Understanding the UK's New English Language Requirements
- senal94
- Jul 5, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 3, 2025
What the 2025 Immigration White Paper Means for Applicants and Dependants
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In May 2025, the UK government published its much-anticipated White Paper titled 'Restoring Control over the Immigration System'. Among the key proposals is a new tiered English language requirement affecting both main applicants and adult dependents for most immigration routes. This blog explains the proposed changes, who they apply to, the acceptable ways to prove English proficiency, and how academic qualifications such as UK-awarded degrees are treated under the new system.
The New Tiered English Language Requirements
The White Paper outlines a forward-thinking approach where applicants and their dependents must achieve progressively higher English language proficiency at various visa stages:
Initial Entry: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) A1 level (basic user).
Visa Extension: CEFR A2 level (basic user with enhanced skills).
Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain): CEFR B2 level (independent user).
These requirements apply to most adult dependents who currently do not need to meet any English language criteria at the entry level. Main visa applicants, such as those on the Skilled Worker route, will also have their proficiency requirement increased from B1 to B2 to better align with the demands for integration and readiness for employment.
Why the Change?
The government asserts that requiring English at all stages will:
Improve labour market integration.
Enhance social cohesion.
Reduce reliance on public services.
This is part of a broader strategy to ensure that immigration policies support active participation in UK society.
Acceptable Proof of English Proficiency
To meet the English language requirements for UK visas and settlement, applicants can demonstrate their proficiency through several recognised methods, each tailored to different personal and educational circumstances.
One of the most common methods is by taking a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider. These include IELTS for UKVI, Pearson PTE Academic UKVI, Trinity College London, LanguageCert, and PSI Services. The required score must meet the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level applicable to the visa route, such as A1, B1, or B2. The test must cover all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Importantly, SELT results are valid for two years from the date of issue.
Alternatively, academic qualifications can serve as proof of English language ability. Degrees that are both awarded and studied in the United Kingdom automatically satisfy the required English proficiency level—typically CEFR B2 or higher—without the need for further evidence. For degrees awarded by UK universities but studied overseas, such as through an affiliated campus or partner institution, applicants can usually meet the requirement by providing the degree certificate showing the UK awarding body and a letter confirming that the Medium of Instruction (MOI) was in English. In most cases, this is sufficient for visa or settlement purposes, although UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) or employers may, in some instances, request formal verification through ECCTIS.
Degrees obtained from institutions in the majority of English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, are generally accepted as proof of English proficiency without additional language testing. However, degrees from Canada are considered on a case-by-case basis due to the bilingual nature of Canadian education, and further evidence may be required.
In cases where the degree is awarded by a non-UK institution but the program was taught in English, or where the Home Office or sponsoring organisation requests formal confirmation, applicants must use ECCTIS (formerly UK NARIC) services. ECCTIS offers two key assessments: the Academic Qualification Level Statement (AQUALS), which confirms whether the qualification is comparable to a UK degree, and the English Language Proficiency Statement (ELPS), which verifies that the qualification meets the required CEFR level for English. These assessments are essential for applicants whose qualifications fall outside the standard accepted categories or when additional assurance is required.
As of May 2025, the processing time for ECCTIS services is typically up to 20 working days, and the standard fee is approximately £210 plus VAT. It is important to note that fast-track services are no longer available under the updated guidelines.
By following one of these recognised routes, applicants can ensure that their English language skills meet the requirements for successful visa applications and settlement in the United Kingdom.
Special Considerations for PhD Applicants and GMC Registration
Most UK universities offering PhD programs will waive IELTS or SELT requirements if the applicant holds a UK-awarded Bachelor’s, Master’s, or higher degree taught in English, whether studied in the UK or overseas.
The General Medical Council (GMC) has specific requirements:
IELTS Academic: Overall 7.5, minimum 7.0 in each section.
OET Medicine: Grade B in all four subtests.
Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) in English: May be accepted if awarded within the past two years, with at least 75% of clinical interaction in English.
Non-medical degrees (e.g., MBA) are not accepted for GMC English language purposes.
Practical Next Steps
Check your current qualifications and whether they meet the B2 standard.
Apply for ECCTIS only if necessary.
Plan SELT exams early for dependents or if required for settlement.
PhD applicants: Contact the university admissions teams with your degree details to confirm exemption status.
GMC applicants: Prepare for IELTS or OET, or confirm if your PMQ is acceptable.
Takehome
The 2025 White Paper introduces one of the most significant changes to UK immigration policy in decades by embedding English proficiency at every stage of the migration journey. While UK-awarded degrees offer a powerful advantage, applicants should prepare early and seek clarity from institutions or UKVI when necessary. For GMC registration, medical professionals must meet specific English requirements regardless of other academic qualifications. These reforms aim to foster greater integration, economic contribution, and fairness within the UK immigration system.
References
UK Home Office. Restoring Control over the Immigration System (May 2025). Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6821aec3f16c0654b19060ac/restoring-control-over-the-immigration-system-white-paper.pdf
UK Visas and Immigration. "Knowledge of English." Available at: https://www.gov.uk/english-language
ECCTIS (UK NARIC). "Visas and Nationality Services." Available at: https://www.ecctis.com/visasandnationality
GMC. "Evidence of your knowledge of English." Available at: https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-our-registers/before-you-apply-guide-for-doctors/evidence-of-your-knowledge-of-english
GMC. "Guidance on English Language Evidence." Available at: https://www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/documents/guidance---img---evidence-of-the-necessary-knowledge-of-english--imgs----dc5671-56822544.pdf
DLA Piper. "UK Immigration White Paper 2025." Available at: https://knowledge.dlapiper.com/dlapiperknowledge/globalemploymentlatestdevelopments/2025/uk-immigration-white-paper-2025-what-employers-need-to-kno
The Guardian. "English Test Among Labour's Measures to Control Immigration." Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/may/11/english-test-among-range-of-labour-measures-to-control-immigration
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