London , England ( CNN ) -- All non-European immigrants to the United Kingdom must pass a basic English language test before being granted a visa under new rules announced by the government Wednesday . The rules will apply to anyone wanting to join their spouse or partner in the United Kingdom , and they will come into effect in autumn this year , the government said . `` I believe being able to speak English should be a prerequisite for anyone who wants to settle here , '' Home Secretary Theresa May said . She said the new requirement will `` help promote integration , remove cultural barriers , and protect public services . '' Anyone wishing to come to the United Kingdom as a partner must demonstrate a basic command of conversational English by proving they have passed the test at an approved testing center , the Home Office said . `` It is a privilege to come to the U.K. , and that is why I am committed to raising the bar for migrants and ensuring that those who benefit from being in Britain contribute to our society , '' May said in a statement . She said the change is just a first step , and that the government is hoping to tighten the English-language requirements even further . `` Today 's announcement is one of a wide range of measures the new government is taking to ensure that immigration is properly controlled for the benefit of the U.K. , alongside a limit on work visas and an effective system for regulating the students who come here , '' May said . Under current rules , people applying for visas to join their partners must first meet a range of criteria , including showing that their marriage or partnership is genuine , and that they can support themselves financially . They must first apply for a two-year settlement visa . After that , they can apply for permission to settle in Britain -- known as indefinite leave to remain , which is similar to a U.S. green card -- but they must first take a test on British culture , politics , and laws . The new English test will be in addition to that test , the Home Office said .
UK introduces marriage test for all non - European citizens . It is for all those applying to register their spouses or children . Language test is in addition to existing test on laws and culture . British government hoping to tighten controls even further .