This week, the UK Parliament introduced a new immigration law that will impose stricter visa requirements on migrants. The proposed changes include more rigorous English language testing, a shorter post-study work period, and higher financial demands for students.
These measures are part of a wider government strategy to reform what it calls a “failed” immigration system. The Home Office asserts that these adjustments are intended to foster a more “controlled, selective, and fair” legal migration process.
Stricter English Language Requirements
A key reform is the mandatory A-level equivalent English language proficiency requirement for specific visa categories. Applicants will need to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT), demonstrating their skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The bill specifies that this test must be administered by a Home Office-approved provider, with verified results becoming an essential component of the visa application.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the importance of integration, 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. If you come to this country, you must learn our language and play your part.”
Reduced Post-Study Work Opportunities for Graduates
Effective January 2027, international graduates will have their post-study work period reduced. They will now have only 18 months to secure a graduate-level job, a significant decrease from the current two-year visa duration. This change comes as the Home Office noted that many international graduates were not successfully transitioning into suitable employment.
Higher Financial Requirements for Student Visas
Beginning with the 2025–2026 academic year, prospective international students will need to show substantially greater financial resources to qualify for a study visa. The government explains this measure as a way to ensure a more significant economic contribution from individuals entering the UK on student pathways.
Increased Employer Costs: The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC)
Employers sponsoring foreign workers will see a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), the first such rise since 2017. The Home Office has indicated that the additional funds generated will be channeled back into UK-based workforce training programs.
Expanding High-Skilled Visa Routes
In an effort to attract elite talent, the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa route will be broadened to include graduates from the world’s top 100 universities. The annual quota for this route will double from 2,000 to 4,000 applicants. Furthermore, the Global Talent visa pathway will recognize a wider range of eligible awards, especially within the fields of architecture, design, and the creative arts.
Aspiring student entrepreneurs will now have the option to transition directly from their student visas to the Innovator Founder route, enabling them to establish businesses in the UK without needing to depart the country first.
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