English for ILR and Citizenship

English and Life in the UK: the two requirements

To settle in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and to naturalise as a British citizen, most applicants must satisfy the "knowledge of language and life" requirement. It has two separate parts, and you need both:

• An English language qualification at level B1 or above on the CEFR scale (speaking and listening), unless you are exempt or otherwise meet it; and
• A pass in the Life in the UK Test.

The good news is that the standard is the same at both stages, so the work you do for ILR carries over to citizenship. This guide sets out exactly what each part requires, how to prove it, who is exempt, and what is changing in 2027.

The English language requirement (B1)

For ILR and for naturalisation, the required level is B1 on the CEFR scale (Common European Framework of Reference) in speaking and listening. B1 is "intermediate", you can hold a conversation on familiar topics, follow the main points of clear standard speech, and express yourself on everyday matters.

Note that the settlement and citizenship requirement tests speaking and listening only. This is different from the entry stage of some visa routes, which may also test reading and writing. You do not need a higher level than B1 for ILR or citizenship under the current Rules.

How to prove your English

There are three main ways to meet the English language requirement for ILR and citizenship:

1. An approved Secure English Language Test (SELT)

Sit a SELT at B1 or above (speaking and listening) with a provider approved by the Home Office, at an approved test centre. Only tests on the official approved list count, so book through a recognised SELT provider and keep your certificate and unique reference number.

2. A degree taught in English

If you hold a degree (UK bachelor's level or above, or an overseas equivalent) that was taught or researched in English, that can satisfy the requirement. For an overseas degree you will usually need confirmation from Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) that the qualification is equivalent to a UK degree and that it was taught in English.

3. Nationality of a majority English-speaking country

Nationals of countries on the Home Office's list of majority English-speaking countries meet the English requirement automatically. The list is set out in Appendix English Language of the Immigration Rules and includes countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and several Caribbean nations. Check the live Appendix for the definitive list, as it can change.

The Life in the UK Test

The Life in the UK Test is a computer-based, multiple-choice test on British values, history, traditions, and how the government and legal system work. It is required for most ILR and citizenship applications, separately from the English test.

Study from the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. Once you pass, you receive a unique reference number; keep it, because the same pass is used for both your ILR and your citizenship applications.

How the two parts work together for ILR and citizenship

Because the requirement is the same at both stages, sequencing matters. The efficient approach is:

1. Before ILR: sit your B1 SELT (if you need one) and pass the Life in the UK Test. Submit both with your ILR application.
2. At citizenship: you generally rely on the same Life in the UK pass (it has no expiry) and the same English evidence you used for ILR. Most applicants do not retake either.

This means a single B1 certificate and a single Life in the UK pass can carry you through both settlement and naturalisation, provided your circumstances do not change.

For the full route to settlement and then citizenship, see our spouse visa to British citizenship and Skilled Worker to citizenship roadmaps.

Who is exempt

You are exempt from the knowledge of language and life requirement (one or both parts) if you fall into a defined category. The main exemptions are:

• Under 18 at the date of application.
• Aged 65 or over at the date of application.
• You have a long-term physical or mental condition that prevents you from meeting the requirement. You must provide medical evidence (a signed report from a medical practitioner) and, where relevant, the exemption application form.

Some routes have their own exemptions (for example, certain settlement applications such as victims of domestic abuse or as a bereaved partner do not require the tests). If you think an exemption may apply, take advice before assuming it, getting this wrong is a common cause of refusal.

The future B2 requirement (from 2027)

The 2025 Immigration White Paper proposed raising the English standard for settlement, and a B2 requirement has since been written into the Immigration Rules. However, it is deferred until 26 March 2027 and is not yet in force.

What this means in practice:

• If you are applying now: B1 remains the standard for ILR and citizenship.
• If you expect to settle on or after 26 March 2027: plan for B2, which is a meaningfully higher level than B1 and takes longer to reach. Starting English study early is sensible.

This is exactly the kind of rule that changes, so always confirm the current requirement on GOV.UK before you sit a test or submit an application.

Common mistakes

• Booking a non-approved test. Only SELTs from approved providers and the official Life in the UK Test count. Online "practice" certificates do not.
• Assuming a degree qualifies without Ecctis. An overseas degree usually needs Ecctis confirmation of both equivalence and that it was taught in English.
• Forgetting the Life in the UK Test. Meeting the English requirement does not remove the separate need to pass Life in the UK (unless exempt).
• Losing the evidence. Keep your SELT certificate and Life in the UK reference number, you need them again at citizenship.
• Mis-reading an exemption. Age and medical exemptions are specific. Confirm before relying on one.

Glossary

Frequently asked questions