Thoughtful Immigration: Learning the Language

In January 2026, both the UK and France will join Australia in raising language requirements for key immigration pathways. The UK will begin requiring CEFR B2 level proficiency for HPI, skilled migrant, and other working visas, while France will require B2 for naturalization pathways. The difference between B1 (the previous minimum requirement) and B2 is significant!

At B2, someone is expected to:

• Understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization.
• Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
• Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

B2 represents mastery of the language at a level that allows full integration and assimilation into the home culture. Though this makes immigration harder, I approve of this higher bar. There are far too many people who go abroad with no intention of learning the language. You'll meet entire neighborhoods of expats or nomads in Paris, Malaga, or Vancouver who have lived in the city for 3 years and can't speak more than a few words in the local language. And because they lack the language skills, their circle is only expats/nomads. It becomes a cycle that's hard to escape.

It's more important than ever to approach living in another country with thoughtfulness, to go with the intent of assimilating, not just moving, a topic I've written on many times before here, here, and here. Governments will begin explicitly testing for this in the coming years. Language, of course, is one of the best ways to measure this, and it's why increased requirements along with expanded naturalization and 'good citizen' tests will be the norm and not the exception.