To settle permanently in the United Kingdom — or to become a British citizen — you must meet two important requirements set by the UK government. These requirements exist to ensure that everyone who makes the UK their permanent home is able to participate fully in British life. This topic explains what those requirements are and how to meet them.
English language requirement
To apply for indefinite leave to remain (also called settlement or permanent residency) or for British citizenship, you must show that you have a good knowledge of the English language.
There are several ways to meet this requirement:
- Pass an approved English language test at level B1 or above on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The Home Office maintains a list of approved test providers and tests.
- Hold a degree or higher qualification taught in English — from a UK institution or from a country where English is the official language.
- Be a national of a majority English-speaking country, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the United States, in which case you are usually exempt.
- Some applicants may be exempt based on age or disability — check the latest Home Office guidance for details.
The English requirement applies to most adult applicants. Partners and dependants may also need to demonstrate English language ability depending on the type of application.
NOTE
The English language requirement and the Life in the UK test are two separate requirements. Passing the Life in the UK test does not satisfy the English language requirement on its own.
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If you are unsure whether you need to take an English language test, check the official UK Visas and Immigration guidance at gov.uk/english-language before submitting your application.
Knowledge of life in the UK requirement
Alongside the English language requirement, most applicants for settlement or citizenship must demonstrate a sufficient knowledge of life in the United Kingdom.
This requirement applies to people applying for:
- Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) — also known as permanent residence or settlement.
- British citizenship by naturalisation — becoming a full British citizen.
The requirement does not apply to everyone. You may be exempt if:
- You are under 18 years of age.
- You are aged 65 or over.
- You have a long-term physical or mental condition that makes it impractical to meet the requirement.
If none of these exemptions apply to you, you must satisfy the knowledge requirement before your application can be approved.
NOTE
Both ILR applicants and citizenship applicants must meet the knowledge of life in the UK requirement — unless they qualify for an exemption. Check the current Home Office guidance to confirm your eligibility.
CAUTION
Do not assume you are exempt. Submitting an application without meeting the knowledge requirement — or without providing valid evidence — will result in your application being refused.
Meeting the knowledge requirement
The standard way to meet the knowledge requirement is to pass the Life in the UK test. This is a computer-based test taken at an approved test centre across the United Kingdom.
Here is what you need to know about the test:
- The test consists of 24 questions, drawn from the content of the official handbook Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents.
- You must answer at least 18 out of 24 questions correctly (75%) to pass.
- The test lasts 45 minutes.
- It is taken at one of the approved test centres operated by SITEL UK (the official test provider). There are centres throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- The test costs £50 per attempt.
- You can book your test online at the official government website: gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test.
If you fail the test, you may retake it — but you must wait at least 7 days before booking another attempt. There is no limit on the number of times you may sit the test.
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The official handbook Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents is the only study material you need. The test is based entirely on its contents. Read it carefully — do not rely on unofficial summaries or apps alone.
NOTE
Once you pass the test, you will receive a unique reference number. Keep this safe — you will need to include it in your settlement or citizenship application. Your pass result does not expire.
CAUTION
Only book your test through the official government website (gov.uk). There are unofficial third-party websites that charge higher fees and are not endorsed by the Home Office. Always verify the URL before paying.
Here is what you need to know about becoming a permanent resident:
- English language requirement — you must demonstrate level B1 English or above through an approved test, a degree taught in English, or nationality of a majority English-speaking country
- Knowledge of life in the UK requirement — most applicants for ILR or citizenship must meet this requirement unless they are under 18, aged 65+, or have a qualifying medical condition
- Meeting the knowledge requirement — pass the Life in the UK test: 24 questions, 45 minutes, 75% pass mark, £50 per attempt, booked at gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test
Both requirements must be met before a settlement or citizenship application can succeed. Plan ahead — allow enough time to prepare and, if needed, retake the test.
Up next: Taking the Life in the UK test — find out exactly what to expect on test day, how to prepare effectively, and what happens after you pass.