A-Level English Now Required For Migrants To Work In Britain

The UK government has unveiled sweeping changes to its immigration system, introducing stricter English language requirements and tighter visa rules in an effort to reduce net migration and boost local employment.

From January 8th, 2026, migrants applying for skilled worker, scale-up, or high-potential individual visas will need to demonstrate English proficiency at B2 level, equivalent to A-level standard—a significant step up from the current B1 (GCSE-level) requirement. The new rules are part of a wider plan to overhaul the immigration system and ensure it’s “controlled, selective and fair,” according to ministers.

The Secure English Language Test, which includes speaking, listening, reading, and writing, must be taken in person through a Home Office-approved provider. Results will be verified as part of the visa process.

Applicants will be expected to use advanced grammar and express themselves “fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions” and to speak English “flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.”

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood defended the move, saying: “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.”

The language changes also apply to migrants who want to settle in the UK or become British citizens. Even adult dependants of workers and students will now need to meet a new basic A1 English level for the first time.

Alongside language changes, the time international students have to find graduate-level work after completing their degree will be cut from 2 years to 18 months, starting from January 2027. Finance requirements for students will rise too—from £1,171 to £1,502 per month.

There are also financial implications for UK employers. The immigration skills charge—a fee paid by companies hiring foreign workers—is being raised by 32%. From December 16, this will jump to £1,320 per year for medium and large firms and £480 for small businesses or charities.

Despite the crackdown, the government is still keen to attract top talent. The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa route will be expanded to include graduates from 100 of the world’s best universities, with a cap of 8,000 visa applications per year. The number of HPI visa holders is expected to double from 2,000 to 4,000. Talented students launching startups in the UK will also get more support in moving to the Innovator Founder visa route.

Changes are also coming to the Global Talent visa, which has been expanded to cover more prestigious awards and eased requirements for professionals like architects and creatives in film and TV.

The reforms aim to end reliance on low-wage foreign workers. Migrants will now only be eligible for jobs that are graduate-level or above, making 180 occupations ineligible under the new rules. The Home Office says these moves could cut net migration by up to 100,000 a year. Net migration already fell to 431,000 in 2024, nearly halving from the record 906,000 in 2023.

While the government insists the measures will protect British jobs and restore fairness, critics say the changes may go too far. Immigration lawyer Afsana Akhtar said the new standards were “unfair”, arguing: “Even many people in the UK probably wouldn't be able to pass English A-level. This would rule out even skilled workers who want to come and contribute to our British economy.”

Dr Madeleine Sumption, Director of Oxford’s Migration Observatory, warned of unintended consequences, saying that there’s a trade-off between “ensuring migrants speak good English and enabling employers to recruit workers who are expected to bring economic benefits.”