Migrants seeking employment in the UK will now be required to attain a high-level proficiency in English as per the new regulations announced today. Applicants taking specific legal pathways must demonstrate proficiency equivalent to A-level standards in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
To meet this requirement, individuals will need to undergo a Secure English Language Test administered by a provider approved by the Home Office. The test results will form part of their visa application process.
These changes are part of the stricter visa rules outlined in the Labour government’s Immigration White Paper. Additionally, international students will now have a reduced timeframe of 18 months, down from two years, to secure a job at a graduate level upon completing their studies, effective January 2027.
Employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers will see an increase in the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) from £364 to £480 per person annually for small organizations and charities, and from £1,000 to £1,320 for medium and large organizations. The fees collected will be reinvested in training the UK’s workforce.
The ISC adjustment, the first since 2017, aims to enhance investments in British workers and lessen dependence on foreign recruitment, as stated by the Home Office. The process to raise the charge will commence in the coming week.
Moreover, students wishing to study in the UK will now have to meet higher financial requirements, set at £1,171 per month outside London (up from £1,136) for a maximum of nine months.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the importance of migrants learning the English language to actively contribute to the country. Starting from January 8, 2026, the English language standards for the Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual (HPI), and Scale-up visa routes will be elevated from B1 to B2 level. The HPI route, designed for graduates from top international universities, will also see expansion to attract highly skilled individuals to the UK.
This move signifies the government’s commitment to fostering a workforce that is proficient in English and capable of making significant contributions to the nation’s development.