Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to paragraph 5.60 of the policy paper entitled Explanatory memorandum to the statement of changes in the Immigration Rules: HC 1691, published on 5 March 2026, whether B2 level English language is required for applicants on the British National (Overseas) route.

The increase in the English language requirement in the statement of changes in Immigration Rules (HC 1691) does not apply to those on the BN(O) route.

The Government is continuing to consider whether the B2 standard should be extended more widely and future decisions will take into account responses to the consultation on earned settlement.

In the meantime, the current B1 English language requirement for settlement under the BN(O) route continues to apply.