IMMIGRATION SHAKE-UP DEMANDS FLUENT ENGLISH AND BRITISH VALUES – Migrants will need to meet a much higher level of fluency, akin to A-level standards
The Labour government under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to introduce stricter English language requirements for migrants coming to live and work in the UK, as part of a significant shake-up of the immigration system.
A new white paper expected next week will outline plans to raise the standard of English required for overseas workers seeking UK visas. Currently, applicants need only demonstrate a basic command of the language—roughly equivalent to GCSE-level proficiency—but this is now deemed insufficient for genuine integration into British society.
Under the proposed changes, migrants will need to meet a much higher level of fluency, akin to A-level standards. This means they must be able to communicate fluently and express themselves confidently on complex topics, both in speech and writing.
The move is part of a broader government strategy to address soaring net migration, which reached a record 728,000 last year, and to help fill workforce gaps by encouraging over 9 million unemployed UK residents back into employment.
Sources close to the policy development say the message to prospective migrants will be clear: those who want to come to Britain must be prepared to contribute—by learning English and upholding British values. The higher English proficiency standard will also apply to successful asylum seekers before they can apply for permanent residency, typically granted after five years.
The new immigration framework will include more rigorous English assessments and is expected to reinforce alignment with key national principles, such as democracy, legal compliance, and religious tolerance. However, officials are still determining how these values will be tested.
