Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment has been made of the potential impact of earned settlement proposals requiring applicants to meet B2 English proficiency on lower income groups.

From 8 April 2026, the English language requirement for settlement will be raised from level B1 to level B2 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for most routes that currently require B1. This increase will take effect on 26 March 2027, allowing those already on a pathway to settlement a 12-month period in which to undertake any necessary learning or preparation. We believe this will strengthen long-term integration outcomes.

The consultation for the earned settlement model, as proposed in ‘A Fairer Pathway to Settlement’, was open to the public between 20 November 2025 and 12 February 2026.

We are now reviewing and analysing all responses received. This analysis will help inform the development of the final earned settlement model, including consideration of any transitional measures for those already on a pathway to settlement.

As part of this consultation, we sought views on the potential impact of the proposed changes, including the impact on changes to the qualifying residence period for settlement; and the proposal for those working in roles below RQF level 6 to have a 15-year qualifying period for settlement.

Once the final model has been decided, the Government will communicate the outcome publicly.  As with all significant policy changes, the proposals will be subject to both economic and equality impact assessments.