When it comes to moving abroad for work or study, the UK has always been a top choice. However, the UK government is now tightening its immigration process with a new rule that requires tougher English proficiency. This means foreign nationals applying for a skilled worker visa in the UK or bringing their families, will need to go through higher standards of English-level proficiency than required earlier. Keep reading for more details.
The UK Government Introduces New Visa Rules
If you’re planning to move to the UK, then you need to know about a few major changes that are being introduced in their visa policies. The UK government is tightening its immigration policies, making it tougher for foreigners to move to the country for work. As part of a proposed plan to reform the immigration system, the UK authorities are now planning to roll out stricter English language requirements for visa applicants. According to new visa rules in the UK, the skilled workers, as well as their partners and family members, will now need to prove a higher level of English proficiency to qualify, reported Times of India.
Under the new rules, people applying for skilled worker visa will need to show better English skills than before. Their partners will also have to meet at least a basic level of English. The exact details and testing process haven’t been decided yet. The final decision will be taken after public consultation. Once that’s done, the Home Office will announce when and how the new rules will be applied.
According to Edex Live, another change in the UK visa policy is that, instead of two years, now international students will have only 18 months to find graduate-level jobs after completing their studies. Also, the financial requirements for student visas are set to increase for the 2025-26 academic year.
Who Can Apply For Indefinite Leave To Remain In The UK?
Right now, before applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain, a person has to live in the country for about five years. If the new visa changes are approved, they will have to stay in the UK for ten years. The government also plans to introduce an ‘earned settlement’ system, which would allow some migrants to apply earlier if they meet certain conditions, such as having a job or fulfilling other requirements, according to Times of India.
The changes on the UK visas are not in effect yet but are expected soon. Public consultations on the English language rules are likely to take place in late 2025. Once that’s done, the final level of English required and how it will be tested will be announced.
How do you think these new rules will affect people thinking of shifting to the UK?
Also Read: Qatar Rolls Out A 5-Year Golden Visa &; Heres A Step-By-Step Guide For Indians To Apply
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