UK Immigration White Paper– Part 4: Increases to the English language requirement

On 12 May 2025, the UK Government released its white paper, Restoring Control Over the Immigration System, which introduces significant proposed changes and reforms to the UK's immigration system. While a white paper is a policy document, it provides insight into the Government’s proposals for future legislation.

In our previous articles, we noted that the white paper, along with the Prime Minister's remarks, arguably stigmatise inward migration, at times portraying it as a point of social exclusion within British society. This article, the fourth in a two-week series from Irwin Mitchell’s immigration team, focuses on the proposed increases in the English language requirements for Skilled Workers, their dependants and other immigration routes.

Increasing the English Language Thresholds

The white paper proposes a threefold increase to the English language requirements under the rationale of integration and increased employability:

1. Skilled Worker Route: The threshold will be raised from level B1 (intermediate) to B2 (independent user) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
2. Adult Dependants: A new requirement will be introduced for adult dependants of workers and students, to be able to communicate in English at level A1 (beginner) of the CEFR, in line with the current partner route. Dependants will need to demonstrate progression to level A2 (basic user) for visa extensions and level B2 (independent user) for Indefinite Leave to Remain (“ILR”).
3. ILR Requirement: The English language requirement for ILR will increase from level B1 to B2 (independent user) for most immigration routes.

The white paper presents these proposals as a means to better integrate migrants into society, with the goal of increasing employment uptake in the UK. It states, “those who wish to build their lives in the UK need to learn to speak and understand English so they can integrate into life in this country by getting a job or improving their prospects at work, accessing and making good use of local services, becoming part of community life and contributing to society.”

However, there is ambiguity regarding how these changes will be implemented within the current immigration framework. Key questions remain, such as which immigration routes will be affected by the level B2 requirement for settlement, how the new requirements for dependents will impact family reunification policies, and if/how these changes will be imposed for those already in the UK on those routes. Interestingly, the white paper does state that the government will work with the Department of Education, Local Government etc. to make it easier for those already in the UK to access English language classes to meet the upcoming requirements.   

Skilled Worker English Proficiency – Will There Be a Material Difference?

The UK Government hopes that by raising the English language requirement more people will be able to access higher-skilled roles. Arguably, these changes may have also been proposed as another measure to reduce net migration.

In our experience, those entering the UK as Skilled Workers already possess a high level of English proficiency. This is evident for several reasons: they have undergone a recruitment process with a UK company and have been selected over other applicants, usually indicating an established understanding of English; many pass the English language test above the current B1 level; many have a degree taught in English above the threshold and use these qualifications to meet the requirements; and migrants switching from a Student/ Graduate visa to the Skilled Worker route usually hold a UK degree and therefore are not required to provide further evidence of their English proficiency.

While there may be an initial decrease in Skilled Worker applications whilst adjustments are made to the changes, it is possible that the long-term impact on net migration will be minimal based on this potential change.

Introduction of the Adult Dependant English Language Requirement

The proposed introduction of an English language requirement for adult dependants on worker and student routes may reduce the number of workers and students coming to the UK, thereby reducing net migration. It is unclear which categories of workers this will apply to. Currently, there are a number of work routes which allow dependants to join the main applicant, for example, the Skilled Worker and Global Business Mobility routes. It will be intriguing to observe whether the UK Government adopts a stricter approach towards adult dependants of Skilled Workers compared to those of Global Business Mobility workers, who typically fill more temporary roles.

The introduction of the A1 level requirement for adult dependants seemingly aims to improve access to employment and integration into UK society. The expectation is that these individuals will gradually improve their English proficiency over time, enabling them to extend their stay and ultimately apply for ILR, with their language skills progressively advancing at each stage. However, the Government’s recent rhetoric on the UK being “an island of strangers” raises questions about the sincerity of this integration argument and exposes inherent contradictions. Requiring individuals to improve their English language proficiency at each stage in order to remain in the UK may ostracise individuals and create further barriers to integration. 

ILR English Language Requirement Increase

The proposal to increase the English language level for ILR from B1 to B2 is unlikely to have a major impact. Those applying for ILR have usually been living and working in the UK for at least five years and already possess a high level of English proficiency. However, it remains unclear which immigration routes this will apply to and whether it will affect those already on a path to settlement in the UK.

Conclusions

The changes outlined above may have an impact on net migration, but it is important to consider how much of an impact this will have and the whether the desired outcome of integration will be achieved. Additionally, the language used is arguably problematic as it risks stigmatising migrants who contribute significantly to the UK economy, which could lead to further divisiveness and social exclusion. 

Further insights about the White Paper

Irwin Mitchell's Immigration team is producing a series of articles which examine key proposals within the White Paper. All these can be accessed via the following link.