ESOL & Earned Settlement: What the Proposed Changes Could Mean for Learners
The UK Government is proposing the biggest reform to the settlement system in more than 50 years through its planned Earned Settlement model. If introduced, the changes would fundamentally alter how many migrants become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), placing a much greater emphasis on contribution, integration and English language proficiency. The proposals were set out in the Government’s Restoring Control over the Immigration System White Paper and have since been subject to a national consultation.
More than 200,000 responses were submitted to the consultation, highlighting the significance of the proposed changes for migrants, employers, education providers and communities across the UK. The consultation has now closed and the Government is considering responses before bringing forward final policy and legislative changes.
What is Earned Settlement?
Under the current system, many migrants become eligible to apply for settlement after completing five years in the UK on a qualifying visa route. Under the proposed Earned Settlement model, settlement would no longer be granted automatically after a fixed period of residence.
Instead, migrants would be expected to demonstrate that they have “earned” settlement through:
- Good character and compliance with immigration requirements.
- Economic and social contribution.
- Successful integration into UK society.
- English language proficiency.
The Government has proposed a new 10-year baseline route to settlement for many applicants, replacing the current five-year pathway. However, eligibility periods could vary significantly according to individual circumstances.
Settlement Routes Could Range from 3 to 30 Years
The proposed system would create more flexible settlement pathways based on a person’s circumstances and behaviour.
Under the proposals:
- Some high earners and priority workers could become eligible for settlement after as little as 3 to 5 years.
- The standard route for many migrants would increase to 10 years.
- Individuals with immigration breaches or other factors affecting their eligibility could face significantly longer routes, potentially extending to 15, 20 or even 30 years before becoming eligible for settlement.
The Government has also indicated that the existing 10-year long residence route would be absorbed into the new Earned Settlement framework.
Current indications suggest implementation is unlikely before Autumn 2026, allowing time for parliamentary scrutiny and further policy development. However, no final implementation date has yet been confirmed.
English Language is Central to the New System
One of the most significant aspects of the proposals is the increased focus on English language proficiency as evidence of integration.
The Government has made clear that English language skills will play an increasingly important role across immigration, work, family and settlement routes. Rather than being viewed solely as a visa requirement, English language ability is being positioned as a key measure of successful integration into UK society.
Future applicants may be required to demonstrate:
- B2 English language proficiency
- Success in the Life in the UK Test
- Evidence of participation and engagement within their communities
Applicants would also need to ensure that any Secure English Language Test (SELT) is taken through an approved Home Office provider.
Current Requirements Compared with Proposed Changes
Current Position
At present, most people applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain must demonstrate English language skills at B1 level, alongside passing the Life in the UK Test and meeting the requirements of their visa route.
For most settlement applicants, B1 remains the current requirement, not B2. Certain exemptions continue to apply, including some applicants with long-term health conditions and individuals meeting age-related exemption criteria.
Proposed Future Position
The proposed Earned Settlement model would introduce much higher expectations around English language integration.
According to proposals discussed by Government:
- Key work visa routes are expected to move from B1 to B2 English requirements.
- Adult dependants could be required to demonstrate B2 English when extending visas from 2027 onwards.
- Settlement applicants may need to evidence English language proficiency at B2 level, alongside broader integration requirements.
It is important to note that these changes are not yet fully implemented, and final requirements will depend on future legislation and Immigration Rules.
What Does B2 English Mean?
B2 represents a significant progression from B1.
A learner operating at B2 level is expected to demonstrate confidence across:
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
- Listening
B2 requires the ability to understand and discuss more complex topics, produce structured written responses, participate effectively in workplace and civic contexts, and communicate with a greater degree of independence and accuracy.
For many learners, progression from B1 to B2 can require more than 200 hours of additional guided learning, making it a substantial step rather than a minor progression. This has significant implications both for learners and for the ESOL sector.
Who May Need B2 English?
If the proposals proceed, B2 English could become increasingly important for:
- Workers on qualifying visa routes.
- Adult dependants extending visas.
- Individuals seeking settlement through the Earned Settlement pathway.
- Applicants needing to demonstrate integration into UK society.
Because settlement applications are assessed against the rules in force at the time of application, individuals who entered the UK expecting to qualify after five years may find themselves subject to different requirements if they apply after new rules are introduced.
The Government has also signalled that people who are already in the UK but have not yet achieved settlement could potentially move onto the new framework, although final decisions have not yet been announced.
Who May Be Exempt from a B2 SELT Requirement?
While much of the discussion around Earned Settlement focuses on B2 English, it is important to remember that there are currently a number of exemptions and alternative ways of meeting English language requirements. The exact position under any future Earned Settlement system has not yet been confirmed, but under current arrangements some applicants may not need to take a B2 Secure English Language Test (SELT).
Current exemptions and alternative provisions include:
Age and Health Exemptions
Applicants may be exempt from English language requirements if they:
- Are aged 65 or over.
- Have a long-term physical or mental health condition that prevents them from learning or demonstrating English language ability.
Long Residence and ESOL Concessions
Some applicants on partner, parent or dependent routes may qualify for an exemption where they:
- Have lived in the UK for 15 years or more.
- Have English language skills at A2 level.
- Have completed at least 75 guided hours of ESOL learning during the previous 12 months.
- Can provide confirmation from their ESOL teacher.
Nationals of Majority English-Speaking Countries
Nationals of recognised majority English-speaking countries are generally considered to meet the English language requirement without needing a SELT. This includes countries such as:
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- United States
- Certain Caribbean nations recognised within the Immigration Rules
Degree-Level Qualifications Taught in English
Applicants may also satisfy English language requirements through academic qualifications:
- UK degree holders are normally automatically accepted.
- Overseas degree holders may be able to use their qualification if it was taught in English and is verified through an ECCTIS assessment.
Humanitarian and Protection Routes
Certain humanitarian routes have different arrangements and may not currently require applicants to demonstrate English language proficiency at settlement stage, including:
- Refugees
- People granted humanitarian protection
- Victims of domestic abuse applying under relevant immigration provisions
- Bereaved partners
- Adult dependent relatives
In addition:
- Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP) visa holders are currently exempt from English language requirements for settlement.
- Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders are currently exempt from English language requirements at settlement stage.
- People on Ukrainian schemes, including Homes for Ukraine, the Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) arrangements, do not currently face English language requirements because of the humanitarian nature of those routes.
However, these groups could encounter English language requirements if they later switch into visa categories such as the:
- Skilled Worker route
- Family route
- Private Life route
Important Reminder
The proposed Earned Settlement reforms are still being considered by Government and Parliament. While B2 English has become a central feature of current policy discussions, the final rules have not yet been confirmed.
For most learners, the most important message remains:
A B2 SELT is not currently required for most settlement applications. The current standard requirement for most ILR applicants remains B1 English, unless an exemption or alternative qualification applies.
This distinction is particularly important for ESOL providers and advisers, as many learners are hearing about proposed future changes and may assume they already apply. At present, learners should continue to work towards the requirements that apply to their current immigration route while keeping informed about future developments.
Challenges and Opportunities for ESOL
The proposed reforms are likely to have significant implications for ESOL provision.
The sector is expected to see increased demand for:
- B2-level ESOL courses.
- Level 1 and Level 2 progression programmes.
- Secure English Language Test (SELT) preparation.
- Academic reading and writing skills.
- Life in the UK Test preparation.
- Digital skills support.
A particular area of growth may come from adult dependants, who have not previously faced the same level of English language expectations as some other migrant groups.
Providers may also need to place greater emphasis on civic knowledge, cultural awareness and community participation as part of supporting learners with wider integration requirements.
Digital Inclusion and Immigration
Alongside Earned Settlement, the Government continues to roll out digital immigration systems, including eVisas and Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs).
For some learners, particularly those with limited digital experience, managing online accounts, QR codes, immigration records and digital identity systems may present additional challenges. As a result, digital literacy is likely to become an increasingly important part of learner support and ESOL provision.
Looking Ahead
While the final details are still being debated, the overall direction of travel is clear. The proposed Earned Settlement model would move the UK away from an automatic time-based route to settlement and towards a system based on contribution, integration and English language proficiency.
The proposed standard settlement route would increase from five years to ten years, with pathways potentially ranging from three to thirty years depending on individual circumstances. English language skills, particularly B2-level proficiency, are expected to play a central role in the new system.
For learners, this could mean higher expectations and longer preparation periods. For ESOL providers, it is likely to mean increased demand for higher-level provision, SELT preparation and broader support around integration and digital inclusion. Although implementation is not expected before Autumn 2026, organisations supporting migrants should begin preparing now for what could become a significant change in the settlement landscape.