UK Tightens Visa Rules: New English Test, Higher Maintenance Funds, and Graduate Route Changes

The United Kingdom has introduced a series of significant changes to its visa regulations for skilled workers and international students, effective from January 2026. These measures, aimed at controlling immigration while encouraging high-skilled talent, include stricter English language requirements, increased financial proof for students, adjustments to the Graduate Route, and updates to the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC). The changes are part of the UK government’s broader strategy outlined in the May 2025 Immigration White Paper, and they reflect a shift toward tighter regulation while promoting integration and contribution to the UK economy.

New Secure English Language Test for Skilled Workers

One of the major changes is the introduction of the Secure English Language Test (SELT), mandated for all skilled visa applicants, including those from India. This test must be conducted by a Home Office-approved provider, and results will be verified during the visa application process.

Applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing English at the B2 level, equivalent to A-Level or Class 12 standards. According to the Home Office, this requirement ensures that skilled migrants are “better able to integrate into life in the UK” and can effectively participate in the workforce and society.

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the importance of language skills for integration, stating:

“This country has always welcomed those who come here and contribute, but it is unacceptable for migrants to arrive without learning our language and be unable to contribute to national life. If you come to this country, you must learn our language and play your part.”

The Secure English Language Test will become mandatory for all skilled worker applications from January 8, 2026, marking a clear standard for language proficiency.

Graduate Route Adjustments

International students under the Graduate Route visa will also face changes. From January 1, 2027, the period to find graduate-level employment after completing studies will be reduced from two years to 18 months. This adjustment applies to all graduates except PhD holders, who will continue to have a three-year job search period.

The Home Office stated that this change is informed by data indicating that too many graduates are not progressing into graduate-level employment. The revised timeframe is intended to ensure that international students transition quickly into jobs that contribute to the UK economy, fulfilling the original purpose of the Graduate Route.

Increased Financial Requirements for Student Visas

The UK government has also raised the maintenance fund requirements for student visas for the 2025–2026 academic year. Students must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves while studying. The revised requirements are:

• London: £1,529 per month (up from £1,483)
• Rest of the UK: £1,171 per month (up from £1,136)

These changes are designed to ensure that students can meet living expenses and maintain financial stability throughout their stay in the UK.

Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) Increase

The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), a levy paid by UK employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers, will also increase by 32%, marking the first rise since 2017. The ISC is intended to boost domestic workforce training and reduce reliance on overseas recruitment.

The updated ISC rates are:

• Small or charitable organisations: £480 per person per year (up from £364)
• Medium and large organisations: £1,320 per person per year (up from £1,000)

The increased charge will be reinvested in training British workers and encouraging employer-led skill development.

High Potential Individual (HPI) Route Expansion

The government is also expanding the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa route, designed to attract global talent. The number of universities whose graduates are eligible has been doubled, while the total number of HPI visas is now capped at 8,000 per year.

The number of places available through this route is expected to increase from 2,000 to 4,000, offering graduates from top global universities the opportunity to establish their careers in the UK. The move aims to attract top researchers, designers, creatives, and innovators to strengthen the UK’s knowledge economy.

Additionally, international students who excel under the HPI route can transition from a student visa to the Innovator Founder route, enabling them to establish innovative businesses in the UK seamlessly.

Global Talent Route and Future Changes

The Home Office has indicated that further changes are planned for the Global Talent route next year. These adjustments aim to attract the world’s most talented entrepreneurs, researchers, and creative professionals, enhancing the UK’s position as a hub for innovation and high-skilled migration.

Botswana Nationals Now Require Visas

As part of wider immigration policy updates, all nationals of Botswana will now require a visa to enter the UK, including for short-term visits. This measure responds to a significant number of arrivals since 2022 who subsequently claimed asylum, seen by the government as misuse of the immigration system.

Implications for Skilled Migrants and Students

These changes represent a significant tightening of UK visa rules:

• Skilled workers must now meet higher language standards.
• International students need increased funds to qualify for visas.
• The Graduate Route job search period has been shortened.
• Employers sponsoring foreign talent will face higher ISC payments.
• HPI and Global Talent routes are being expanded to attract top global talent.

Collectively, these measures aim to integrate migrants effectively, ensure economic contribution, and promote high-skilled talent while reducing the risk of misuse of the UK immigration system.

Conclusion

The UK government’s new visa policies underscore a dual objective: tightening immigration controls while encouraging high-skilled migrants who can contribute meaningfully to the economy and society. With stricter English language requirements, higher financial thresholds, and reforms to employment and visa pathways, skilled migrants and international students must prepare rigorously to meet these new standards.