How to meet the knowledge of language and life in the UK requirement for immigration applications

It is a requirement of making an application for naturalisation as a British citizen and for indefinite leave to remain in the UK that an applicant meets what is known as the ‘knowledge of language and life in the UK requirement’. 

Not everyone who is eligible for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) must meet the knowledge of language and life in the UK requirement. Some immigration routes are exempt from this, however, it is mandatory for those on a number of immigration routes to meet the requirement. 

There are two parts to this requirement: one part is knowledge of the English language, and the other part is knowledge of life in the UK – both parts must be met.

Knowledge of English language

You can meet the knowledge of English language part of the requirement can be met in one of three ways. 

1. Being a citizen of one of the Home Office’s designated majority English-speaking countries.

2. Holding a university degree (at Bachelor’s level or above) that was taught or researched in English. 

3. Passing a Home Office approved speaking and listening English language test at level B1 of CEFR (or above) at a Home Office approved testing centre. 

Knowledge of life in the UK

To meet the knowledge of life in the UK part of the requirement, you must pass the Life in the UK test. In the UK, this test can be booked through the gov.uk website. There is a handbook available to help you prepare for the test, and there is no limit on the number of times you can take this test. 

Exemptions

If you require to meet the knowledge of language and life in the UK requirement and are struggling to do so, please bear in mind that there are some exceptions to this requirement:

Age:

If you are under 18 or over 65, then you do not need to meet either part of the requirement. This applies to both applications for ILR and for naturalisation as a British citizen. 

Relevant physical or mental conditions: 

If you suffer from a physical or mental condition and it would be unreasonable to expect you to meet the knowledge of language and life requirement, then you can ask the Home Office to exercise their discretion and waive the requirement. This applies to both ILR and naturalisation applications. This is usually only applicable if you have a long-term illness, disability or mental condition that means that you would be unable to learn English to the required standard or prepare for the Life in the UK test. In order to qualify for this exception, medical evidence must be provided and this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Windrush scheme:

If you are applying for naturalisation as a British citizen under the Windrush scheme then you are also exempt from the requirement. 

Those resident in the UK for over 15 years:

The requirements are somewhat different if you are applying for ILR (not citizenship) and have held at least 15 years of continuous leave to remain in the UK as a partner, child, parent or dependant of HM Forces personnel, a Points Based System Migrant or a work permit holder. If you fall into one of these categories then you do not need to pass the Life in the UK test. 

In addition, if you are struggling to reach the required level of English, the Home Office guidance states that you can instead provide proof that you have passed an English language test as outlined above at level A2 CEFR alongside a letter from a qualified English language teacher confirming that it would not be reasonable to expect you to pass an English language test at B1 level. 

Should you wish to discuss making an application for indefinite leave to remain or to naturalise as a British citizen, please do not hesitate to contact our Immigration department, who will be more than happy to assist.