B2 English from 26 March 2027
The government has announced that the English language requirement for settlement rises from CEFR B1 to B2 for applications made on or after 26 March 2027. Here's what that means for your timeline.
Ultima verificare: 15 July 2026
The change in one table
| Until 25 March 2027 | From 26 March 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| English level for settlement | B1 | B2 |
| Life in the UK Test | Required (unchanged) | Required (unchanged) |
Who should care most
- Anyone whose ILR window opens near the cutoff. If you can apply before 26 March 2027, a B1 certificate (plus a test pass) may be enough. If your window opens after, plan for B2 English.
- People who find English exams harder than facts. The knowledge test is learnable in weeks; moving from B1 to B2 English takes months. Start the English earlier.
What you can do now
- Pass the Life in the UK Test early — it never expires and is unaffected by the change.
- Check your realistic ILR application date against 26 March 2027.
- If you'll fall after the cutoff, book a B2-level English course/exam with slack.
One email when the rules move
Implementation details are still being finalised. We track the government sources and email once when something is confirmed.
B2 change FAQ
Does B2 affect the Life in the UK Test?
No — the test itself is unchanged (24 questions, 45 minutes, pass mark 18, based on the handbook). What rises is the separate English language qualification requirement.
I already have a B1 certificate. Is it wasted?
If you apply before 26 March 2027 under rules requiring B1, it counts. For applications after the change on affected routes you'd need B2. Check your specific route and dates on gov.uk.
What's the practical difference between B1 and B2?
B1 is 'independent user' — everyday conversation. B2 requires understanding complex texts and arguing a viewpoint fluently. For most people it means a few extra months of English study and a higher exam (e.g. SELT at B2).