Most adults applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) must prove they can speak and understand English at a minimum level of CEFR B1 — equivalent to "intermediate" use of the language.
Who Must Prove English?
You'll generally need to meet the requirement if you're applying as a:
- Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder or other work-route applicant.
- Spouse or unmarried partner of a British citizen or settled person.
- Long residence (10-year route) applicant.
Who Is Exempt?
- Applicants under 18 or over 65.
- Nationals of majority-English-speaking countries (e.g. USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland).
- Holders of an academic degree taught in English (an ECCTIS confirmation letter is usually required).
- Applicants with certain physical or mental conditions that make passing the test impossible (medical evidence required).
Accepted Tests
If you have to take a test, only those on the Home Office Secure English Language Test (SELT) list count. The most popular options include:
- IELTS for UKVI – Life Skills (B1) or General Training.
- Pearson PTE Home – B1.
- LanguageCert International ESOL – B1.
- Trinity College London – ISE I or GESE Grade 5.
Life in the UK Test
In addition to English, ILR applicants must also pass the Life in the UK test — a 24-question multiple-choice exam on British history, culture, and law. The two requirements are separate; one does not replace the other.
What If I Already Met This for an Earlier Visa?
Good news: if you already provided B1 English evidence for a previous successful application (for example, when extending a partner visa), you usually don't need to repeat it for ILR — provided the evidence is still valid.
"For ILR, English is non-negotiable. Plan your test six months ahead of your application."
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