Entry to UK becomes tough as new English language tests for skilled visa applicants imposed

October 27 2025

Entry to UK becomes tough as new English language tests for skilled visa applicants imposed

The UK government on Tuesday placed stricter English language test requirements on visa applicants, including from India, in Parliament as part of a broader crackdown on soaring immigration levels.

The new Secure English Language Test (SELT) must be taken through a Home Office–approved provider, with results verified during the visa application stage for all skilled workers, beginning January 8, 2026.

An applicant’s standard of speaking, listening, reading, and writing English must now be equivalent to A-Level / Class 12 (Level B2), a benchmark the Home Office says will help ensure that migrants are “better able to integrate into life in the UK.

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,” said UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. “If you come to this country, you must learn our language and play your part.

These changes were laid out in a written ministerial statement (WMS) in the House of Commons this week. They form part of the British government’s Immigration White Paper published in May, aimed at tightening the visa regime.

Other key changes in the immigration overhaul

Graduate Route visa reduced: From January 1, 2027, international students will have 18 months to find graduate-level jobs (down from 2 years). PhD graduates will retain a 3-year permit.
Higher financial (maintenance) requirements: For the 2025–2026 academic year, students must show £1,529/month in London (up from £1,483) and £1,171/month elsewhere in the UK (up from £1,136).
Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) increase: The ISC (paid by sponsoring employers) will be raised by 32%. Small or charitable organisations will now pay £480/year (up from £364); medium and large organisations will pay £1,320/year (up from £1,000).
High Potential Individual (HPI) visa changes: The number of universities whose graduates can use the HPI route will be doubled. The total number of HPI slots will be capped at 8,000 per year.
Boost for entrepreneur transition: Graduates will be able to transition more easily from a student visa to the Innovator Founder route.
Botswana nationals to require visa: Effective immediately, all nationals of Botswana must now obtain a visa (even for short visits) in response to observed misuse of the UK’s visitor system.

Author : Jasmin Joseph

I’m Jasmin Joseph, Regional Manager at Berakah Elite Education, with over 11 years of experience in international student recruitment and counselling. As a British Council Certified Counsellor, I hold an MBA in Human Resources, along with certifications from ICCC and ICEF.I have successfully facilitated student placements across the UK, US, Canada, Europe, and Asia, while leading our regional operations and business development network. My focus is on building strategic partnerships and providing tailored guidance to help students achieve their global education goals.