English speaking practice for UK settlement
Practise for the new B2 English speaking test before it counts.
From 26 March 2027, most people applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain will need to pass an English speaking and listening test at B2 level, not B1.2,6 ILR Speaking is a practice tool for adults getting ready for that test: mock speaking tests with an AI examiner, clear feedback, and a plan for what to practise next.
What is changing
The Home Office published a statement of changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 1691) on 5 March 2026.1 It raises the English language level needed for settlement on many routes.
Check the rules for your own route on GOV.UK, or with a regulated immigration adviser.
- B1 becomes B2The settlement English requirement rises from B1 to B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), for routes where it is currently B1.2
- Speaking and listeningFor applications made on or after the start date, the rules ask for an approved English test in speaking and listening at a minimum of B2.1
- From 26 March 2027The change comes into force on 26 March 2027 and applies to people already on a pathway to settlement.2
- Many routes, not allThe routes listed include Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Scale-up, Innovator Founder, UK Ancestry, Long Residence, Private Life and Settlement Family Life, among others.2 Trinity College London says settlement applicants from the BN(O), HM Armed Forces and Domestic Worker (private household) routes will still need B1.4
- The test itselfThe approved tests must be taken with a Home Office approved provider.3 One of them, Trinity's B2 Speaking & Listening test (GESE Grade 7), is a 15-minute topic discussion, interactive discussion and conversation with an examiner; Trinity says bookings are not open yet.5
Who it is for
- Adults living in the UK on a route to settlement who will need to show B2 English speaking and listening.
- People who understand a lot of English but want more practice speaking at length, out loud, under test-like conditions.
- Anyone who wants to get used to the test format before paying for and booking the real test.
How it will work
We are building it now. This is the plan.
Mock speaking tests
Talk with an AI examiner in the same shape as GESE Grade 7: a topic you prepare, an interactive discussion where you lead, and a general conversation.
Clear feedback
See what you said and get notes on how you said it: how well you kept going, explained and responded, and the words and grammar you used.
A plan to improve
A short practice plan built around your weak points, so each session has a purpose, and a record of your practice over time.
Questions
Is this the official test?
No. It is practice. The real test must be taken with a Home Office approved provider.
When will it be ready?
We do not have a date yet. Join the early-access list and we will email you when it opens.
How much will it cost?
We have not set a price. Joining the list is free and does not commit you to anything.
Will it work in my language?
The practice is in English, because the test is. We plan to explain feedback in other languages too; tell us your first language when you join so we know which ones to start with.
Want to know when it opens?
Leave your email and we will tell you when ILR Speaking is ready. No spam, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Get early accessSources
Checked on 19 October 2026. Rules can change; the sources below are the authority, not this page.
- Home Office, Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 1691, 5 March 2026, GOV.UK.
- Home Office, Explanatory memorandum to HC 1691 (PDF), paragraphs 5.60 to 5.62.
- UK Visas and Immigration, Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT), GOV.UK.
- Trinity College London, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
- Trinity College London, B2 Speaking & Listening (GESE Grade 7).
- Home Office, Higher standard of English now required to settle in the UK, news story, 5 March 2026.