Migrants seeking to work in the United Kingdom will soon face tougher English language requirements under the Labour government’s revised immigration policy, drawing sharp criticism from migrant rights groups and experts. UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced that starting January 8, 2026, applicants will need to demonstrate A-level (B2) standard proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening — a significant increase from the current GCSE (B1) requirement.
The Home Office said the new benchmark is designed to ensure that migrants can “fully participate in national life” and contribute more effectively to the country. The tougher language standard applies to all skilled worker visa applicants, who must also meet an annual salary threshold of £41,700 or the “going rate” for their occupation. The policy will gradually be extended to other visa categories, including dependents.
The new requirements form part of Labour’s broader strategy to present a tougher stance on immigration while emphasizing integration and participation. Mahmood defended the changes, stating, “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.”
Applicants will need to pass a B2 language test approved by the UK government. Those applying under the ‘high potential’ visa route must hold at least a university degree, while the scale-up route, designed for fast-growing British businesses, has remained relatively limited — with only 116 visas issued in the year ending June 2025.
An official impact assessment projects that between 400 and 1,500 fewer visa applications could be filed between 2026 and 2027, particularly across skilled worker and health and care worker categories. However, critics argue that the change is largely symbolic, noting that 97% of skilled worker visa holders already speak English “fairly or very well.”
Dr Dora-Olivia Vicol, CEO of the Work Rights Centre, criticized the policy as “demonising migrant workers” and “arbitrarily shifting what counts as integration.” She argued that the data shows most migrants already possess high language proficiency, and the new requirements do little to address real challenges in the immigration system.
In addition to the language changes, the government announced several other measures to tighten immigration routes. The post-study work period for international graduates will be cut from two years to 18 months starting January 2027. Travellers from Botswana will require visas for all visits due to rising asylum claims, and the immigration skills charge for employers sponsoring foreign workers will rise by 32% to £480 per person.
The Labour government’s announcement has sparked a heated debate in the UK, balancing political pressure to curb immigration with concerns from businesses and rights groups about labour shortages and integration policies. Critics see the move as more about optics than impact, while the government frames it as part of a broader push to ensure that migrants are better equipped to participate fully in British society.