UK tightens English requirements for skilled visa applicants to control soaring immigration

The UK government on Tuesday tabled tougher new English language test requirements on visa applicants, including from India, in parliament as part of a wider crackdown on soaring levels of immigration into the country.

- Press Trust of India

The new “Secure English Language Test” will be conducted by a Home Office-approved provider, with the results to be verified as part of a subsequent visa application process for all skilled workers from January 8, 2026.

An applicant's standard of speaking, listening, reading and writing English must be equivalent to A-Level or Class 12, referred to as level B2, which the Home Office believes will ensure applicants are “better able to integrate into life in the UK”

“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,” said UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.