London, (Shahzad Ali) __ A legislative framework aimed at overhauling the UK’s immigration system was presented in Parliament today, mandating that migrants meet stringent English language proficiency standards equivalent to A Level for specific legal immigration routes.

Under the new regulations, applicants will be obligated to demonstrate competencies in speaking, listening, reading, and writing through the Secure English Language Test (SELT), which must be conducted by providers sanctioned by the Home Office. Verification of these results will be integrated into the visa application process.

Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: “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.”

These requirements are part of a broader immigration reform initiative encapsulated in the government’s immigration white paper and Plan for Change, designed to establish a more controlled, selective, and equitable immigration process while continuing to attract top-tier global talent.

Additionally, the grace period for international students to secure graduate-level employment post-study will be reduced from two years to 18 months, effective from January 2027. This change is motivated by data indicating insufficient transitions from study to employment among certain visa holders.

To further this objective, the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) levied on employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers will be increased by 32%, the first adjustment since 2017. These funds are allocated for training domestic personnel, thereby diminishing the dependency on foreign labor.

In conjunction with these measures, financial requirements for student visas are set to be escalated for the academic year 2025-2026, necessitating that international students provide evidence of adequate financial resources for self-sufficiency.

Key changes articulated in the immigration white paper include:

1. Expansion of the High Potential Individual (HPI) Route: This initiative allows graduates from the top 100 global universities to apply, with an application cap of 8,000 per year, intending to double the anticipated influx from 2,000 to 4,000 applicants.
2. Entrepreneurial Pathways for Graduates: Exceptional entrepreneurs completing their studies in the UK will be able to transition from student visas to the Innovator Founder route, facilitating the establishment of innovative business ventures.
3. Enhancements to the Global Talent Route: Adjustments in evidentiary requirements for high-achieving professionals, especially architects, are part of an effort to broaden access to this route.

The government aims to amplify the number of high-skilled migrants across various sectors, including research, design, and the creative industries such as film and television, ensuring the UK’s competitiveness in growth sectors.

The reform agenda is part of a comprehensive strategy for immigration system reform, with additional measures regarding asylum and border security expected to be announced later this autumn.