The Home Office published a Statement of Changes in October 2025, which specified that from the 8th January 2026, the minimum English language requirement for new applicants would be strengthened.

Who is affected by this change?

This change affects new Skilled Worker visa applicants as well as individuals applying for residency via the Scale-up and High Potential Individual routes.

What difference does this change make?

This change has been introduced to ensure that international workers have strong enough spoken English, language comprehension and writing skills to enable them to integrate readily into the workplace and wider society. It means that new applicants must demonstrate competency at CEFR B2 English in speaking, listening, reading and writing before their application to move to the UK for work purposes can be approved.

What does this mean for existing foreign workers?

Foreign workers who are already in the country will experience no change until the end of their visa where, if they have been in the country for five years or more, they may as before apply for indefinite leave to remain. If they choose to return to their home country, then in the future re-apply to work in the UK, they will need to abide by the stronger language requirements.

Help is available

Applicants and existing foreign workers who need clarity can discuss their situation with a London law firm specialising in immigration matters, such as https://www.forsters.co.uk.

Applicants and existing foreign workers can also seek guidance from the UK Visas and Immigration department at the Home Office.