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Do you need the B2 English test for settlement?
Answer 6 quick questions. It takes about a minute. Your answers stay on your device: we only count how many people get each kind of answer.
This doesn't test your English. It tells you whether you'll probably need the B2 English test for settlement.
Based on what you told us:
Why
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Check on GOV.UK
GOV.UK pages are in English.
This is general information, not immigration advice. Check GOV.UK for your own route, or speak to a regulated immigration adviser (registered with the IAA, formerly OISC).
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You will probably need to show B2 speaking and listening
If you apply on or after 26 March 2027, you will probably need B2 speaking and listening
You probably don't need an English test. Here's why
It depends. Check this on GOV.UK
You probably need B1 speaking and listening, not B2
From 26 March 2027, most people applying for settlement must pass an approved English test (SELT) in speaking and listening at B2, taken no more than 2 years before they apply.
Applications made before 26 March 2027 need B1. Applications made on or after that date need B2 in speaking and listening, from an approved test taken no more than 2 years before you apply.
Skilled Workers do not take an English test for settlement today, but applications from 26 March 2027 must show B2 speaking and listening.
A test only counts if you took it less than 2 years before the day you apply.
A B1 test is not enough for applications made from 26 March 2027.
People under 18 on the day they apply do not need to meet the English requirement.
People aged 65 or over on the day they apply do not need to meet the English requirement.
Citizens of these countries meet the English requirement through their nationality. You will need your passport as evidence.
Irish citizens can usually live in the UK without applying for settlement at all. Check what applies to you on GOV.UK.
This route usually has no English test for settlement.
This route was not part of the B2 change. It stays at B1 speaking and listening.
We can't tell from these answers. Some routes stay at B1, some move to B2, and some have no English test.
You may be exempt if a long-term condition stops you meeting the requirement, but this is decided case by case. You will need an exemption form filled in by a doctor, and medical reports.
A UK bachelor's, master's or PhD meets the English requirement. Keep your certificate or transcript ready.
A degree taught in English can meet the requirement. For a degree from outside the UK you usually need confirmation from Ecctis (the UK agency that checks qualifications), unless it is from a majority-English-speaking country.
If your current visa was given because you proved English at B2 or higher, and the test provider is still approved, that usually counts again, so you may not need a new test.
A B2 speaking and listening pass from an approved test counts if you took it less than 2 years before the day you apply.
UK GCSE or A level English counts for some settlement routes but not for others, such as family visas.
Skilled Workers applying before 26 March 2027 have no English test at settlement. If your application slips to 26 March 2027 or later, you will need B2.
Applications made before 26 March 2027 need B1 speaking and listening. A B1 test taken less than 2 years before you apply may already cover it. From 26 March 2027 it will be B2.
Your B1 test may already be enough if it is less than 2 years old on the day you apply.
Prove your English language abilities
Who doesn't need to prove their English
Approved English tests (SELT)
Find a regulated immigration adviser