UK Unveils Stricter English Language Rules in Immigration Overhaul
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The UK government has announced a sweeping overhaul of its immigration policy, introducing stricter English language requirements across all visa categories – including for the dependants of international students. The changes, detailed in a newly published immigration white paper, form part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s broader pledge to reform what he described as a “broken” immigration system.
Speaking at a press conference on 12 May, Starmer underlined the role of language in fostering integration. “When people come to our country, they should also commit to integration and to learning our language,” he said.
Under the new framework, English language standards will be raised across every immigration route. For the first time, adult dependants of international students and skilled workers will be required to demonstrate English proficiency. Upon entry, dependants must meet the A1 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). To extend their stay, they will need to reach A2, and for settled status, a B2 level will be required.
Previously, no formal language threshold was applied to dependants, though international students were already expected to meet institutional English proficiency standards. The government argues that these new benchmarks will support community integration, prevent exploitation, and enhance employment opportunities.
Skilled worker routes will also see their language requirement raised from B1 to B2. Another notable change is the reduction in the Graduate Route duration from two years to 18 months, a move that could impact thousands of international graduates seeking post-study work opportunities in the UK.
Further tightening of immigration pathways includes the extension of the residency requirement for British citizenship applications from five years to ten – doubling the current standard and surpassing comparable thresholds in countries such as the United States.
Despite the tougher rules, Starmer reiterated the value of migration to the UK. “Migrants make a massive contribution to the UK, and you will never hear me denigrate that,” he said.
The reforms mark a significant shift in the UK’s immigration approach and are expected to have far-reaching implications for international students, workers, and their families. Additional updates and clarifications are anticipated in the coming weeks.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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