Important: Approved tests and exemptions change. Always confirm the latest requirements on GOV.UK — Knowledge of English for Skilled Worker.

The standard requirement from 8 January 2026

For a relevant new Skilled Worker application made on or after 8 January 2026, the standard is CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. This is the upper-intermediate level. The evidence must meet the route rules unless an exemption applies.

B1 is transitional, not the new default. A person who already held Skilled Worker permission before 8 January 2026 and is extending or updating that permission may continue under the B1 rule. Someone switching from Health and Care Worker may not need to prove English again. Other switchers should check the B2 rule for their circumstances on GOV.UK.

Critically, you must use the UKVI-approved (Secure English Language Test) version of any test — a standard IELTS exam taken at a general test centre does not satisfy the requirement. You need the IELTS for UKVI version or another approved SELT.

Approved English language tests (SELTs) for Skilled Worker

The Home Office publishes the current list of approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) providers. Providers and approved test products vary according to whether the test is taken inside or outside the UK, so use the live GOV.UK list when booking:

  • IELTS for UKVI — administered by the IELTS SELT Consortium (British Council, IDP, Cambridge Assessment). Must be IELTS for UKVI specifically, not Academic or General Training at a standard centre.
  • LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
  • Pearson PTE Academic UKVI — not the standard PTE Academic
  • PSI Services (UK) Ltd SELT
  • Trinity College London SELT — available for approved tests taken in the UK

Always book through the provider's approved UKVI test centre. Check the full SELT provider list on GOV.UK.

The degree exemption (most common route)

You do not need to sit an English language test if you have a degree or academic qualification that was taught or examined in English. This applies if:

  • You have a UK degree — no further verification needed
  • You have an overseas degree taught in English — you must provide an academic transcript confirming the language of instruction, and may need an Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) confirmation letter for certain countries

This is the exemption most international graduates already working in English-medium universities use when applying via the Graduate route before switching to Skilled Worker.

Nationality exemptions

If you are a national of one of the following countries, you are exempt from the English language requirement entirely (GOV.UK confirms this list):

  • Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, USA

Additionally, nationals of Ireland and certain British Overseas Territories are exempt. Always verify your exact situation against the current GOV.UK page for knowledge of English.

What test score do you need?

The required score depends on the approved provider and test product. Select a test that proves B2 in all four skills for a relevant new application, and use the provider's current UKVI score table. Do not rely on an old B1 score chart unless the GOV.UK transitional rule applies to you.

Where English fits in the overall Skilled Worker checklist

English is one of four core requirements. You also need:

Related guides

Reviewed 8 August 2026. Sources: GOV.UK — Skilled Worker knowledge of English and GOV.UK — approved SELTs. Informational only, not legal advice.