Migrants seeking indefinite leave to remain in the UK must now pass an A-Level standard English test—a significant tightening of language requirements.
The UK has raised its English language requirement for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) to A-Level standard. This is a material change from previous rules and affects anyone on a long-term visa pathway planning to settle permanently.
A-Level is the UK's upper secondary qualification, roughly equivalent to advanced proficiency. If you're on a work, family, or student visa and planning to apply for settlement after your visa term, you'll now need to demonstrate this higher standard of English. This applies whether you're renewing a visa or applying for indefinite leave to remain.
Settlement now requires A-Level standard English—a significant step up from previous requirements.
Take an approved English language test well before your settlement application. The UK Home Office publishes the list of recognized tests. Plan ahead—if your current English level is lower, you may need time to study or take courses before applying.
Source: original report ↗
Free alerts
Free: the visa and tax changes that move your plans.
Get the immigration, residency and tax changes that actually affect living abroad — verified, dated, and explained, in your inbox. Free, and one click to leave.
Free · weekly · unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.
Knowing the rule changed is the easy part.
Seasoned Expat Pro tells you what each visa change, tax rule and residency decision actually means for your move — and the paperwork it changes — in a two-minute read.
Get the edge · $20/mo
Join the readers who move before the rules do. Cancel anytime, one click.
