TL;DR: The HC 1691 explanatory memorandum states that English language requirements for settlement will increase from B1 to B2 CEFR for a listed set of appendices, including Appendix Skilled Worker, Appendix Scale-up, Appendix Global Talent, Appendix Long Residence, and several family and protection-related appendices named in the memorandum. The memorandum gives a coming into force date of 26 March 2027 and explains that deferral is intended so people already on a pathway to settlement can meet the higher standard. The memorandum states that Skilled Worker and Scale-up rules are amended so the language requirement applies at settlement as well as at the limited permission stage, in line with the described policy.
The change is presented as part of delivering commitments in the “Restoring Control over the Immigration System” white paper (May 2025) on stronger English requirements across routes.
Which routes the memorandum lists
The memorandum’s list includes, among others, Appendix KoLL, Appendix Skilled Worker, Appendix Tier 2 Minister of Religion, Appendix Representative of an Overseas Business, Appendix UK Ancestry, Appendix Global Talent, Appendix Scale Up, Appendix Innovator Founder, Appendix International Sportsperson, Appendix Child Relative (Sponsors with Protection), Appendix Long Residence, Appendix Bereaved Partner, Appendix Private Life, and Appendix Settlement Family Life, with consequential amendments to Appendix English Language.
Relationship to other HC 1691 commencement dates
HC 1691 contains many provisions with earlier commencement dates (for example 26 March 2026 and 8 April 2026 in the implementation section). The B2 settlement change is distinct because the memorandum expressly sets 26 March 2027.
Official source
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-to-the-immigration-rules-hc-1619-5-march-2026