English Language Requirement

Hello,

I have a few questions about the upcoming English requirement changes, though I know this might not be easy to answer, as it depends on the government's decisions.
The government has not announced the details of the changes for the English language requirements, but apparently, it will be announced by the end of the year. My question is whether it is likely to affect those who will apply in early January 2026? (even those who have passed the IELTS Life Skills test and the results are still valid, as the test was taken less than 2 years ago)
What about those who have a UK degree?

You have already answered your own question.

amkay wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 04, 2025 2:58 pm

The government has not announced the details of the changes for the English language requirements

If they have not announced the change, we on these forums won't know it either.

We, like you, will find out when they may the announcement.

You are right. I was reading a page from the Citizens Advice website that said "If you haven’t already taken your ‘Life in the UK’ and English tests, you should also take them soon. The changes might mean the tests will be harder." From the link below:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/immig ... ffect-you/

My understanding from this page is that if someone takes the test before the announcement, their test result will still be acceptable even after the rules change. However, I am not sure they would make this exception after they increase the language requirement to B2, while the current IELTS Life Skills is B1 and therefore the B1 tests might not be valid. Although I think it's fair to say that there should be transitional arrangements for those who have taken the test recently and their test results are still within the validity period.

No one can know. Though you have some time to wait as you won'e be eligible until next year. put the rest of the paperwork together, and you can wait a couple of months before taking the exams, worst that happens you'll need to take them again but to some extent that risk can't be mitigated.

contorted_svy wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 04, 2025 9:57 pm

No one can know. Though you have some time to wait as you won'e be eligible until next year. put the rest of the paperwork together, and you can wait a couple of months before taking the exams, worst that happens you'll need to take them again but to some extent that risk can't be mitigated.

Many thanks for your response. But I think there is no need to retake the exam if the test result will be within the two-year validity period.(e.g. exam date: November 2024, application date Jan 2026) I think if they decide to make an exemption for those who have already taken the test, then last year's test results will be acceptable as long as it is within the validity period at the time of application.

Well we don't know what the requirements will be, or when the change will start, so even the exemption is pure speculation.