Migrants will need A-level standard English to work in UK

The UK government is introducing new legislation that will require certain migrants to pass an English language test at a B2 level, which is equivalent to an A-level qualification. This represents a higher standard than the previous B1 level, which was equivalent to a GCSE. The new rules, which are set to take effect on 8 January 2026, will apply to some graduates and those applying for Skilled Worker, Scale-up, and High Potential Individual (HPI) visas.

Key Details of the New Legislation

The primary goal of these new laws, which are part of a wider set of reforms outlined in a white paper, is to reduce net migration and ensure new arrivals can contribute effectively to national life.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated, "You must learn our language and play your part if you are coming to this country... But it is inhuman for migrants to arrive here without knowing our language and therefore ineffective at contributing to our national life."

The New Standard

• B2 Level: The new requirement is a B2 English proficiency level. The British Council describes this as the ability to:

  • "Understand the key concepts of complex texts on concrete or abstract topics."

  • "Express themselves fluently and spontaneously" and "easily communicate with other English speakers."

  • Produce "clear, detailed text on several topics" and clearly outline a complicated viewpoint.

• Assessment: Applicants will be tested in person at Home Office-approved agencies on their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, with results verified during the visa process.

• Affected Visas: The rules will mainly impact individuals seeking Skilled Worker, Scale-up, and HPI visas.

Other Reforms

Home Office Minister Mike Tapp told Parliament that further English language requirements for other visa routes and family dependents are expected to follow. Other changes outlined in the white paper include:

• Student Visas: The time international students have to seek a graduate visa after their course finishes will be reduced from two years to 18 months, effective January 2027.

• Financial Requirements: Students must also meet higher financial standards, which have risen to $\textsterling 1,171$ a month outside London (up from $\textsterling 1,136$) for up to nine months.

• Visa Expansion: The Global Talent Visa has been expanded to include winners of more prestigious awards in technology, arts, and and academia. The HPI route is also set to expand, with the number of migrants on the visa expected to increase from 2,000 to 4,000, though subject to an overall cap of 8,000 applicants per year.

• Immigration Skills Charge: The fee paid by UK employers has increased to 480$ per person per year for small businesses or charities, and 1,320$ per person for large organisations.

Potential Impact

The Prime Minister stated that these reforms would make the UK's immigration system "controlled, selective, and fair."

• The Home Office estimates these measures could reduce the number of people coming to the UK by up to 100,000 per year.

• Net migration to the UK fell to 431,000 in 2024, representing a drop of almost 50% from the previous year's total of 906,000.

Criticisms and Concerns

The policy has attracted criticism from legal and academic circles.

• Impact on Employment: Dr. Madeleine Sumption of the University of Oxford’s Migration Observatory noted that the government faces a "trade-off" between ensuring migrants speak good English and encouraging employers to recruit staff who are likely to receive financial benefits. She suggests the new requirement will have a greater effect on middle-skilled careers that require specialist and manual skills, where high language proficiency is not usually required.

• Fairness and Contribution: Immigration lawyer Afsana Akhtar found the high English requirement "unfair," arguing that "many people in the United Kingdom will undoubtedly not be able to pass English A-level." She warned that this standard could "rule out even highly skilled employees who want to come and contribute to our British economy," adding that the previous GCSE-equivalent curriculum was appropriate and that migrants' English would improve naturally as they live here and integrate.