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Normally, to be able to settle in the UK through Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), or to get British citizenship, you would need to pass the Life in the UK test.
However, there are Life in the UK test exemptions that make it so you do not need to do the test at all.
If you are interested in learning what these exemptions are, then keep on reading. Also, if you are reading about exemptions for when you are eligible to get ILR or citizenship, then we can help you with applying for either one of them. Read to the end to see how.
Life in the UK test exemptions
There are a number of situations that can lead to an exemption for the Life in the UK test. Some also make you exempt from the proof of English test that is required for many different immigration statuses.
These situations are:
- Poor health, either physical or mental
- Over the age of 65
- Under the age of 18
If you have an exemption for the Life in the UK test, then this will need to be clarified by completing the relevant form, as well as by getting a note from your doctor confirming your condition.
It should also be noted that if you have already done the test as part of your Indefinite Leave to Remain application, that you will not need to do it again when you apply for British citizenship.
However, if you are in the UK on the EU Settlement Scheme, you will still need to do the test if you apply to naturalise as a British citizen, regardless of the fact that this status means that you are settled in the UK.
Taking the test with a disability
Not all medical issues will lead to you being able to get a Life in the UK test exemption. For example, if you have a disability, then you may still have to take it. If you think you should be exempt, then you can try contacting your doctor to see what they say.
However, you may still be able to get additional assistance, such as extra equipment, or just help getting into the test centre itself. To do so, you will need to ring the Life in the UK Test Helpline on 0800 015 4245; you can call them from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday.
How does the Life in the UK test work?
If you do not qualify for any of the Life in the UK test exemptions, then you will need to take the test.
In summary, you will have 45 minutes to answer 24 questions about the UK. You must bring the ID you used to book the test with you, so as to prove that you are the same person who booked.
To pass the test, you will need a score of 75% or more. If you fail, you will have to pay and book the test again.
Useful resources
Those who are not able to get a Life in the UK test exemption should ensure that they prepare as much as they possibly can for the test.
There are many resources available, both free and paid, which you can use to revise for the Life in the UK test. You should do what you can to improve your chances of passing.
Useful resources:
- The Life in the UK Tests website has a study guide page with information about the UK, such as religion and culture, as well as mock tests. You can do 15 for free, with all 45 tests costing £1 a month. Please note that some questions may be outdated, such as questions related to the current monarch.
- The Home Office has a page where you can buy various official study and guide books to help you revise.
- If you want to book the test, you can do so on the Government’s dedicated webpage for booking the Life in the UK test.
How we can help
If you are reading this because you plan on applying for naturalisation to become a British citizen and do not think you have a Life in the UK test exemption, then we can help you apply.
We have an expert legal team who are knowledgeable in immigration matters. If you want their assistance with your citizenship application, then you can book a free 10-minute assessment to discuss your issue, which also allows them to see if they can help you.
After the free consultation, if they determine that they can help you, then you can arrange a longer, paid consultation that lasts either 30 minutes or an hour. This consultation is where you will be given advice and guidance.
Get in touch with us today if you want help with your naturalisation application.
Ready for assistance?
If you have any questions, or want to book an appointment with one of our legal experts, contact Woodcock Law today. Call us on +44 (0)20 7712 1705 or email info@woodcocklaw.co.uk.
