Updated UK Visas and Immigration guidance of 7 August 2026 adds how to prove English with a degree taught in English and lists the CEFR levels for Skilled Worker and Scale Up applicants.
Key facts
- Who: Applicants for entry clearance or permission to stay, including Skilled Worker and Scale Up applicants, and anyone proving English with a degree taught in English
- From: Guidance updated 7 August 2026; the source gives no separate in-force date
- Source: English language requirement levels for immigration applications
The guidance sets out the English language requirement levels for entry clearance and permission to stay applications. The level, known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level, depends on the route. The Immigration Rules Appendix English Language sets out how the requirement is met. Applicants may be required to pass a secure English language test (SELT).
The 7 August 2026 update adds a section on proving English ability with a degree taught in English. If the degree was not awarded by a UK institution, the applicant will need to apply for an assessment from Ecctis, the qualification and language assessments provider.
The update also covers the requirements for two routes. For both entry clearance and permission to stay, the guidance gives:
- Skilled Worker: B2, except where the applicant's most recent permission was as a Skilled Worker and was subject to a B1 requirement.
- Scale Up: B2, except where the applicant's most recent permission was as a Scale Up worker and was subject to a B1 requirement.
What this means for applicants
Skilled Worker and Scale Up applicants need B2 unless their most recent permission was on the same route and was subject to a B1 requirement. Applicants with a degree taught in English may be able to use it to prove their English ability. If the degree was not awarded by a UK institution, they will need to apply for an assessment from Ecctis. The level for each route is in the table above.
Related guide
UK visa English language requirements
Sources
- English language requirement levels for immigration applications, UK Visas and Immigration, updated 7 August 2026