Prove your knowledge of English for citizenship and settling

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Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re 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 you’re 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 you’re from a country that’s not on the list you’ll need to prove your knowledge of English, even if English is an official language.

If you’re applying for citizenship

There are no other exemptions if you’re 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 you’re applying to settle

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re 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 you’re applying to settle on a work visa

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re 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 you’re applying to settle

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re 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
View a printable version of the whole guide

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