UK tightens visa rules, raises English test standards for skilled workers and students

The United Kingdom has unveiled a tougher set of visa and language rules that will directly impact foreign applicants, including those from India, as part of a broader push to curb rising immigration levels.

From Jan 8, 2026, all skilled worker visa applicants will be required to take a new “Secure English Language Test,” administered by a Home Office-approved provider.

The test results will be verified during the visa application process to ensure compliance.

Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to A-Level or Class 12, known as level B2, covering speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.

The Home Office said this would help ensure that newcomers are “better able to integrate into life in the UK.”

“This country has always welcomed those who come to it 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. “If you come to this country, you must learn our language and play your part.”

The measures, presented through a written ministerial statement in the House of Commons this week, are part of the government’s “Immigration White Paper” released in May, which aims to tighten the visa system and manage migration more effectively.

One of the key changes affects international students. Starting Jan 1, 2027, the post-study work period under the Graduate Route visa will be reduced from two years to 18 months.

The popular scheme allows foreign graduates, including many from India, to stay in the UK after completing their studies to find a job. PhD graduates, however, will continue to receive three years of post-study work permission.

“This change is informed by data showing that too many graduates are not progressing into graduate-level employment, which the Graduate Route was created to facilitate access to. It is intended to ensure that those who remain in the UK transition into graduate-level jobs and properly contribute to the UK economy,” said Home Office Minister Mike Tapp in a parliamentary statement.

Financial requirements for student visas are also set to rise for the 2025-2026 academic year. International students will need to show proof of higher maintenance funds: £1,529 per month for London (up from £1,483) and £1,171 per month for the rest of the UK (up from £1,136).

Employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers will face higher costs as well. The Immigration Skills Charge, a levy used to train British workers, will increase by 32%.

Small or charitable organizations will pay £480 per person per year, up from £364, while medium and large employers will pay £1,320, up from £1,000.

“The ISC increase is the first since 2017 and will be used to boost investment in British workers and reduce reliance on overseas recruitment. The parliamentary process to increase the charge will begin later this week,” the Home Office said.

The government also announced plans to expand the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa route.

The number of universities whose graduates are eligible for the program will double, though the total number of visas under this route will be capped at 8,000 annually.

The HPI route, which currently allows 2,000 people from top global universities to work in the UK, will be expanded to accommodate 4,000 applicants.

The Home Office said this move aims to attract “the world’s most talented” graduates, researchers, designers, and innovators, with further reforms to the Global Talent visa expected next year.

“The world’s most talented entrepreneurs studying in the UK will also be able to seamlessly establish innovative business ventures in the UK after concluding their studies while transitioning from a student visa to the Innovator Founder route,” the Home Office added.

Separately, the UK government has reintroduced visa requirements for all nationals of Botswana, including those visiting for short stays.

The Home Office said the decision followed a sharp rise since 2022 in citizens from the southern African country entering as visitors and later applying for asylum, calling it a “misuse of the UK’s immigration system.”