26 مارچ 2027 سے برطانیہ میں مستقل رہائش (ILR) کے لیے انگریزی کا لیول B1 سے بڑھ کر B2 ہو جائے گا۔ یہ تبدیلی شریکِ حیات (spouse) ویزا اور زیادہ تر ورک ویزا پر لاگو ہوتی ہے۔ صرف بولنے اور سننے (speaking and listening) کا امتحان ہوتا ہے، پڑھنا یا لکھنا نہیں۔ برطانوی شہریت (citizenship) کے لیے اب بھی B1 کافی ہے۔ اگر آپ نے ویزا ایکسٹینشن کے لیے B1 پاس کیا تھا، تو وہ سرٹیفکیٹ B2 کے لیے کام نہیں آئے گا۔ نیچے انگریزی میں تفصیل ہے، اور آپ اسی صفحے پر مفت میں AI ایگزامینر کے ساتھ چار منٹ کی مشق کر سکتے ہیں۔
In English: the rule in five points
- From 26 March 2027, applications for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) on the partner route and most work routes need English at B2, not B1. The change is in the Statement of Changes HC 1691, published on 5 March 2026.
- Only speaking and listening are tested. No reading, no writing. The test is taken at a Home Office approved centre (a SELT). The B2 test most people will take is Trinity GESE Grade 7: 15 minutes talking with one examiner.
- Citizenship stays at B1. The routes for Hong Kong BN(O), HM Armed Forces and Domestic Workers stay at B1. Refugees and people with EU settled status have no English test at settlement.
- You may be exempt: under 18 or 65 and over, a national of a majority English-speaking country, a degree taught in English, or a long-term health condition. Check the exemptions.
- A B1 certificate from your visa extension does not count for B2. If you apply on or after 26 March 2027, you need a new test at B2.
What B2 means when you speak
At B1 you answer questions about your life in simple sentences. At B2 you give opinions with reasons, compare, say what you used to do and what you would do if things were different, give advice, and ask the examiner questions. You also have to lead part of the exam yourself. What B2 sounds like, with examples.
How long it takes
From a recent B1 pass, most adults need six to twelve months of regular speaking practice to pass B2. Start now, even if your application is a year away. A month-by-month plan.
Try the exam for free
Talk to the AI examiner for four minutes on one of the six Grade 7 subjects, in English, and get a report with your grade and the reasons. No account, no card. The report is in English; you can translate it with your phone.