Prove your knowledge of English for citizenship and settling

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1. Overview

You might need to prove your knowledge of the English language if you바카라 사이트檙e 18 or over and applying for citizenship or to settle in the UK (known as 바카라 사이트榠ndefinite leave to remain바카라 사이트�).

You can prove it by having either:

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English in certain circumstances.

Your citizenship or settlement application will be refused if you send the wrong qualifications.

If you need more time

If you바카라 사이트檙e already in the UK you may be able to extend your permission to stay, so that you can prove your knowledge of English.

Check the guide for your current visa for instructions on how to apply for an extension.

2. Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you바카라 사이트檙e either:

  • aged 65 or over
  • unable to, because of a long-term physical or mental condition

You must provide a completed exemption form from a doctor confirming your physical or mental condition. You must include original copies of current relevant medical reports with your form.

Nationalities that do not need to prove their knowledge of English

You will not need to prove your knowledge of English if you바카라 사이트檙e a national of one of the following countries or territories:

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • The Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • the British overseas territories
  • Canada
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Jamaica
  • Ireland (for citizenship only)
  • Malta
  • New Zealand
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • USA

If you바카라 사이트檙e from a country that바카라 사이트檚 not on the list you바카라 사이트檒l need to prove your knowledge of English, even if English is an official language.

If you바카라 사이트檙e applying for citizenship

There are no other exemptions if you바카라 사이트檙e applying to become a British citizen. You must have a relevant English language qualification even if you were exempt when you were granted settlement.

Exemptions if you바카라 사이트檙e applying to settle

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you바카라 사이트檙e applying to settle:

  • using certain work visas - because you proved your knowledge of English when you applied for your current visa
  • in certain other situations

If you바카라 사이트檙e applying to settle on a work visa

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you바카라 사이트檙e applying to settle using a:

  • Skilled Worker, T2 or tier 2 visa
  • Representative of an Overseas Business visa
  • Minister of Religion visa (T2)
  • International Sportsperson visa
  • Innovator Founder visa
  • International Agreement visa (Temporary Work)
  • Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa
  • Scale-up Worker visa

Other exemptions if you바카라 사이트檙e applying to settle

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you바카라 사이트檙e applying as:

  • 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 with 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
  • someone in exceptional circumstances, for example as an orphan, widow or over-age dependant

3. Approved English language qualifications

You can prove your knowledge of English by having a recognised English test qualification from an approved test centre.

You need to have a certificate to prove you have the qualification, or be able to view your results online.

You can only use English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) qualifications if they바카라 사이트檙e on the list of approved tests. You cannot use other qualifications, for example GCSEs, A levels or National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).

If your qualification has run out

Some recognised test qualifications only last for 2 years.

If you have a B1, B2, C1 or C2 level qualification, you may be able to use it after it has run out if either:

  • you바카라 사이트檙e applying for citizenship

  • you바카라 사이트檙e applying to settle in the UK

Applying for citizenship

You can use a B1, B2, C1 or C2 level qualification that바카라 사이트檚 run out if both of the following are true:聽

  • you바카라 사이트檙e 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.

Applying to settle in the UK

You can use a B1, B2, C1 or C2 level qualification that바카라 사이트檚 run out if both of the following are true:

  • it바카라 사이트檚 on the current list of recognised tests
  • it was accepted for another UK immigration application, for example when you got permission to enter

4. If your degree was taught or researched in English

You can prove your knowledge of English by having a degree that was taught or researched in English.

Your degree must be academic. You cannot use a vocational degree as proof. If you바카라 사이트檙e not sure whether your degree is academic or vocational, contact your university.

If your degree is from a UK university, you only need your degree certificate.

If your degree is not from a UK university, you바카라 사이트檒l need:

  • a copy of your degree certificate
  • an English language and academic qualification assessment -

Ecctis will give you a unique person identifier number to confirm that your degree is equivalent to a UK qualification and was taught in English.

If you have already been assessed by Ecctis, you can use the certificate from your previous assessment instead of reapplying.

If you바카라 사이트檝e lost your certificate or you바카라 사이트檙e waiting for graduation

You must have proof that you바카라 사이트檝e passed your degree. This can be either:

  • an official transcript with your name, the name of the institution, your degree and confirmation of the award
  • an official letter from your university confirming it cannot reissue your certificate or when it will be issued

Your letter must include:

  • your name
  • your degree
  • the date the degree was or will be awarded