Change to English language requirement under skilled worker immigration route

Implementation date: 8 January 2026

The level of English language ability required for foreign nationals under the skilled worker route rises from level B1 to level B2 (the upper intermediate level on the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR)).

The revised requirement will apply to applications on or after 8 January 2026. It applies to applications under the high potential individual and scale-up routes, as well as the skilled worker route.