UK employers must note proposed immigrant worker English language changes

Shara Pledger, immigration law expert at Pinsent Masons, was commenting on the government’s recently published Immigration White Paper (80 pages/2.3 MB).

Pledger said: “Employers must take note of the proposals as the English language requirements are becoming more onerous for workers and for their families. This could impact whether a worker will qualify for a visa in the future, and whether they can convert temporary status into something permanent.”

The government is proposing two important updates – higher English proficiency standards for all stages of immigration, from entry to settlement; and new testing requirements for adult dependants, many of whom were previously exempt. These changes are part of a broader strategy under chapter 6 of the white paper, titled “Fostering Integration and Cohesion”. The government argues that stronger English skills are linked to better employment outcomes and smoother integration into UK society.

In practical terms, the proposals will require more people to take English language tests before submitting their applications. This could mean additional costs and preparation. The new benchmark for many applicants will be level B2, a more advanced standard which requires the speaker to do things such as “understand the main ideas of complex texts” and “interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party”, according to Council of Europe guidelines.

Skilled workers and other workers with an English language requirement will need to prove level B2 proficiency for initial application, extension, and settlement. Adult dependants or workers and students will be required to prove English language proficiency at level A1 on initial application, for example using familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases. When applying for an extension, one level up, A2, is required, with B2 proficiency necessary for a settlement application. Adult family or British citizens or others settled in the UK will also have to prove A1 efficiency during an initial application, A2 for extension, and B2 in order to submit a settlement application. Any other individual subject to an English requirement for settlement must prove B2 level proficiency.

Pledger said: “While no exact date has been confirmed, these updates could be implemented in the coming months, or even weeks. Once in effect, all new applicants will need to meet the revised standards. It is also possible that existing residents may need to comply when applying for visa extensions or settlement, though this has not yet been finalised.”

“Applicants unfamiliar or uncomfortable with formal English language testing procedures may benefit from tuition, practice tests or language courses to prepare, regardless of the required level of their application,” said Pledger.