New Skilled Worker applicants need English at B2 level since 8 January 2026
Published Checked by Edward Owusu
At a glance
What changed
The English level for a first grant on the Skilled Worker route went up from B1 to B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The same rise applies to the High Potential Individual and Scale-up routes. The government says the change comes from the May 2025 Immigration White Paper.
Who it affects
People applying for their first Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa from 8 January 2026, including people switching from another route such as Student or Graduate.
When it starts
The new level has applied to applications since 8 January 2026.
What it does not change
People who already got Skilled Worker permission by showing B1 can still show B1 when they extend on the same route. This change is separate from the B2 requirement for settlement, which starts on 26 March 2027.