Life in the UK
Individuals intending to permanently settle in UK
or apply to
become British Citizens must pass the Life in the UK Test or if their English
is below entry level 3 must study ESOL with Citizenship some people are exempt
please see Life in the UK Test website on links page to get further details.
Why has the test been introduced?
Becoming a British citizen or deciding to settle
permanently in this country is an important event in your life. If you are applying for
naturalisation as a British citizen or for indefinite leave to remain, you will
need to show that you know about life in the UK. If you live in England,
Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you can do this in two ways: by taking the
Life in the UK Test or by taking combined English for Speakers of Other
Languages (ESOL) and citizenship course.
Who has to take this test?
You should take the test if you are applying for
naturalisation as a British citizen or indefinite leave to remain (settlement)
and your level of English is lower than ESOL Entry 3, you haven't had any
formal education in UK, You will need to attend combined English
language (ESOL) and citizenship course instead.
When do I attend the course?
You should enrol on to the course at least 3 months
prior to applying for indefinite leave to remain or naturalisation as a British
citizen, provided you meet all the other requirements.
How long is the course for?
The course runs for two to three weeks depending on
the entry level you achieve at your initial ESOL interview. If you have certain
medical conditions or disability you must tell us when you enrol on the course.
