Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
The new rule
Appendix Skilled Worker SW 22A.1 says the applicant must show B2 speaking and listening for settlement applications made on or after 26 March 2027, and SW 22A.2 says it is met as set out in Appendix English Language. For dependent partners and children settling (SW 44.1), the level is B1 before that date and B2 on or after it.
Gov.uk's exemptions page says Skilled Worker, T2 or tier 2 settlement applicants do not need to prove English because they proved it for their current visa. Read it alongside the rule above for applications from 26 March 2027.
| Applicant | Before 26 March 2027 | On or after 26 March 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (main applicant) | No separate settlement English rule shown | B2 speaking and listening (SW 22A.1) |
| Dependent partner or child aged 18+ | B1 speaking and listening (SW 44.1) | B2 speaking and listening (SW 44.1) |
Ways to meet B2
Appendix English Language EL 3.1 says you meet the requirement if you already showed it, at the level required for the current application, in a previous successful application. A B2 SELT or B2-level evidence you used for your Skilled Worker visa may therefore count; a B1 one would not meet a B2 rule.
Other ways in Appendix English Language include nationality of a majority English-speaking country (EL 4.1), a UK degree or an overseas degree confirmed as taught in English (EL 5.1 to 5.4), and an approved SELT passed in the 2 years before the date of application (EL 6.1).
Need a SELT for a UK visa?
Where the Home Office asks for a Secure English Language Test, IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI are approved. Practise the format free.
Free IELTS for UKVI practice →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Exemptions
EL 1.1 exempts settlement applicants who are 65 or over, under 18, or have a disability that prevents them meeting the requirement.
If you need a test, gov.uk's approved list shows B2 as IELTS for UKVI 5.5, PTE Academic UKVI 59 or LanguageCert Academic or General SELT 60 in each skill.
Frequently asked questions
I proved B1 for my Skilled Worker visa before 2026. Is that enough for ILR in April 2027?+
Not under SW 22A.1 alone, because EL 3.1 only counts a previous test at the level required for the current application, which is B2 from 26 March 2027.
If I apply for ILR before 26 March 2027, do I need B2?+
No. SW 22A.1 applies only where the date of application is on or after 26 March 2027.
Does my partner need B2 too?+
Yes, if they apply to settle on or after 26 March 2027, under SW 44.1. Before that date they need B1.
Does my UK master's degree count?+
Yes. EL 5.2 accepts a bachelor's, master's or doctorate awarded in the UK, proven by the certificate, a transcript or an official letter.
Keep reading
Related
- ILR English goes to B2 in 2027
- IELTS for UK Skilled Worker visa
- Does a Skilled Worker's partner need IELTS?
- The approved UK SELT list
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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