Keir Starmer has pledged to stick with a points-based immigration system after Brexit.
In 2020 Labour's leader said he would "defend free movement" and create “an immigration system based on compassion and dignity”.
But in his speech to the party conference in Liverpool today, he promised to "control immigration using a points-based system".
Tory ministers brought in a points-based system for EU migrants after Brexit, with entrants needing a minimum salary and skills.
It has already been tweaked due to skills shortages - and PM Liz Truss is expected to relax shortage occupation lists further.
A spokesman for Keir Starmer pointed out Labour had already applied a points system to migrants from outside Europe.
"We've been in favour of a points-based system for some time now, it was Labour that introduced a points-based system in government in 2008," he said.
He also said Labour disagrees with some aspects of the Tory approach to immigration, including plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.
But he confirmed a reformed points-based system will be Labour's approach to immigration, from both inside and outside the EU.
"You do a points-based system based on the needs of the country at the time,” he said.
During the Labour leadership contest Keir Starmer suggested he would “bring back” free movement after Brexit, but has long since U-turned on the pledge.
In today’s speech he vowed to "make Brexit work" and said voters who left Labour over its handling of Brexit had been "let down".
In his speech to his party's annual conference, the Labour leader - who backed a second referendum - accused the Tories under Liz Truss of "changing the meaning of Brexit before your eyes".
He insisted Labour will make Brexit work by making sure "we buy make and sell more in Britain" and by revitalising the public services and controlling immigration using a points-based system.
"I will spread power and opportunity to all our communities," he told the exhibition centre in Liverpool.
The Labour leader began his section on Brexit saying "it is no secret I voted Remain - as the Prime Minister did", which stirred a few chuckles.
He went on: "But what I heard, around the country, was people who thought we'd got our priorities wrong; who wanted democratic control over their lives but who also wanted opportunities for the next generation, communities they felt proud of, public services they could rely on."
"I didn't hear that Brexit was about slashing workers' rights.
"I didn't hear people wanting to lower standards on food, animal welfare or the environment.
"I didn't hear them wanting to end redistribution."
