Visa rules for those arriving in the UK will be further tightened from 2026.

The British government has decided to implement extensive reforms in its immigration process, effective from January 2026. British authorities have stated that the primary objective of introducing these new laws is to control and reduce the overall number of immigrants (Net Migration) entering the country.

Under these new regulations, the rules regarding English language proficiency for obtaining visas have been tightened. From January 8, 2026, all individuals applying for a work visa must demonstrate 'B2' level English proficiency (equivalent to A-level standard). Previously, this requirement was at 'B1' level. This change will significantly impact graduates, skilled worker visa applicants, and 'Scale-up' visa applicants.

However, the government has announced that this new language rule will not apply to individuals already holding visas and residing in Britain when extending their visa period.

Decisive changes have also been made regarding the qualifying period required to obtain permanent residency in Britain, known as 'Indefinite Leave to Remain' (ILR). The previous 5-year qualifying period has been extended to 10 years. In certain specific circumstances, a situation has arisen where individuals may have to wait up to 20 years to obtain permanent residency.

Specifically, individuals who have received government social welfare benefits for less than 12 months must wait 15 years for permanent residency, while those who received long-term benefits must wait 20 years. For health and care workers who obtained visas before the Brexit process, the previous 5-year period for permanent residency has also been extended to 15 years.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has emphasized that individuals coming to Britain should learn the country's language and make a positive contribution to society. It is estimated that these new legal changes will affect nearly 2.6 million immigrants who have arrived in Britain since 2021.