This project proposal seeks to bridge significant gaps in the understanding of Migration or Integration Language Tests (MILTs) by scrutinizing their rationale, construction, operationalization, and impact within the contexts of migration and integration policies. Despite the widespread implementation of MILTs there remains a lack of comprehensive research on the rationale, operationalization and impact of MILTs on migrants' lives. As such the proposed research is positioned at the intersection of applied linguistics and policy analysis, aiming to deliver an in-depth comparative analysis of MILT deployment both globally and locally, with a specific focus on a comparative policy analysis between Austria and Belgium. It will (1) elucidate the policy rationale behind MILTs, comparing stated objectives with actual outcomes; (2) examine the validity and operationalization of language tests, highlighting the discrepancies and challenges inherent in their application; and (3) assess the real-world impact of MILTs on educational practices and the lived educational experiences of migrants. This approach fills a critical research void and offers a nuanced understanding that transcends the prevailing discourse in applied linguistics. By drawing on a multidisciplinary framework and engaging with a diverse array of research methodologies this project aspires to redefine the academic and policy discussions surrounding MILTs, and to impact practice.