Summary
The UK government plans to require certain migrants to speak English at an A-level standard starting January 8, 2026. This is part of efforts to reduce immigration and make the visa system more selective. The changes affect skilled worker, scale-up, and high potential individual visas, requiring B2 level English proficiency.
Key Facts
- Migrants applying for specific UK visas will need to demonstrate A-level standard English from January 8, 2026.
- The B2 English level required is higher than the current B1, equivalent to UK GCSE level.
- This change is part of a wider plan to cut immigration numbers as outlined in a recent white paper.
- Skilled workers must work for approved employers and earn a minimum salary threshold.
- The scale-up visa targets those joining fast-growing businesses, while the high potential individual visa requires recent qualifications from top global universities.
- Net migration to the UK decreased to 431,000 in 2024, down from a record high of 906,000 in 2023.
- Additional changes include a reduction in the post-study work period for international students to 18 months.
- Employers sponsoring foreign workers face increased immigration skills charges, depending on the organization's size.
