New UK Visa Rules 2026: English Requirement Jumps to “Upper Intermediate” (B2)

The UK Skilled Worker visa English requirement 2026 has undergone its most significant shake-up in years, leaving many applicants rushing to re-sit tests they thought they had already passed.

As of January 8, 2026, the Home Office has officially raised the English language standard for new Skilled Worker applications. The requirement has jumped from the previous B1 (Intermediate) level to a much stricter B2 (Upper Intermediate) standard.

This change is designed to ensure that overseas staff arriving in the UK have what the government describes as “A-level standard” communication skills, facilitating better integration into the workplace. However, for thousands of applicants preparing their paperwork this month, the sudden shift has created confusion.

This comprehensive guide explains exactly what the B2 rule means for you, which tests you can take, and who is exempt.

1. The New B2 Rule: What Has Changed?

For the past five years, Skilled Workers only needed to prove B1 level English proficiency on the CEFR scale. This was widely considered a “conversational” standard, roughly equivalent to a GCSE grade 4 or 5.

From January 8, 2026, all new applicants for the following visa routes must prove B2 level proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Scale-up Worker Visa
• High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa

What does B2 actually mean?

The B2 level is significantly harder than B1. It requires candidates to understand complex technical discussions in their field and interact with native speakers with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes communication “possible without strain for either party.”

Critical Warning: If you passed a Secure English Language Test (SELT) two years ago at B1 level, that certificate is no longer valid for a new Skilled Worker application. You must re-sit the test and achieve the higher score.

2. Which Tests Are Accepted? (And What Score You Need)

The Home Office has not changed who provides the tests, only the score you need to achieve. You must book a “Secure English Language Test” (SELT) with one of the approved providers:

• IELTS for UKVI (General or Academic): You now need an overall score of roughly 5.5 or 6.0 (depending on the specific module), whereas the old B1 requirement was just 4.0.
• PTE Academic UKVI: A higher score is now required across all four components.
• LanguageCert International ESOL SELT: You must book the B2 level exam specifically.
• Trinity College London: (For UK-based applicants only) You must pass the ISE II exam (B2), not the ISE I (B1).

Cost Alert: The average cost of these tests has also risen in 2026, with most providers now charging between £210 and £230 per attempt. Given the higher difficulty, experts recommend investing in practice materials before booking your slot.

3. Who Is Exempt from the B2 Rule?

Crucially, this rule applies primarily to first-time applicants entering the system. You may be safe if:

• You are Extending: If you are already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa and are simply extending it (or changing employers), you do not need to retake the test at B2 level. You can rely on the B1 level you proved in your original application.
• You have a Degree: If you have a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD that was taught in English (even if studied abroad), this automatically meets the B2 requirement—provided you verify it through Ecctis.
• Family Visas: The Partner/Spouse visa requirement remains at A1 (for entry) or A2 (for extension). The jump to B2 does not apply to family visas yet.

4. Graduate Visa Update: The 18-Month Cut

In other major news confirmed this week, the government has finalized plans to reduce the duration of the Graduate Visa (PSW).

• The Change: Starting January 1, 2027, the post-study work visa will be reduced from 2 years to 18 months.
• Impact on 2026 Students: If you are a student starting a one-year Master’s degree in September 2026, you will graduate after the cut-off date. This means you will likely only be granted an 18-month visa, not the 2 years you might have expected. PhD students remain protected with a 3-year entitlement.

5. Summary: Your 2026 Checklist

Before you submit your application, use this checklist to ensure you don’t get rejected:

Visa Type	Old Rule (Pre-Jan 8)	New Rule (Now)
Skilled Worker (New)	English Level B1	English Level B2 (Higher)
Skilled Worker (Renewal)	English Level B1	B1 (No Change)
Spouse Visa (Entry)	English Level A1	A1 (No Change)
Graduate Visa	2 Years Duration	18 Months (Starts Jan 2027)