The English requirement for settlement
Settlement (indefinite leave to remain) asks for B1 level English now, and B2 for applications made on or after 26 March 2027. This is a step up from the A1 level asked for at a first family visa application. This guide explains what those levels mean and the published ways to meet the requirement.
- Section
- Costs, English & General
- Reading time
- 8 min
- Last checked
- 15 February 2026
- Source
- The published Immigration Rules and GOV.UK guidance, linked throughout this guide.
- Rowan does not
- Look at your own case, tell you which route to choose, or say what the Home Office will decide. This guide shows the published rules and where to read them.
In short
- B1 level English is the requirement for settlement applications made now.
- For applications made on or after 26 March 2027 the level rises to B2.
- Pass an approved Secure English Language Test in speaking and listening, or use a degree taught or researched in English.
- Citizenship is set by the same rule and asks for the same level.
- No proof is needed if you are 65 or over, under 18, a national of a country UKVI treats as majority English-speaking, or unable to meet it because of a long-term physical or mental condition.
Settlement asks for B1 level English, shown by an approved Secure English Language Test in speaking and listening or by a qualifying degree. Citizenship uses the same level. From 26 March 2027 the level rises to B2. People aged 65 or over, people under 18, nationals of the countries UKVI treats as majority English-speaking, and people with a long-term physical or mental condition that makes the test unreasonable do not have to prove it.
What B1 Means
B1 on the CEFR is intermediate English. At this level you can follow the main points of clear standard speech, handle most situations that come up while travelling, write simple text on familiar subjects, and describe experiences and opinions.
For settlement, the test is taken in speaking and listening only. Reading and writing are not tested at this stage.
The level is set by Appendix KoLL of the Immigration Rules. It is B1 for applications made now. For applications made on or after 26 March 2027 the same appendix sets B2, one level higher. That change was laid before Parliament on 5 March 2026 in statement of changes HC 1691, so it is settled law with a future start date rather than a proposal.
For a detailed comparison of English levels, see our English level comparison guide.
How to Meet the Requirement
Option 1: Pass a SELT
Take and pass an approved Secure English Language Test at B1 level or above. See our test booking guide for how to book and prepare.
Option 2: Qualifying Degree
Provide evidence of a degree taught or researched in English, recognised by UK ENIC.
Option 3: Exemption
You do not have to prove your English if you are 65 or over, under 18, or unable to meet the requirement because of a long-term physical or mental condition. Nationals of the countries UKVI treats as majority English-speaking are also exempt: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British overseas territories, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the USA. A country having English as an official language does not put it on this list. The full list of exemptions is on GOV.UK, and there is more detail in our guide on English exemptions for ILR.
ILR vs Citizenship English Level
Both ILR and citizenship are set by the same rule, so they ask for the same level: B1 now, and B2 for applications made on or after 26 March 2027. Evidence accepted for settlement is normally accepted for citizenship as well. Check whether your test certificate has an expiry period. If it has expired, see our guide on expired tests for ILR.
Preparing for the Test
- Take ESOL classes to build your skills
- Practice with official sample tests from the test provider
- Focus on speaking and listening — those are the two components tested for settlement
- Book the test well in advance as centres can be busy
The Life in the UK Test
In addition to the English requirement, you must pass the Life in the UK test. This is a separate test covering British history, traditions, and the political system. It costs £50 and is taken at approved test centres. Book through GOV.UK.
If You Are Struggling
If the English requirement feels daunting:
- Start with free English classes
- Practice daily with apps and online resources
- Join community groups where you can practice conversational English
- There is no limit on how many times you can take the test, though you pay the fee each time
- Check if you qualify for an exemption
For spouse visa applicants, see our guide on spouse visa English exemptions. For the full ILR requirements beyond English, securing ILR is the gateway to British citizenship.
Questions and answers
What English level do I need for ILR?
B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for applications made now. You can show it by passing an approved Secure English Language Test in speaking and listening at B1 or above, or with a degree taught or researched in English and recognised by UK ENIC. For applications made on or after 26 March 2027, Appendix KoLL raises the level to B2.
Can I use the same English test for ILR and citizenship?
Both settlement and citizenship are set by the same rule, Appendix KoLL, so both ask for B1 now and B2 for applications made on or after 26 March 2027. If your test certificate is still valid, the same certificate can normally be used for both. Check the validity period with the test provider.
What happens if I fail the English test?
There is no limit on how many times you can take the test, and you pay each time. The application must include evidence that the requirement has already been met, so the pass has to come first.
Do I need to pass the Life in the UK test as well?
Yes. English and the Life in the UK test are two separate parts of the same rule, and settlement asks for both. The Life in the UK test is taken in English and costs £50.
This guide is general information about published immigration rules. It is not advice about an individual application under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and Rowan is not regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority. Immigration rules change several times a year. For advice on a particular situation, contact an adviser authorised by the Immigration Advice Authority or an immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.