Petition · Home Office

Keep B1 English for Skilled Worker visa holders; B2 only for new applicants

Open for signatures 263 signatures

What the petition asks

We want the Government to keep the current B1 English requirement for Skilled Worker visa holders already in the UK and ensure the new B2 requirement applies only to future applicants.
Many Skilled Worker visa holders came to the UK under immigration rules that required a lower level of English. They have built their lives and careers in the UK and contribute to the economy and public services.
Applying a higher B2 requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain to people already living and working in the UK would change the rules after they arrived and create unnecessary barriers for those who followed the rules.

Timeline

9 Apr 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 263
Status Open for signatures
Department Home Office
Opened 9 Apr 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.