The United Kingdom is tightening its language requirements for immigration — with thousands likely to be affected by the change. The Home Office also announced plans to double the number of skilled people entering the UK through significant expansion of the High Potential Individual visa route.
“This country has always welcomed those who come to this country and contribute. But it is unacceptable for migrants to come here without learning our language, unable to contribute to our national life. If you come to this country, you must learn our language and play your part,” insisted Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
The changes will be implemented from January 2026 and require migrants to pass tougher English language requirements. Those applying under certain legal routes will now have to “meet an A-level equivalent standard in speaking, listening, reading and writing”. The requirements have also been updated to ensure that visa applicants under the UK Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual, and scale-up routes demonstrate English proficiency at level B2.
Laid in changes before Parliament this week, the measures form part of the government’s flagship immigration white paper and Plan for Change to deliver on the priorities of working people for tighter control of who comes to this country while continuing to attract top global talent.
The time for international students to find a graduate-level job after completing their studies will also be cut to 18 months from the current two years.
The immigration skills charge (ISC), which is paid by employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers and reinvested in training the domestic workforce, is being raised by 32%.