Knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom

This page contains details of the knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom that you need to have before you make an application for settlement. You can demonstrate your knowledge of language and of life in the United Kingdom in two ways.

If you speak English to a reasonable standard, you will need to pass the Life in the UK test. If you are not an English speaker, you will need to take and pass a course in English and citizenship.

English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)

If English is not your main language, you can do an ESOL course to help you improve your English. ESOL has three entry level courses:

• ESOL Entry 1;
• ESOL Entry 2;
• ESOL Entry 3.

Details of what is covered in each of these courses are available from the Department for Children, Schools and Families. ESOL courses are available throughout the United Kingdom; the Directgov website can help you find a course being run in your area.

Knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom for non-English speakers

If you do not have English skills at ESOL Entry 3 or above, you need to take an ESOL course to demonstrate your knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom.

You must take a course which includes citizenship materials. The course will allow you to gain sufficient knowledge of the United Kingdom at the same time as developing your knowledge of the English language. Before you apply for settlement, you will need to show that you have moved up from one ESOL level to the next. You will need to provide evidence of this as part of your application.

Knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom for English speakers

If your English skills are higher than ESOL Entry 3, you will need to pass the Life in the UK test before you submit your application for citizenship. The test consists of 24 multiple choice questions based on the information in the handbook Life in the UK: A Journey to Citizenship. The handbook was last updated in March 2007; you should make sure you use this version of the handbook when preparing for the test. The handbook is available from many bookshops, or you can order it directly from The Stationery Office. If you have a visual impairment, there is an audio CD version of the handbook available.

If you are in the United Kingdom, the test can be taken at one of the 100 Life in the UK test centres. Details of how to prepare for and book your test are available on the Life in the UK test website. If you have a visual impairment, the test is available in large print or the computer can read out each question for you. If you have special needs, you should contact your nearest test centre for details of the support they can provide.

The test costs £33.28. You will need to pay the fee at the test centre before you begin the test. You will also need to show photographic identification before you take the test. The Life in the UK test website provides details of suitable forms of identification.

If you pass the test, you will receive a pass notification letter. You will need to send this letter to us as part of your application. The test centre will also notify us electronically that you have successfully passed the test. This notification may take up to seven days. If you pass the test you will not need to provide any other evidence of your language skills.

Taking the test in Welsh or Scottish Gaelic

The test is usually taken in English. If you are taking the test in Wales, you can request to take the test in Welsh. If you are taking the test in Scotland, you can request to take the test in Scottish Gaelic. You should ask your nearest test centre for further details.

If you are in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man

You will be required pass the test or successfully complete an ESOL course that contains citizenship materials before you apply for settlement. Tests taken on the islands are paper-based and consist of 25 questions, with six questions based on local information about the island where the test is being taken.

Exemption from meeting the language and knowledge of life in the United Kingdom requirements

If you are over 65, you do not need to meet the language and knowledge of life in the United Kingdom requirements. You should send your passport or birth certificate as evidence of your age with your application.

If you have a long-standing, permanent disability that prevents you from learning English you may not have to meet the requirements. You must:

• be suffering from a long-term illness or disability that severely restricts mobility and ability to attend language classes; or
• have a mental impairment that means you are unable to learn another language.

You should send evidence from a doctor confirming your disability with your application.

If you require special arrangements to learn English or take the test, you must still meet the requirements.