Migrants must learn A-level English to work in Britain under new law

Those applying via certain legal routes must meet an A-level equivalent in English for speaking, listening, reading and writing under a new law introduced today

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Migrants will need to learn English to an A-level standard to work in Britain under a new law introduced today.

Those applying via certain legal routes must meet an A-level equivalent in speaking, listening, reading and writing.

They will be required to take a Secure English Language Test, which must be conducted by a Home Office-approved provider. The results will then be verified as part of their visa application process.

The move is part of a tightening of visa rules under Labour's flagship Immigration White Paper.

The plans also include cutting the time for international students to find a graduate-level job after completing their studies from two years to 18 months. The change will come into force from January 2027.

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The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), which is paid by employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers, is also being raised from £364 to £480 per person, per year for small or charitable organisations, and from £1,000 to £1,320 for medium and large organisations. The money raised from the fee is reinvested in training the UK's domestic workforce.

The ISC hike is the first since 2017 and will be used to boost investment in British workers and reduce reliance on overseas recruitment, the Home Office said. The Parliamentary process to increase the charge will begin later this week.

Students will also have to meet higher financial requirements to be allowed to come to the UK, raised to £1,171 per month outside London (from £1,136) for up to nine months.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “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.”

From 8 January 2026, the English language requirement for Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual (HPI), and Scale-up visa routes will be raised from B1 to B2 level. Similar language requirements for other routes, including dependents will be introduced in due course, the Home Office said.

The HPI route open to graduates from the top 100 international universities will also be expanded as part of Government efforts to attract highly skilled people to the country.