The UK government today introduced a new law in Parliament mandating that immigrants must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to A-Level standards. According to the Home Office, this measure is part of a broader plan to transform the country’s current failing immigration system into a fair, organized, and reliable framework.

Under the new law, immigrants entering via certain legal routes will need to show proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing English at an A-Level standard. Secure English Language Tests (SELT) must be taken only through Home Office-approved institutions, and results will be considered as part of visa application assessments.

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that Britain welcomes those who contribute positively to national life, but it is unacceptable for anyone to live in the country without learning the language. “If you want to come here, you must learn our language and play your part,” she said. These reforms are part of the government’s Immigration White Paper and the “Plan for Change,” aiming to combine stricter immigration controls with attracting world-class talent.

Under the new measures, international students’ post-graduation job search period will be reduced from two years to 18 months. The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) will be increased by 32% to encourage further investment in training the UK workforce. Additionally, financial requirements for student visas for the 2025–26 academic year will be raised to ensure students can demonstrate sufficient funds for their stay and education.

The Immigration White Paper outlines steps to establish the UK as a global hub for highly skilled individuals, including expanding the High Potential Individual (HPI) route to graduates from the world’s top 100 universities, with an annual application cap of 8,000. Talented international students will be allowed to start businesses after completing their studies through the Innovator Founder route. Additional Global Talent visa benefits include expanding eligibility for prestigious international awards and new qualifications for architects.

The government expects these measures to double the number of highly skilled individuals, researchers, designers, and professionals in creative sectors coming to the UK, strengthening the country’s global competitiveness.