You may need to demonstrate knowledge of life in the United Kingdom (UK) as well as English language ability, before you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain or Citizenship. This ensures that migrants have a practical knowledge for a life in the UK and the skills to integrate into society.
You will need to meet the requirement even if you have a UK education or if your first language is English. You must have English language abilities and knowledge of life in the UK. The Life in the UK test allows applicants who are already speak English to demonstrate that they have knowledge of life in the UK.
Migrants in the UK on HSMP or Tier 1 also need to meet the requirement. While these migrants have already demonstrated the language requirements, they will not have demonstrated knowledge of life in the UK.
There are two ways in which you can do this. If you have reached ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Entry 3 standard of English you need to take a short test called the 'Life in the UK Test'. There is no limit to the number of times you can resit the test.
Otherwise, if you complete the tutorial on the Life in the UK Test site, but you are unable to understand the content of the tutorial, you need to enrol on an ESOL with citizenship course. You need to gain an approved ESOL qualification which includes citizenship materials through attending an ESOL course at a college.
There is no time limit on using a pass in either the Life in the UK test or an ESOL with citizenship course for your Settlement or Citizenship application.
If you are not able to meet this requirement for a Settlement application, you must apply for Further Leave to Remain instead. If your visa is due to expire, apply to extend your Leave to Remain. Failure to do so will mean that you are in the UK illegally.
Life in the UK Test
You will need to take the test at a Life in the UK Test centre in the UK. The test consists of 24 questions based on the information contained in the book 'Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship'.
Make sure you read the latest edition of the book, which is available online from The Stationery Office and many bookshops, for £9.99. The test itself costs £34.
You will be given the result on the day. If you pass the test you will not need any additional proof of your knowledge of English, as you need to be competent in English to pass.
ESOL with citizenship content courses
If you are not yet at ESOL Entry 3 you will need to complete a language course that includes citizenship information. These materials provide sufficient knowledge of the UK and also develop your English language ability.
Exemptions
The requirement will apply to 18-65 year old applicants.
You may be exempt if you have a physical or mental impairment preventing you from taking the test or an ESOL course. Test centres can cater for applicants with limited mobility or visual impairment.
EEA nationals
The Free Movement of Labour provisions of the European Charter prevent the UK government from testing EEA nationals, for a Settlement application.
EEA nationals have to meet the knowledge of life and language requirements to apply for Naturalisation as a British Citizen.
Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
People applying in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man will have to meet the requirement. Paper-based tests on the Islands consist of 25 questions, with 6 questions based on local island knowledge.
Settlement on Entry
Spouses and partners of persons are already settled in the UK will no longer be able to apply for settlement on entry. Spouses and partners will be granted limited leave to enter and will have to take the test before obtaining settlement.
