According to the Home Office, all individuals wishing to settle in the UK should demonstrate their commitment by learning English and by having an understanding of British history, culture and traditions.
Therefore, from 28 October 2013, unless they are exempt, all applicants for settlement or naturalisation as a British citizen will need to meet the knowledge of language and life in the UK requirement by:
– passing the life in the UK test; and
– having a speaking and listening qualification in English at B1 CEFR or higher, or its equivalent.
Many people are wondering if these changes are affecting the Life in the UK test itself. So it is important to note that the test itself has not changed. The test has the same format, and is based on the same study guide (“Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents”) as before October 28, 2013. So just to be clear: no changes have been made to the test. The requirements (for settlement or naturalisation) have changed, but not the test itself.
According to the Home Office, a certain level of English (speaking and listening) is necessary for a successful integration into the British community. It is true that being able to communicate with the wider community (not just your own community) is essential for many practical reasons, to find a job, to understand all kind of administrative/official procedures, to start a business, to travel around, and so on. The Home Office will accept a range of English language qualifications as evidence that your speaking and listening qualification in English is at B1 CEFR or higher.
Also, according to the Home Office, it is essential that people who want to live permanently in the UK have a minimum understanding of British traditions, culture and history. The Life in the UK test is the way to test this knowledge of life in the UK.
For a full overview of these new requirements, go to https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/182545/statement-of-intent-koll.pdf
Hi i have a quesation i passed life in the uk test 2010. can i still use 2010 certificate or i have to resit.i graduate from uk.
Hi I have ilr since from 2006 so I just want to know if I apply British citizenship without life in the UK test or we need to do test ? Thnx
Hi I’ve passed the life in the uk test do I still have to do a knowledge of language test to apply for citizenship
Thanks
I am a refugee, I renew my travel document and I receive biometric card with refugee settlement on it. Now do I have to do life in the uk test. i am confused i want citizenship
If you are applying for British citizenship, then you will have to pass the Life in the UK test. In your case, as a refugee, you should double check though with the Home Office
Email public.enquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone 020 7035 4848
hi i passed life in the u k in 2008. do i need to do it again for apply citizenship now? i also did esol entry 1,2,3 and level 1 and 2 course. what else do i need to do applying for a naturalisation? thank you.
Your life in the UK test should still be valid. For the “knowledge of English” requirement, please visit https://www.gov.uk/english-language