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Knowledge of language and life in the UK

This section explains whether you will need to demonstrate a good knowledge of language and life in the UK when you apply for settlement in the UK (also known as 'indefinite leave to remain'). It also tells you how you can demonstrate this knowledge.

Changes to the 'knowledge of language and life' requirement for settlement

The UK Border Agency has made important changes to the ESOL provisions within the 'knowledge of language and life' requirement for people seeking settlement in the UK.

Read more

Most applicants for settlement will need to show that they have a good knowledge of language and life in the UK when they apply. You can find out more on the Demonstrating your knowledge of language and life in the UK page.

Do I need to demonstrate my knowledge of language and life in the UK?

Certain applicants for settlement are exempt from the 'knowledge of language and life' (KOL) requirement. These exemptions are listed below.

Exemption for certain immigration categories

You will not have to meet the KOL requirement if you are being granted settlement outside the Immigration Rules, or if you are applying for settlement as:

  • a Foreign and Commonwealth citizen on discharge from HM Forces (including a Gurkha);
  • the husband, wife or civil partner of a Foreign and Commonwealth citizen on discharge from HM Forces (including a Gurkha);
  • a victim of domestic violence;
  • the bereaved partner (husband, wife, civil partner, unmarried partner or same-sex partner) of a British citizen or someone who was settled here;
  • a parent, grandparent or other dependent relative of a British citizen or someone who has settled here (under paragraph 317 of the Immigration Rules);
  • a retired person of independent means;
  • a European national or the non-European family member of a European national, making an application under the Free Movement of Persons provisions (not based on the Immigration Rules);
  • a Turkish businessperson under the European Community Association Agreement (ECAA) with Turkey;
  • someone who has spent five years in the UK with permission to stay as a refugee;
  • someone who has spent six years in the UK with discretionary leave;
  • someone who has spent four years in the UK with exceptional leave to remain;
  • someone who has spent five years in the UK with humanitarian protection; or
  • a dependent child of someone in an employment category that preceding the points-based system (listed in paragraphs 128-193 of the Immigration Rules, excluding paragraphs 135I-135K) or of someone who is here as a businessman, self-employed person, investor, writer, composer or artist (paragraphs 200-239 of the Immigration Rules). This includes children who are 18 or over when they apply.

However, you will need to demonstrate your knowledge of language and life in the UK if you later apply for British citizenship, unless you are exempt for other reasons. For more information, see the Citizenship section.

If you are applying for settlement in one of the categories above, you should ensure that you meet the requirements for that category and can provide documentary evidence to support your application. The application form for your settlement category lists the evidence you must provide.

Exemption because of your age

If you are under 18 years old or at least 65 years old, you are exempt from the KOL requirement. When you apply for settlement, you should send us your passport or birth certificate as evidence of your age.

Exemption because of disability

If you have a long-standing, permanent disability which prevents you from learning English, you may be exempt from the KOL requirement. To be exempt, 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.

When you apply for settlement, you should send us evidence from a medical practitioner confirming your disability.

If you require special arrangements to be able to learn English or take a test, you are not exempt - you still must meet the KOL requirement.

How do I demonstrate my knowledge of language and life in the UK?

If you are not exempt from the KOL requirement, you must demonstrate a good knowledge of language and life in the UK before you apply for settlement. Most applicants will need to do this by:

  • passing the 'Life in the UK' test, if they speak English to a reasonable standard; or
  • taking and passing a course in English and citizenship, if they do not speak English.

You can find out more on the Demonstrating your knowledge of language and life in the UK page.