Overview

• The immigration White Paper, expected next week, will propose raising the English proficiency requirement for work visas to A-level (B2) standard, up from the current GCSE level.
• Plans include extending the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years unless migrants meet conditions related to language, residency, and financial status.
• Employers will be mandated to train British workers and could face restrictions on hiring foreign staff if they fail to comply with employment laws or workforce development requirements.
• Graduate visas will be tied to securing graduate-level jobs, while asylum seekers may need to meet higher language standards after five years for permanent settlement.
• The reforms aim to reduce reliance on overseas labour, integrate migrants into British society, and address public concerns over record migration figures and rising support for Reform UK.