Prove your knowledge of English
To get some UK visas, you must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale (coe.int)
On the 8 January 2026, the level of English requirement changed for some visas. If you’re applying for a Skilled Worker visa, High Potential Individual visa or Scale-up visa, you must prove that you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B2.
The change applies to new applications. If you have a visa and you met B1 level when you applied, the requirement will still be B1 level if you apply to extend your visa.
To prove your knowledge of English, you might need to pass an English test from an approved provider or show you’ve studied in English in the past.
Find out how to:
- Prove your knowledge of English for a Skilled Worker visa (gov.uk)
- Prove your knowledge of English for a High Potential Individual visa (gov.uk)
- Prove your knowledge of English for a Health and Care Worker visa (gov.uk)
- Prove your knowledge of English for a Student visa (gov.uk)
- Prove your knowledge of English for a Family visa (gov.uk)