The five ways out of the English test
The knowledge of language requirement for settlement and citizenship does not apply if one of these fits you. Each has its own evidence.
1. Age: under 18, or 65 and over
The age that matters is your age on the date of application. Someone who turns 65 two weeks after applying is not exempt. Evidence: your passport. People in this group are also exempt from the Life in the UK test.
2. National of a majority English-speaking country
The list in Appendix English Language is: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British Overseas Territories, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the USA. Ireland counts for citizenship only (Irish citizens do not need settlement). Nigeria, Ghana, India, Pakistan, the Philippines and Kenya are not on the list, even where English is an official language. Evidence: your passport. Dual nationals can rely on either nationality.
3. A degree taught or researched in English
A bachelor's degree or higher, from any country, if it was taught in English. A UK degree needs only the certificate. A degree from outside the UK needs a statement from Ecctis (the Home Office's assessor, formerly UK NARIC) confirming two things: that it is equivalent to a UK degree, and that it was taught in English. Ecctis sells this through its Qualification and Language Service as the "English Proficiency and Qualification Comparison": £210 plus VAT (£252) in 2026, 20 working days, no fast track, and your university has to answer their verification request. Degrees from a majority English-speaking country (except Canada) or Ireland are assumed to have been taught in English and need only the qualification comparison. Diplomas, HNDs and professional certificates do not count.
4. Long-term physical or mental condition
A condition that prevents you from learning English or taking the test. Evidence is a letter or form from a doctor, giving the diagnosis and saying clearly that you are unable to meet the requirement because of it. Being nervous, having no time, or finding English hard does not qualify.
5. Routes and situations with no requirement
Settlement as a refugee or with humanitarian protection has no knowledge of language or life requirement. Settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme has none. GOV.UK also lists settlement as a victim of domestic abuse, as a bereaved partner of a British citizen or settled person, and as an adult dependent relative aged 18 to 64 as applications where you do not prove English. There is also a narrow concession for partners, parents and adult dependent children who have spent 15 continuous years in the UK with permission and hold an A2 speaking and listening qualification plus evidence of English classes. If you think one of these fits you, confirm it against the current Appendix English Language before you rely on it. If you later apply for citizenship you will need B1 and the Life in the UK test unless another exemption applies.
Routes that stay at B1 instead of B2
Not an exemption, but a lower bar: from 26 March 2027 settlement on the Hong Kong BN(O), HM Armed Forces and Domestic Worker in a Private Household routes still needs B1 speaking and listening, not B2.
A pass you already have
Two cases where you do not sit a new test:
- You hold a B2 or higher SELT (or an older B2, C1, C2 qualification) that you used for an earlier UK application, and it is still on the approved list. It can be reused even if it is older than two years.
- You hold a B1 or higher qualification you used for settlement, and you now apply for citizenship. It is accepted even if it has run out or is no longer on the list.
A B1 pass does not satisfy a B2 requirement. Partners who passed GESE Grade 5 for their extension will need Grade 7, or another B2 SELT, if they apply for settlement on or after 26 March 2027.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a GCSE in English, an NVQ, a nursing registration test or a work reference proves English. For settlement only an approved SELT or the listed exemptions count.
- Applying before the Ecctis statement arrives. It takes 20 working days at best; the application is refused or delayed, and fees are not refunded.
- Reading "majority English-speaking country" as "English is official". It is a closed list.