International students and foreign workers looking to go to the UK will face stricter English language requirements under the new immigration laws of the country. The UK is introducing harder English language requirements for immigrants coming to study, work, and settle in the country.
The language requirements for Skilled Workers and workers where a language requirement already applies from B1 to B2 (Independent User) levels are being increased by the UK government.
UK will also introduce a new English language requirement for all adult dependants of workers and students at level A1 (Basic User) to align with spousal and partner routes.
The UK White Paper on Immigration was submitted to the parliament this week. PM Keir Starmer’s immigration white paper may delay permanent residency for those lacking ‘fluent English’ proficiency.
The UK wants individuals to improve their English language skills over time as they continue their stay in the country. The UK government will introduce requirements to demonstrate progression to level A2 (Basic User) for any visa extension and B2 (Independent User) for settlement.
The new English language rules will also impact Indian students and workers looking to take their dependants with them.
Even for citizenship purposes, the UK will increase the existing requirements for settlement across the majority of immigration routes from B1 to B2 (Independent User).
The UK currently requires a level of English proficiency for many migrants to come to the UK, however, this currently applies to the main applicant only, and no further test is applied to dependants. There are currently no requirements on English proficiency for adult dependants arriving on many of the UK’s work and student routes.
In a survey of nearly 3,000 Graduate visa holders, 83% felt they could speak English very well or fluently. However, this fell to only 73% for Graduate dependant partners.
The level of test needed, known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level, depends on the route being applied for, with the Skilled Worker route, for example, requiring at least level B1 (intermediate level). A further test applies at the point of applying to settle in the UK or apply for citizenship for those aged 18 and over.