English Level Comparison: A1, A2, B1, B2 for UK Immigration
The UK immigration system uses CEFR levels to define English language requirements. Different visa stages require different levels. This guide explains each level, what you can do at that level, and which immigration applications require which level.
- Section
- Costs, English & General
- Reading time
- 8 min
- Last checked
- 16 February 2026
- Source
- The published Immigration Rules and GOV.UK guidance, linked throughout this guide.
- Rowan does not
- Look at your own case, tell you which route to choose, or say what the Home Office will decide. This guide shows the published rules and where to read them.
In short
- A1 is beginner, A2 elementary, B1 intermediate, B2 upper intermediate.
- Settlement and citizenship ask for B1 now, and B2 for applications made on or after 26 March 2027.
- A family visa as a partner asks for A1 at the first application and A2 at the extension.
- Skilled Worker has asked for B2 since 8 January 2026, in all four skills.
- A Student visa asks for B2 at degree level or above and B1 below degree level.
English requirements for UK immigration run from A1 to B2 depending on the route and the stage. Settlement and citizenship ask for B1 now and B2 for applications made on or after 26 March 2027. Skilled Worker has asked for B2 since 8 January 2026. This guide explains each level and sets out which level each route asks for.
The CEFR Levels Explained
A1 - Beginner
At A1, you can understand and use familiar everyday expressions. You can introduce yourself, ask and answer basic questions about personal details, and interact in a simple way if the other person speaks slowly.
Asked for at: the first family visa application as a partner or parent
A2 - Elementary
At A2, you can understand sentences about areas of immediate relevance (personal information, shopping, local geography, employment). You can communicate in routine tasks and describe aspects of your background.
Asked for at: the family visa extension after two and a half years, in speaking and listening
B1 - Intermediate
At B1, you can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters. You can deal with most situations while travelling, produce simple connected text, and describe experiences and give opinions.
Asked for at: settlement and citizenship for applications made before 26 March 2027; a Student visa below degree level; and a Skilled Worker extension where the visa was held before 8 January 2026
B2 - Upper Intermediate
At B2, you can understand the main ideas of complex text. You can interact with fluency and spontaneity. You can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects.
Asked for at: a Skilled Worker application made on or after 8 January 2026; a Student visa at degree level or above; and settlement and citizenship for applications made on or after 26 March 2027
Which Level for Which Visa?
- Family visa as a partner or parent, first application: A1
- Family visa extension after two and a half years: A2 in speaking and listening. If you already passed at A2 or above, that result can be used again.
- Skilled Worker: B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening for applications made on or after 8 January 2026. B1 is accepted only if you held a Skilled Worker visa before that date and are extending or updating it.
- Student visa, degree level or above: B2
- Student visa, below degree level: B1
- Settlement (indefinite leave to remain): B1 in speaking and listening, rising to B2 for applications made on or after 26 March 2027
- Citizenship: B1 in speaking and listening, rising to B2 for applications made on or after 26 March 2027
Settlement and citizenship are tested in speaking and listening only. Skilled Worker, Student, Health and Care Worker, High Potential Individual, Innovator Founder, Minister of Religion, Scale-up Worker and Start-up test all four skills.
The move from B1 to B2 for settlement and citizenship was laid before Parliament on 5 March 2026 in statement of changes HC 1691. It applies to applications made on or after 26 March 2027.
Check the specific GOV.UK English language requirements for your visa route, as there can be variations.
Which Tests Count
Only a Secure English Language Test from an approved provider counts for an immigration application. There are five approved providers: Trinity College London, the IELTS SELT Consortium, LANGUAGECERT, Pearson and PSI Services (UK) Ltd.
Each approved test is listed against the CEFR level it proves, with the minimum grade needed for that level. The Home Office publishes that list on GOV.UK, and it is the only place the pairing is set. A band score from a test taken outside the SELT system cannot be converted into a CEFR level for an application, and a test taken at the wrong centre or in the wrong format does not count even if the score is high enough.
Some tests are reported as a pass at a named level rather than as a score. The Life Skills tests, for example, are taken at A1, A2 or B1 and are marked pass or fail at that level.
Improving Your Level
If you need to improve your English to meet a higher level:
- Take ESOL classes at the appropriate level
- Practice with English media (TV, radio, podcasts)
- Use language learning apps daily
- Practice speaking with English speakers
- Read English newspapers and books
For test preparation and booking, see our test booking guide. For exemptions from the English requirement, see our guides on ILR exemptions and spouse visa exemptions.
Further Resources
For the full English language requirements, visit GOV.UK. See also our guides on citizenship requirements and community groups.
You may also find our English Language Tests for UK Visas andUK Visa Fees: Complete Guide helpful.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between A1 and B1 English?
A1 is a beginner level where you can understand basic phrases and introduce yourself. B1 is intermediate, where you can understand main points of clear speech, deal with travel situations, and produce simple text on familiar topics. B1 is significantly more advanced than A1.
Which English level do I need for a UK visa?
It depends on the route and the stage. A family visa as a partner needs A1 at the first application and A2 in speaking and listening at the extension after two and a half years. Settlement and citizenship need B1 now, rising to B2 for applications made on or after 26 March 2027. A Skilled Worker visa needs B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening; B1 is still accepted only if you held that visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending or updating it. A Student visa needs B2 for a course at degree level or above and B1 below degree level.
How does IELTS scoring map to CEFR levels?
For immigration you cannot convert a general IELTS band into a CEFR level yourself. UKVI only accepts an approved Secure English Language Test, and the list of approved tests published by the Home Office states the CEFR level and the minimum grade for each test. IELTS for UKVI Life Skills is reported as a pass or fail at a single level (A1, A2 or B1) rather than as a band score, and IELTS for UKVI Academic or General Training is reported as bands with a minimum set for each level in that list.
What is the CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international scale for describing language ability. It has six levels, from A1 at the bottom to C2 at the top. The Immigration Rules use these levels to set English requirements.
This guide is general information about published immigration rules. It is not advice about an individual application under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and Rowan is not regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority. Immigration rules change several times a year. For advice on a particular situation, contact an adviser authorised by the Immigration Advice Authority or an immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.