ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) currently requires B1 English. If you are applying for ILR in 2026, B1 is the standard. The requirement rises to B2 for ILR applications made on or after 26 March 2027. Separately, Skilled Worker visa applications already need B2 from 8 January 2026 — but that is the visa stage, not the ILR settlement stage.
If you are applying for ILR now, check your B1 level with our free checker before booking an official test.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| ILR English requirement now (2026) | B1 (CEFR) |
| ILR English requirement from 26 March 2027 | B2 (CEFR) |
| Skilled Worker visa applications (new grants) | B2 from 8 January 2026 |
| Skilled Worker ILR extensions | B1 (unchanged) |
| Citizenship English requirement | B1 (unchanged) |
| Accepted B1 tests | IELTS Life Skills A2/B1, Trinity GESE Grade 5, LANGUAGECERT B1 |
| Accepted B2 tests | IELTS Life Skills B2, IELTS Academic/General at B2 score, Trinity ISE II |
| Age exemption | Applicants aged 65 or over are exempt |
Quick Overview
✅ ILR applications in 2026 still require B1 English — not B2
✅ B2 for ILR does not apply until 26 March 2027
✅ Citizenship by naturalisation requires B1 — this has not changed
⚠️ B2 is required for Skilled Worker visa applications (new grants) from 8 January 2026 — this is the visa stage, not ILR
⚠️ Many people are confusing the January 2026 visa change with an ILR change — they are different
📌 If your ILR application will be submitted after 26 March 2027, start preparing for B2 now
📌 Exemption categories (nationality, degree, age, disability) apply at whatever level is required at the time
💡 A B2 certificate clearly meets the B1 standard — if you have B2, you are covered for both ILR (now) and citizenship
💡 If you are close to your ILR date, apply under B1 rules now — do not wait until March 2027
What Changed in January 2026 — And What Did Not
On 8 January 2026, the Home Office raised the English language requirement for Skilled Worker visa applications (new grants) from B1 to B2. This applies when you first apply for or renew a Skilled Worker visa.
This is not the same as the ILR settlement requirement.
The settlement (ILR) requirement rises to B2 separately, on 26 March 2027. ILR applications submitted before that date require B1.
So there are two changes on two different timelines:
- 8 January 2026 — B2 for Skilled Worker visa applications (new grants only; extensions remain B1)
- 26 March 2027 — B2 for ILR settlement (all routes)
What Level Do You Need Right Now
If you are applying for ILR in 2026 — the current standard is B1.
If you are applying for a Skilled Worker visa (first-time application or renewal) on or after 8 January 2026 — you need B2.
If you are applying for Skilled Worker ILR — B1 still applies.
If you are applying for citizenship — B1 (unchanged).
If your ILR application will be made on or after 26 March 2027 — start preparing for B2 now.
Which English Tests Are Accepted for ILR Now (B1)
The Home Office accepts tests from approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) providers. For B1 ILR, accepted options include:
IELTS Life Skills A2/B1 Offered by British Council and IDP. Speaking and listening only. Results typically within 7 days.
Trinity GESE Grade 5 In-person speaking assessment at B1 level.
LANGUAGECERT International ESOL B1 Online proctored option available.
PTE Academic UKVI Check GOV.UK for accepted score thresholds.
Always check GOV.UK's approved SELT provider list before booking. Providers can be added or removed.
Which Tests Will Be Needed for ILR From March 2027 (B2)
From 26 March 2027, ILR applicants will need B2 evidence. The likely accepted B2 tests include:
- IELTS Life Skills B2
- IELTS Academic or General Training at B2 level scores
- Trinity ISE II
- LANGUAGECERT International ESOL B2
Confirm the approved list on GOV.UK before booking — do not assume the list is final.
Is B2 Much Harder Than B1?
B2 is one level above B1 on the CEFR scale. At B1, you can handle everyday situations and familiar topics. At B2, you can:
- Follow extended discussions on abstract and complex topics
- Read and understand English news and professional communications
- Express yourself clearly on a wide range of topics without obvious difficulty
For most people who have worked professionally in English in the UK for five years, B2 is achievable. But it does require preparation — do not assume your current level is B2 without testing it first.
Who Is Exempt From the English Requirement
The exemption categories apply at whatever level is required at the time of your application. You may not need an English test if:
Nationality: You are a national of a majority English-speaking country. The full list is on GOV.UK.
Degree taught in English: Your degree was taught and assessed in English. You need documentary evidence.
Age: You are 65 or over at the time of application.
Disability or health: A long-term condition prevents you from meeting the English requirement. You need a completed exemption form from your doctor.
Verify your exemption on GOV.UK and gather evidence before applying.
Common Mistakes
❌ Thinking B2 is already required for ILR in 2026 The B2 requirement for ILR does not apply until 26 March 2027. If you apply for ILR before that date, B1 is sufficient. Paying for B2 preparation when B1 is all you need wastes time and money.
❌ Confusing the visa change with the ILR change B2 for Skilled Worker visa applications started 8 January 2026. B2 for ILR starts 26 March 2027. These are different things. Check which stage you are at before deciding which test to take.
❌ Waiting to apply for ILR because you are worried about B2 If you qualify for ILR under B1 rules now, apply now. You do not need to wait for the March 2027 change. Delaying your application helps nobody — and the B2 requirement will apply if you wait past March 2027.
❌ Not checking the approved SELT provider list Only tests from Home Office approved providers count. A general English qualification from an unapproved provider is not accepted.
❌ Leaving test booking too late Test slots fill up quickly in busy cities. Allow 6-8 weeks from booking to having your certificate.
❌ Assuming a Skilled Worker employer letter replaces all English evidence This provision has specific conditions. Check current GOV.UK guidance for your route.
Expert Tips
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If your ILR date is before March 2027, apply under B1 rules. Do not overcomplicate this. B1 is sufficient now. Apply as soon as you qualify.
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If your ILR date is after March 2027, prepare for B2 now. B2 tests take more preparation than B1. Start at least 6 months before your planned application.
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A B2 certificate covers both ILR and citizenship. If you have or need B2 for your visa, that certificate also meets the B1 citizenship standard. You do not need a separate lower-level test for citizenship.
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Online B2 options exist. LANGUAGECERT offers a proctored online B2 test you can take at home — useful if you live far from a test centre.
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Check your exemption first. Many applicants are exempt from the English requirement entirely. Verify on GOV.UK before spending money on any test.
Frequently Asked Questions
What English level do you need for ILR in 2026?
B1. If you are applying for ILR in 2026, the current requirement is B1 English. The requirement increases to B2 for applications made on or after 26 March 2027.
When does the ILR English requirement change to B2?
The ILR English requirement rises to B2 for settlement applications made on or after 26 March 2027. Applications submitted before that date require B1.
Does B2 apply to ILR from January 2026?
No. B2 applies to Skilled Worker visa applications (new grants) from 8 January 2026. That is the visa stage. The ILR settlement stage does not require B2 until 26 March 2027.
Which English tests are accepted for ILR?
For B1 ILR (current): IELTS Life Skills A2/B1, Trinity GESE Grade 5, LANGUAGECERT B1, PTE Academic UKVI. For B2 ILR (from March 2027): IELTS Life Skills B2, IELTS Academic/General at B2 level, Trinity ISE II, LANGUAGECERT B2. Always check GOV.UK's current approved SELT provider list before booking.
Does the English requirement change for British citizenship?
No. Citizenship by naturalisation still requires B1 English. The changes to B2 affect visa applications and ILR — not citizenship.
Can I apply for ILR if I only have B1 English now?
Yes — if your application is submitted before 26 March 2027. B1 is the current ILR standard. You do not need B2 until the March 2027 change takes effect.
What happens if my ILR date falls after March 2027?
You will need B2 English evidence for your ILR application. Start preparing now — B2 takes more preparation than B1, and test slots fill up quickly.
How This Aligns With Official Guidance
The B2 requirement for ILR is set out in the Immigration Rules as amended from 26 March 2027. The B2 requirement for Skilled Worker visa applications is in force from 8 January 2026. The accepted SELT tests are listed on GOV.UK. Always check GOV.UK for the current rules for your specific route and application date.
Official Resources
- English language requirements — GOV.UK
- Indefinite leave to remain — GOV.UK
- Approved SELT providers list — GOV.UK
Our Free Tools
The Life in the UK test is a separate ILR requirement. Use these free tools to prepare:
- Free B1 level check — 15 questions to check if your English is at B1
- 570 free practice questions — full question bank
- 45 free mock tests — timed, 24 questions each
- Cheat sheet — key facts and dates
Check Your Timeline Now
If your ILR date is before 26 March 2027, apply under the current B1 rules — do not delay. If your date is after March 2027, start B2 preparation now. And do not forget the Life in the UK test — you need both requirements before your ILR application is complete.
Last reviewed: May 2026 — figures correct at time of publication. Always check GOV.UK for the latest requirements.