VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Visas: Overseas Students

Asked by Blake StephensonConservativeHome OfficeTabled Answered 16 January 2026UIN 104262

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proportion of students obtaining a student visa for study at a higher education provider since July 2024 have provided proof that they can speak English.

Answered by Mike Tapp

All successful Student visa applications to study at a Higher Education Provider (HEP) must demonstrate that they meet the English language requirement as specified in the Immigration Rules.

The ways that English language can be demonstrated can be found at:

Immigration Rules - Immigration Rules: Appendix Student - Guidance - GOV.UK

Immigration Rules - Immigration Rules Appendix English Language - Guidance - GOV.UK

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim