(MENAFN) Migrants seeking to work in the United Kingdom will soon be required to demonstrate a stronger command of the English language under a new set of immigration measures set to begin on 8 January 2026, according to government plans.

The updated policy will affect graduates and applicants for skilled worker and scale-up visas, which are designated for individuals employed by rapidly expanding British companies. The move is part of broader reforms to reduce migration levels, first proposed in a government white paper published in May.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the government expects newcomers to contribute fully to British society. “If you come to this country, you must learn our language and play your part,” she stated, adding that while the UK remains open to those who add value, it is “unacceptable for migrants to come here without learning our language, unable to contribute to our national life.”

Under the new system, applicants will have to sit in-person exams assessing their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through Home Office-approved testing centers. Those applying for skilled worker, scale-up, or High Potential Individual (HPI) visas must now meet B2-level English proficiency, which is equivalent to an A-level standard, replacing the current B1 (GCSE-level) requirement.

To qualify for a skilled worker visa, applicants must work for a licensed employer and earn at least £41,700 annually, or the standard rate for their profession, whichever is higher. The scale-up visa targets employees of fast-growing firms, while the HPI visa is available to graduates from top-ranked global universities within the past five years.

According to the British Council, those at B2 level can understand “the main ideas of complex texts on concrete or abstract topics,” express themselves “fluently and spontaneously,” and produce “clear, detailed text on many subjects.”

Home Office Minister Mike Tapp said additional English language requirements for other visa categories and dependants will be introduced later. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has described the reforms as a way to make the UK’s immigration system “controlled, selective and fair.”

Government estimates suggest the new measures could reduce migration by up to 100,000 people per year. Official figures show that net migration fell to 431,000 in 2024, nearly halving the record 906,000 recorded the previous year.

Experts, however, warn of trade-offs. Dr Madeleine Sumption, director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, said the government faces a balance between ensuring migrants have strong English skills and maintaining access to needed labor. She noted that while many graduate jobs already require high proficiency, the new standard could affect “middle-skilled technical and manual roles,” where language ability is less crucial.

Immigration lawyer Afsana Akhtar criticized the policy as excessive, saying it was “unfair” to demand an A-level standard when “even many people in the UK probably wouldn’t be able to pass English A-level.” She argued that B1 proficiency “is sufficient” and that migrants’ language skills naturally improve through daily life and integration.

Other proposals in the white paper include reducing the post-study visa period for international graduates from two years to 18 months beginning in January 2027, raising financial maintenance requirements for students, and increasing the immigration skills charge for employers to £480 per year for small businesses or charities and £1,320 for larger organizations.

Meanwhile, the government plans to expand the Global Talent visa to cover more prestigious international award winners and double the number of HPI visas from 2,000 to 4,000, though annual applications will be capped at 8,000.

The new English language requirements mark one of the most significant tightening measures in the UK’s visa system in recent years—reflecting a shift toward prioritizing integration, communication, and economic contribution.

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