test, nationality, an academic qualification taught or researched in English or English language evidence accepted in a previous successful UK application.
Where the requirement is met through a Secure English Language Test, applicants need to provide specific details about the test. This includes the name of the test provider, the date the test was taken and the unique reference number issued by the provider. This reference number allows UKVI to verify the result directly with the provider through a secure system.
Each approved provider uses its own terminology for the reference number. IELTS for UKVI issues a UKVI number, Pearson uses a SELT URN, LanguageCert issues a candidate reference number, Trinity College London provides a unique exam reference and PSI marks results with a URN. Regardless of the terminology used, the reference number must be entered exactly as shown on the test result confirmation.
Common errors include missing characters, transposed digits or entering a booking reference instead of the official Secure English Language Test reference. Where the result cannot be verified electronically, the English language requirement is treated as not met and the application will be refused. Applicants are not routinely given an opportunity to correct these errors after submission.
In most cases, applicants are not required to upload a scanned certificate or paper test result. UKVI relies on electronic verification rather than documentary evidence. Applicants should therefore retain their test confirmation for their own records but should not assume that missing or incorrect information will be queried by the Home Office.
Secure English Language Test results are valid for two years from the date of issue. The result must be valid on the date the Skilled Worker application is submitted. Where a test expires before submission, even by one day, the English language requirement is not met.
Where an applicant has already satisfied the English language requirement in a previous successful UKVI application, the Rules allow reliance on that earlier evidence again only where the current Skilled Worker application does not require a higher English language standard. This is most relevant where an applicant is applying for permission to stay and previously met the English language requirement at B1 under the Skilled Worker route. Where B2 applies and the applicant has not previously met that level, new evidence at B2 will be required.
For employers, this stage has compliance significance. Errors in English language evidence can invalidate an otherwise compliant application and, where similar issues arise across multiple cases, can contribute to wider scrutiny of sponsorship practices. Employers should therefore confirm which English language level applies and verify that the correct evidence and reference details are being used before a Certificate of Sponsorship is relied on in an application.
DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight
Once your test details have been submitted to UKVI, the system verifies the evidence to either accept or fail the English language requirement. If any of the information is incorrect, the application will be refused. There’s no follow-up or second-chance review.
You should therefore double-check all of the information you’re entering, including the reference number and test date. Everything needs to match the Secure English Language Test record exactly for the result to be verified.
Section G: Common Skilled Worker English Language Mistakes
Refusals on English language grounds most often arise from technical or evidential errors rather than an applicant’s actual ability to speak English. From 8 January 2026, the increase in the default Skilled Worker English language level to CEFR B2 has widened the scope for error, particularly where applicants or employers continue to work on assumptions formed under the earlier B1 regime.
One of the most frequent mistakes is taking the wrong type or level of English test. For Skilled Worker applications, only Secure English Language Tests from Home Office approved providers are accepted. Where B2 applies, a B1-level test is not sufficient. Standard academic IELTS, general English tests and non-UKVI versions of otherwise recognised exams are not valid, even where the scores achieved exceed the relevant CEFR level. Caseworkers do not have discretion to accept alternative evidence where a non-approved test has been taken.
Another common error involves reliance on expired test results. Secure English Language Test results are valid for two years from the date of issue. Applicants sometimes assume that because a test was accepted in an earlier application, it can always be reused. This is only correct where the Immigration Rules allow that earlier evidence to be carried forward for the specific application being made. Where B2 applies and the applicant has not previously met that level, an expired or lower-level result cannot be relied on.
Incorrect entry of the test reference number regularly leads to refusal. Each test provider issues a specific reference that UKVI uses to verify the result electronically. Typographical errors, transposed digits or entering a booking reference instead of the official Secure English Language Test reference can prevent verification. Where the result cannot be located in the provider’s system, the English language requirement is treated as not met and applicants are not routinely given an opportunity to correct the mistake.
Applicants relying on a degree taught in English frequently encounter problems where documentation is incomplete or mismatched. For overseas qualifications, both the original degree certificate and the correct Ecctis English Language Proficiency Statement need to be submitted. Uploading only an Ecctis statement, relying on the wrong Ecctis service or failing to ensure that qualification details match the visa application form will result in refusal.
Name inconsistencies between identity documents, test bookings and visa application forms are another recurring issue. Secure English Language Test providers require identity details to match the passport exactly, and UKVI cross-checks this information during verification. Use of shortened names, missing middle names or inconsistent spellings can lead to the test being treated as invalid.
From an employer perspective, English language errors carry wider risk. Where Skilled Worker applications fail due to incorrect or inadequate English language evidence, this can prompt closer scrutiny of the sponsor’s recruitment processes and internal checks, particularly where similar issues arise across multiple applications.
Section H: Summary
From 8 January 2026, CEFR level B2 is the default English language standard for the Skilled Worker route. This applies to entry clearance applications and to in-country applications where the applicant is making their first application as a Skilled Worker under the post-January 2026 rules. CEFR level B1 is preserved only in limited circumstances, most commonly where an applicant is applying for permission to stay and their previous Skilled Worker permission was granted subject to the B1 requirement and the Rules allow that earlier standard to carry forward.
The English language requirement operates as a strict eligibility criterion. It is assessed independently of sponsorship, skill level and salary, and it cannot be offset by strength elsewhere in the application. Evidence must meet the required level across reading, writing, speaking and listening, and it must be provided in one of the prescribed forms set out in Appendix English Language.
Exemptions and automatic proof routes continue to apply, but they are narrowly defined and tightly enforced. Incorrect reliance on an exemption, use of the wrong test level or submission errors at the verification stage will result in refusal. For employers, failures at the English language stage can undermine recruitment timelines and expose weaknesses in sponsorship processes. Careful confirmation of the applicable English language level and the evidence relied on is therefore a core compliance step for Skilled Worker applications made after 8 January 2026.
Section I: Need Assistance?
Because English language evidence is assessed on a strict, technical basis and cannot usually be corrected after submission, errors at this stage can result in refusal, delayed start dates and, in some cases, wider sponsor compliance scrutiny.
A final question many applicants and employers raise is whether professional advice is really necessary where the English language requirement appears straightforward. In practice, this requirement often intersects with wider sponsorship, timing and compliance issues that only become visible once an application is underway.
So, for guidance on meeting the Skilled Worker English language requirement or support with any aspect of a Skilled Worker visa application, book a fixed-fee telephone consultation to speak with one of UK immigration experts.
Section J: Skilled Worker English Language FAQs
What English language level is required for the Skilled Worker visa?
For applications made on or after 8 January 2026, the default English language requirement for the Skilled Worker route is CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. This applies to entry clearance applications and to in-country applications where the applicant is making their first application as a Skilled Worker under the post-January 2026 rules.
Does CEFR level B1 still apply to any Skilled Worker applications?
CEFR level B1 continues to apply only in limited circumstances. It is most commonly relevant where an applicant is applying for permission to stay as a Skilled Worker and their previous Skilled Worker permission was granted subject to a B1 English language requirement, and the Immigration Rules allow that earlier standard to carry forward. B1 does not apply to entry clearance applications made on or after 8 January 2026 and does not apply automatically to all extensions or switches.
Do switching applications require B2 English?
In most cases, yes. Where an applicant is switching into the Skilled Worker route on or after 8 January 2026 and is not relying on a preserved B1 requirement from a previous Skilled Worker grant, CEFR level B2 will apply. Applicants and sponsors should not assume that switching from another route allows reliance on B1.
What English tests are accepted for the Skilled Worker visa?
Only Secure English Language Tests from Home Office approved providers are accepted. These include IELTS for UKVI, Pearson PTE Academic UKVI, LanguageCert SELT, Trinity College London four-skills Integrated Skills in English UKVI tests and PSI Skills for English UKVI. The test must assess reading, writing, speaking and listening at the correct CEFR level for the application being made.
Can I use a B1 English test taken before 8 January 2026?
A B1-level test can only be relied on where the Immigration Rules allow the applicant to continue meeting the Skilled Worker English language requirement at B1, usually in a permission to stay application following a previous Skilled Worker grant that was subject to B1. Where B2 applies, a B1-level test is not sufficient, even if it was previously accepted.
Is a degree taught in English still accepted at B2 level?
Yes. A qualifying degree taught or researched in English can be used to meet the Skilled Worker English language requirement at B2 or, where applicable, B1. UK-awarded degrees can be relied on with the degree certificate alone. Overseas degrees need to be supported by an Ecctis English Language Proficiency Statement confirming both UK equivalency and that the course was taught or researched in English.
How long are English language test results valid?
Secure English Language Test results are valid for two years from the date of issue. The test must still be valid on the date the Skilled Worker application is submitted. An expired test cannot be relied on unless it was accepted in a previous successful UK application and the Rules allow that evidence to be carried forward.
Do dependants need to meet the Skilled Worker English language requirement?
Dependants do not need to meet an English language requirement when applying to join or remain with a Skilled Worker. However, adult dependants aged 18 or over will need to meet the English language requirement, currently CEFR level B1, when applying for indefinite leave to remain.
What happens if I submit the wrong test or reference number?
If the test taken is not an approved Secure English Language Test at the correct level, or if the reference number entered cannot be verified, the Home Office will treat the English language requirement as not met and the application will be refused. Applicants are not usually given an opportunity to correct these errors after submission.
Does meeting B1 for an extension guarantee I will meet the English requirement for settlement?
No. The English language requirement for indefinite leave to remain is assessed under the settlement provisions in force at the time of the ILR application. Applicants relying on B1 for a Skilled Worker extension should not assume that the same level will apply when they later apply for settlement, particularly where the ILR application will be made after 8 January 2026.
Where can I check the current list of approved English test providers?
The Home Office publishes an up-to-date list of approved Secure English Language Test providers and test centres. Applicants should only book tests through official provider websites to ensure the test will be accepted for Skilled Worker purposes.
Section K: Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| CEFR | The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, an international standard used to describe English language ability. From 8 January 2026, the default Skilled Worker English language requirement is CEFR level B2, with CEFR level B1 preserved only in limited permission to stay circumstances. |
| Skilled Worker visa | A UK work visa route that allows Home Office licensed sponsors to employ overseas workers in eligible roles, subject to meeting sponsorship, skill level, salary and English language requirements. |
| English language requirement | A mandatory eligibility requirement under the Immigration Rules requiring Skilled Worker applicants to demonstrate English language ability at the applicable CEFR level through approved evidence. |
| B2 English level | The default English language standard for Skilled Worker applications made on or after 8 January 2026, requiring competent use of English across reading, writing, speaking and listening. |
| B1 English level | A lower English language standard preserved only for certain Skilled Worker permission to stay applications where the applicant’s previous Skilled Worker grant was subject to B1 and the Immigration Rules allow that standard to carry forward. |
| SELT | A Secure English Language Test approved by the Home Office for UK immigration applications. Skilled Worker applicants need a four-skills SELT at the correct CEFR level unless an exemption applies. |
| IELTS for UKVI | The UKVI-approved version of the IELTS test that can be used as a Secure English Language Test for Skilled Worker applications, provided it is taken at the correct CEFR level. |
| Ecctis | The UK body responsible for assessing overseas qualifications for immigration purposes and issuing English Language Proficiency Statements accepted by the Home Office. |
| ENIC | The European Network of Information Centres for academic recognition. Ecctis is the UK member of this network, but only Ecctis issues statements accepted for UK immigration purposes. |
| URN | A Unique Reference Number issued by a Secure English Language Test provider, used by UKVI to verify English language test results electronically. |
| Appendix English Language | The part of the Immigration Rules that sets out how applicants can meet the English language requirement, including accepted tests, qualifications and exemptions. |
| Appendix Skilled Worker | The section of the Immigration Rules that contains the eligibility requirements for the Skilled Worker route, including sponsorship, salary thresholds, skill level and English language rules. |
| UKVI | UK Visas and Immigration, the Home Office directorate responsible for administering and deciding UK visa applications. |
Section L: Additional Resources & Links
| Resource | What it covers | Link |
|---|---|---|
| UK Government – Knowledge of English for Skilled Worker visa | Official Home Office guidance on the English language requirement for the Skilled Worker route, including accepted evidence and exemptions | https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/knowledge-of-english |
| UKVI approved Secure English Language Test providers | Authoritative list of approved SELT providers and test centres accepted for UK visa applications | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prove-your-english-language-abilities-with-a-secure-english-language-test-selt |
| IELTS for UKVI – British Council | Details of the IELTS for UKVI test format, booking process and official preparation materials | https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/which-test/ielts-ukvi |
| PTE Academic UKVI – Pearson | Information on the PTE Academic UKVI test, including scoring, availability and preparation resources | https://www.pearsonpte.com/pte-academic-ukvi |
| LanguageCert SELT exams for UK visas | LanguageCert’s official guidance on Secure English Language Tests accepted for UK visa applications | https://www.languagecert.org/en/uk-visa-exams |






