SELT Practice
B2 English test for ILR
A B2 English test for ILR means B2 speaking and listening for settlement applications made on or after 26 March 2027. Applications before that date need B1. This is in the Immigration Rules, as of 9 November 2026.
The dates
The Rules were changed by Statement of Changes HC 1691, published on 5 March 2026. The changes come into force on 26 March 2027. The test level depends on your date of application (memorandum, Appendix KoLL).
| Application date | Level needed |
|---|---|
| Before 26 March 2027 | B1 speaking and listening |
| On or after 26 March 2027 | B2 speaking and listening |
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Check GOV.UK for your situation before you book.
Who it covers
- Partners and parents settling under Appendix FM, through Appendix KoLL.
- Skilled Worker, Scale-up, Innovator Founder, Global Talent and UK Ancestry.
- Minister of Religion, Representative of an Overseas Business and International Sportsperson.
- Child Relative, Long Residence, Bereaved Partner, Private Life and Settlement Family Life.
- Dependants: for a dependent partner or child of a Skilled Worker the level is B1 before 26 March 2027 and B2 on or after it.
Source: HC 1691 memorandum and Appendix KoLL. Skilled Worker and Scale-up main applicants must show B2 speaking and listening at settlement from that date. Before, they had no separate English test at this stage.
What is not changed
- Hong Kong BN(O) settlement stays at B1 speaking and listening in the current Rules text (Appendix Hong Kong BN(O)).
- Trinity says HM Armed Forces and Domestic Worker settlement stay at B1. We could not confirm this from the Rules text.
- Citizenship is not covered by HC 1691.
On 2 November 2026 the government published its earned-settlement response. It says B2 will be the standard English requirement for settlement under a future framework. The rules and the start date are not yet published (GOV.UK news, consultation page).
Reusing an earlier B2 result and other routes
For applications on or after 26 March 2027, Appendix KoLL 2.2(ba) accepts a B2 qualification on which earlier leave was granted, if the provider is still on the approved list. The "efforts to learn English" route with teacher evidence and the 75 guided hours route also move from B1 to B2 benchmarks (Appendix KoLL).
Which B2 test can you take?
As of 9 November 2026 the GOV.UK list has no B2 test in speaking and listening only. Trinity sells GESE Grade 7 at £170 for ILR applications on or after 26 March 2027, but it is not on the list files. Whether it has Home Office approval is not confirmed from GOV.UK (Trinity B2 page).
Read B2 English test and Trinity GESE Grade 7. Check GOV.UK before you book.
What happens in a B2 speaking test
In the Trinity GESE Grade 7 format, you do three phases in 15 minutes: a prepared topic you lead, an interactive phase where you take control of a situation, and a conversation on two subjects. See the interactive phase.
Other B2 tests on the GOV.UK list are four-skill tests, with reading and writing as well.
How to prepare
- Practise leading a conversation. Ask questions and invite opinions.
- Practise giving advice and saying advantages and disadvantages.
- Practise talking about the past with used to.
You can practise with an AI examiner on this site. It asks questions out loud and you answer out loud.
Not sure of your level? Take the free level check. It takes a few minutes.
Related guides
What is the B2 English test for ILR?
It is B2 speaking and listening. The Immigration Rules ask for it for most settlement applications made on or after 26 March 2027.
When does the B2 requirement start?
On 26 March 2027. The date of your application decides whether B1 or B2 applies.
Does the B2 change apply to Skilled Workers?
Yes. Skilled Worker and Scale-up main applicants must show B2 speaking and listening at settlement from 26 March 2027, according to the Rules. Check GOV.UK for your situation.
Which test should I take for B2 ILR?
As of 9 November 2026 GOV.UK lists no B2 speaking and listening only test. Trinity GESE Grade 7 is sold for this, but is not on the list files. Check GOV.UK before you book.
Does the B2 change apply to citizenship?
HC 1691 does not cover citizenship. GOV.UK still says B1, B2, C1 or C2 for citizenship on its page updated 24 September 2026.