In the November 2025 review of Indefinite Leave to Remain UK (ILR) visa requirements, the government propose to introduce the need to achieve an A level standard English language requirement of B2 English, replacing the current B1 level for all spouses of UK citizens arriving from 2021 onwards. This is very difficult to achieve!

My daughter-in-law, who married my UK citizen son in 2021, is here on a spouse visa. She is working full-time, has never accessed public funds, and has already passed the required "listening and speaking B1 language test" and the "Life in the UK test," preparing for her Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) visa application scheduled for August 2026. 

However, looming over her and many others in her situation is the new proposal, which mandates an A-level standard B2 listening and speaking test, including a rigorous 2-hour reading and writing examination as a new English requirement. 

This change targets all arrivals from 2021 onward, including my daughter-in-law, unfairly shifting the goalposts mid-way through their journey toward ILR. Achievement of the new standard is suggested to need  approximately 200 hours of assisted learning for B1 to B2 level transition, which constitutes an undue burden on individuals like my daughter-in-law, who are contributing members of UK society.

This raised standard is not only unnecessary but also unjust, especially considering that the current tests have already proven sufficient to assess candidates' understanding and integration into British life. Additionally, these new tests may disproportionately affect those who are working, caring for a family, or who may not have the resources to meet these new conditions. 

Failure to meet this proposed new standard will necessitate an additional interim FLR visa at circa £4000 a go, until the new standard can be met.

We urge the British Home Office to please reconsider this requirement change. Instead of imposing a new hurdle, the focus should be on providing support and resources to assist immigrants in integrating into their new communities, without additional stress or financial burden. It is crucial to maintain a fair and practical pathway towards achieving ILR for those who have already started their journey under the existing requirements.

Please join me in signing this petition to call for the cessation of the proposed B2 English requirement for spouses of UK citizens, and to maintain a compassionate and genuine approach to immigration policies in the UK.