Guide contents
Booking and test day
  1. Test format
  2. Test fee
  3. Test ID
  4. Test validity
  5. Lost reference
Start learning
  1. First steps
  2. Settlement and citizenship
  3. Values and principles
  4. What is the UK?
History
  1. History overview
  2. Early Britain
  3. The Middle Ages
  4. Tudors and Stuarts
  5. A global power
  6. The 20th century
  7. Britain since 1945
Society
  1. Modern society
  2. The UK today
  3. Cities and currency
  4. Religion
  5. Customs
  6. Sport and culture
  7. Leisure
  8. Culture facts
Government and law
  1. Government overview
  2. Democracy
  3. Constitution
  4. Government
  5. International institutions
  6. Law and courts
  7. Rights and tax
  8. Community role

Study guide

Settlement and citizenship requirements

In short

For many settlement or citizenship applications, you need to prove English ability and knowledge of life in the UK.

The two separate requirements

Requirement What it usually means
English ability Accepted evidence of English speaking and listening skills.
Knowledge of life in the UK A pass in the Life in the UK test.

These are separate requirements. Passing the Life in the UK test does not prove your English level.

English evidence

The English level mentioned for this requirement is B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference. This is the same as ESOL Entry Level 3.

You can usually prove this with an accepted English test qualification from an approved test centre.

Key words to know

  • Settlement means permission to live in the UK permanently.
  • Naturalised citizen means someone who became British by applying.
  • B1 and ESOL Entry Level 3 describe the English speaking and listening level.

Before you apply

Requirements can change. Check current Home Office guidance before you apply, book a test or pay for anything.

Official guidance

Checked against GOV.UK guidance in May 2026.

Use GOV.UK as the final source:

Common questions

Does the Life in the UK test prove my English level?

No. The test checks knowledge of life in the UK. English evidence is separate.

Is passing the test enough to get settlement or citizenship?

No. Passing the test is only one part of the application.

What English level is mentioned?

B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference. This is the same as ESOL Entry Level 3.

Next, read Values and principles to understand the ideas behind settlement and citizenship.

Quick check

Try from memory before opening the answer.

Is English evidence the same as passing the Life in the UK test?

No. English ability and knowledge of life in the UK are separate requirements.

What English level is mentioned for this requirement?

B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference. This is equivalent to ESOL Entry Level 3.

Where should you check current requirements?

Check the current Home Office or GOV.UK guidance before applying.