Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
What the rules now say
Appendix KoLL sets two levels by date: a speaking and listening SELT at B1 for applications made before 26 March 2027, and at B2 for applications on or after that date. The same split appears in the settlement rules of Appendix Long Residence, Appendix Settlement Family Life (partners and parents on the 10-year route) and Appendix Skilled Worker, which adds a new B2 rule (SW 22A.1) for Skilled Workers themselves.
The BN(O) settlement rule (HK 60.1) still says B1, with no 2027 date. Trinity College London says ILR applicants on the BN(O), HM Armed Forces and Domestic Worker in a Private Household routes stay at B1.
| Date of application | Level in Appendix KoLL and the route rules above |
|---|---|
| Before 26 March 2027 | B1 speaking and listening |
| On or after 26 March 2027 | B2 speaking and listening |
| BN(O) settlement (HK 60.1) | B1 speaking and listening, no date change |
Which tests show B2
On gov.uk's approved test list for the UK, every B2 test is a 4-skill test; there is no speaking-and-listening-only test at B2 yet. The B2 minimums are IELTS for UKVI 5.5 in each skill, PTE Academic UKVI 59 in each skill, LanguageCert Academic or General SELT 60 in each skill, and Trinity ISE II (pass in each skill).
Trinity says a B2 speaking and listening test, GESE Grade 7 (15 minutes), will be introduced for ILR from 26 March 2027 and that bookings are not live yet. Check the gov.uk list before booking a 2-skill B2 test.
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.
The date that counts
The Immigration Rules introduction defines the date of application for an online application to stay as the date it is submitted and the fee is paid. An ILR application submitted and paid before 26 March 2027 is assessed at B1; one made on or after that date is assessed at B2.
Other routes to the English requirement remain: nationality of a majority English-speaking country, an academic degree taught in English, and the age and medical exemptions.
Frequently asked questions
Does British citizenship need B2 from 2027?+
The Form AN guidance (July 2026) still asks for a B1 speaking and listening SELT for naturalisation. The 26 March 2027 change sits in the Immigration Rules for settlement.
Can I still use IELTS Life Skills B1 for ILR after 26 March 2027?+
Not on a route that now needs B2. Life Skills B1 is a B1 test, and gov.uk's list has no Life Skills test at B2.
What IELTS for UKVI score is B2?+
At least 5.5 in each of listening, reading, writing and speaking, per gov.uk's approved test list.
I am a Skilled Worker. Am I affected?+
Appendix Skilled Worker now has a B2 speaking and listening rule for settlement applications made on or after 26 March 2027. See our Skilled Worker ILR guide.
Keep reading
Related
- Skilled Worker ILR English from 2027
- English level for ILR and British citizenship
- The approved UK SELT list
- IELTS for the UK: scores by route
- 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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