What are the ‘knowledge of English language’ and ‘Life in the UK Test’ requirements?
In many categories where you apply for settlement in the UK (also known as indefinite leave to remain) or apply to naturalise as a British citizen, it is necessary to meet the knowledge of the English language and life in the UK test requirements. There are two parts to meeting the requirement: 1) You must prove your knowledge of the English language; and 2) You must pass a Life in the UK Test.
Proving your knowledge of the English language can either be done by obtaining an English language qualification from an approved test centre or by having a degree taught or researched in English. Knowledge of English language proves that you’re able to speak and understand English at the level required for settlement and/or naturalisation.
The Life in the UK test is a computer-based test, with a duration of 45 minutes where there will be 24 multiple-choice questions asked. These questions are based on life in the United Kingdom, ranging from history, everyday life, traditions and values. You must obtain a 75% score to pass the test, however if you fail the test, you can re-take it as many times as you need but you will need to pay each time. Passing the Life in the UK test proves that you, as the applicant have the required knowledge of life in the UK to settle and/or naturalise as British.
When am I not required to prove my knowledge of Language and life in the UK?
You will not need to prove your knowledge of Language and Life in the UK when applying for settlement or naturalisation if you:
- Are under the age of 18
- Are aged 65 or over
- Are unable to due to a long-term physical and/or mental condition
- Are a national of one of the following countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British Overseas Territories, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Ireland (for citizenship only), Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago or USA
There are some further exemptions if you’re applying to settle in the UK, such as when you’re currently on a certain work visa. This is because you would have already proved your knowledge of the English language when you applied for your current work visa.
Other reasons why you may be exempt from proving your knowledge of English language when applying for settlement can include if you're...
- A victim of domestic violence as the partner or spouse of a British citizen or someone settled in the UK
- The partner or spouse of a person who has died who was either a British citizen or someone settled in the UK
- An adult dependent relative between 18 and 64 of someone who is present and settled in the UK, is a refugee or has humanitarian protection
- A refugee living in the UK
- Someone living in the UK with discretionary leave
- Living in the UK for with humanitarian protection
- Someone who has permission to stay in the UK as a retired person of independent means
- A Commonwealth citizen on discharge from HM Forces, including Gurkhas
- Someone in exceptional circumstances, for example as an orphan, widow or over-age dependant
When am I not required to take the Life in the UK test?
You will not be required to take the Life in the UK test if you:
- Are under the age of 18.
- Are aged 65 or over.
- Have passed it before – if you have already taken and passed the test when you applied for settlement and are now applying for British citizenship (you only need to take and pass the test once as there is no expiry on it)
- Are unable to due to a long-term physical and/or mental condition
What do I do if I have a long-term physical and/or mental condition?
If you have a long-term physical and/or mental condition which would prevent you from passing the relevant tests, there is an exemption form on the government website which must be completed by a qualified medical professional on your behalf. If you also already have a report or a letter from a medical professional describing your condition, please include it with the form.
Please also include all the original and current relevant medical reports setting out your diagnosis.
This exemption form and medical report(s) and/or letter(s) should be included with your visa application form.
How we can help you at OTB Legal
We recognise that there are many exemptions to having to prove your knowledge of the English language or from having to take the Life in the UK test which can make the already complicated process of applying for settlement in the UK or British citizenship even more confusing. We would be happy to help guide you through the process.
We offer a free initial consultation, therefore do not hesitate to book an appointment now: