This first requirement is usually satisfied by passing a ‘Life in the UK’ test (which is a series of 24 questions about ‘British traditions and customs’).

The ‘language’ requirement can be satisfied in several ways, for example: by being a national of a majority English-speaking country, having a UK degree certificate, or a degree taught or researched in a majority English-speaking country, or a degree taught or researched in a non-majority English speaking country (and supported by an Academic Qualification Level Statement & English Language Proficiency Statement from Ecctis) or finally, by passing a ‘Secure English Language Test’ at an approved test centre and at the appropriate level (which for naturalisation applications is CEFR level B1). 

On these "Secure English Language Tests," it's important to note that the Government's website makes it clear that some of these qualifications only last two years, but they can still be used when applying for citizenship in certain cases. The following are:

You can use a B1, B2, C1 or C2 level qualification that’s run out if both of the following are true: 

• you’re applying for citizenship
• it was accepted when you settled in the UK.

“It does not matter if the test you took is not on the current list of recognised tests. You do not need to take another test.”

In practice, this means that "non-EU applicants will have already passed the Life in the UK Test and proven their language skills, as this has been a requirement for obtaining indefinite leave to remain since April 2007." This means that applicants "will not need to re-test for naturalisation if they have already passed the UK Life Test" and "English language qualifications provided for settlement purposes can be re-used for naturalisation." Because of this, many individuals will already meet these requirements and will not need to take the next English or UK Life Test.

What are the Exemptions to the English Language and Life in the UK Test Requirements?

Individuals applying for settlement or naturalisation will generally need to satisfy both the English Language and UK Life test requirements, but there are certain scenarios where these standard requirements do not apply.

If the applicant is aged 65 or over, applicants over this age are automatically exempted from having to pass both the English and Life in the UK tests.

Exemption from the English Language Requirement

Health or disability

You may be exempt if you have a physical or mental health condition that is "long-standing, permanent." This condition must permanently hinder your ability to prepare for or take the test. In order to qualify for exemption, you must:

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

Illiteracy will not qualify you for exemption.

You will not necessarily be exempted from the test if you have a visual or hearing impairment. Physical conditions of this nature are assessed on an individual basis. The majority of test centres are adequately equipped to provide support to individuals with disabilities. See if your local test centre can accommodate your needs. If they are unable to do so, you should seek assistance from the Home Office in order to complete your application for settlement or citizenship.

You are not required to satisfy the English language requirement for Settlement applications if you are applying as such:

• a victim of domestic violence as the partner or spouse of a British citizen or someone settled in the UK
• the partner or spouse of a person who has died who was either a British citizen or someone settled in the UK
• an adult dependent relative between 18 and 64 of someone who is present and settled in the UK, is a refugee or has humanitarian protection
• a refugee living in the UK
• someone living in the UK with discretionary leave
• someone living in the UK for humanitarian protection
• someone who has permission to stay in the UK as a retired person of independent means
• a Commonwealth citizen on discharge from HM Forces, including Gurkhas
• a highly skilled migrant applying under the terms of the highly skilled migrant program (HSMP) judicial review and your dependants
• someone in exceptional circumstances, eg as an orphan, widow or over-age dependant

When applying to become a British citizen, there are no other exemptions. Even if you were granted a settlement exemption, you must have a relevant English language qualification.

Life in the UK test Exemption

An exemption for the Life in the UK examination may be applied in a variety of situations. Situations such as these include:

• Poor health, whether it be physical or mental
• Individuals who are 65 years of age or older
• Under the age of 18

In the event that you are exempt from the Life in the UK test, it is necessary to verify your exemption by completing the relevant form and obtaining a note from your doctor that verifies your condition.

If you are currently in the United Kingdom under the EU Settlement Scheme, you will still be required to take the test if you seek to naturalise as a British citizen, despite the fact that this status indicates that you are settled in the UK.

It is important to remember that a physical or mental illness does not serve as an automatic exemption. The Home Office's Guidance specifically states that an exemption will only be considered if your condition permanently prevents you from satisfying these requirements.

Typically, temporary illnesses, such as stress or depression, would not qualify for exemption. Consequently, it will frequently be essential to obtain comprehensive legal advice to determine whether a particular circumstance has the possibility to cross this legal threshold.

Taking the test with a disability

Not all medical conditions will result in an exemption from the Life in the UK test. For example, if you are disabled, you may still be required to take the test. If you believe that you should be exempt, you might discuss it with your doctor to determine what they say.

Nevertheless, you may still be able to obtain additional support, such as assistance with gaining entry to the test centre or the provision of additional equipment. To do so, please contact the Life in the UK Test Helpline at 0800 015 4245. They are available from 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday.

Typically, individuals who are applying for ILR and UK citizenship must meet the English Language and Life in the UK test requirements. However, there are specific circumstances in which these standard requirements may be waived.

The threshold for qualifying for these exemptions is high, as they are exceptions to the rules that are typically in effect. Consequently, a careful review of the facts of each case will be necessary to determine whether any of the exemptions discussed here can be used in a naturalisation or ILR application.