The level depends on the visa
English requirements for UK visas are not one standard. They vary by route and, for some routes, by whether the application is a first one or an extension. This article summarises the GOV.UK guidance “English language requirement levels for immigration applications” from UK Visas and Immigration, which carries a 2026 Crown copyright notice, and the GOV.UK page “Skilled Worker visa: Knowledge of English”. Immigration rules apply across the United Kingdom, including England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The guidance covers entry clearance and permission to stay, and the levels are expressed in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This article is general information, not immigration advice.
Required levels by route (United Kingdom)
The guidance table gives the following levels for entry clearance and for permission to stay:
- Family visa: A1 for entry clearance; A1 for a first permission to stay and A2 when applying to extend.
- Student: B2 for study at UK bachelors level or above; B1 for study below bachelors level.
- Skilled Worker: B2, except where the applicant’s most recent permission was as a Skilled Worker and was subject to a B1 requirement.
- Scale-up: B2, with the same exception for a previous B1 requirement as a Scale-up worker.
- High Potential Individual, Innovator Founder and T2 Minister of Religion: B2.
- Representative of an Overseas Business and family members of HM Armed Forces: A1.
- International Sportsperson: A1 where applying for more than 12 months.
- International Agreement (Temporary Work): B1.
The Skilled Worker change (United Kingdom)
The Skilled Worker page says an applicant must prove they can read, write, speak and understand English to at least B2. It says that a person who had the visa before 8 January 2026 and is applying to extend or update it needs B1 English and does not need to prove English again. Someone switching from the Health and Care Worker visa also does not need to provide proof again. Someone applying to switch from a different visa needs B2.
Because the guidance table shows different levels by route, an applicant changing route should check the row for the new route, not the old one.
Ways to prove English (United Kingdom)
The Skilled Worker page lists four ways of showing knowledge of English:
- a UK school qualification begun before the age of 18, namely a GCSE, an A Level, a Scottish National Qualification at level 4 or 5, or a Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English;
- a degree-level qualification taught in English and awarded by a UK institution, even if the study took place outside the UK;
- a degree taught in English and awarded outside the UK, for which an assessment from Ecctis is needed, which produces a code confirming equivalence to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher and that it was taught in English; and
- passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) with an approved provider.
The page also says that a person who has already proved English in an earlier successful visa application may not have to prove it again.
Who is exempt (Skilled Worker route, United Kingdom)
The Skilled Worker page says a person does not need to prove English if a national of one of the listed countries or territories: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British overseas territories, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the USA. A doctor, dentist, nurse, midwife or vet who has already passed an English language assessment accepted by the relevant regulated professional body also does not need to prove it again, and vets may need to have passed an assessment with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Choosing a test and a course (United Kingdom)
GOV.UK says the SELT must be with an approved provider, so a test that is not on the approved list will not satisfy the requirement. This site explains one consequence in its article on why the Duolingo English Test is not accepted for UK visas. For a description of the level scale, the article on CEFR levels from A1 to C2 sets out what each band means, and the piece on English requirements for UK citizenship and visas at B1 covers the B1 route to settlement and citizenship. Learners preparing for a test can compare formats in the site’s guide to exam preparation courses.
Common questions
Is a GCSE in English enough for a Skilled Worker application? The page lists a UK GCSE begun under 18 as one way to prove English.
Does a nurse or doctor need a SELT? The page says a person who has passed an assessment accepted by their professional body does not need to prove English again.
Can a level from an earlier visa carry over? The page says proof from an earlier successful visa application may mean it does not have to be repeated.
The bottom line
UK Visas and Immigration sets the English level by visa route, from A1 for family, representative and armed forces routes to B2 for Student degree study, Skilled Worker, Scale-up, High Potential Individual and Innovator Founder applications. Since 8 January 2026 a first Skilled Worker application needs B2, while people extending an earlier visa may still need only B1. English can be proved through UK school qualifications, a UK degree, an Ecctis-assessed degree or an approved SELT.
Sources
- GOV.UK, UK Visas and Immigration, “English language requirement levels for immigration applications”
- GOV.UK, “Skilled Worker visa: Knowledge of English”