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Life in the UK Prep Life in the UK
Language: English

Becoming a permanent resident

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Official text

To apply to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you will need to:

  • speak and read English 8
  • have a good understanding of life in the UK.

There are currently (as of January 2013) two ways you can be tested on these requirements:

  • Take the Life in the UK test. The questions are written in a way that requires an understanding of the English language at English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Entry Level 3, so there is no need to take a separate English language test. People here on work visas, including those on Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the points-based system, normally must pass the Life in the UK test to become permanent residents.
  • Pass an ESOL course in English with Citizenship. You will need to take this course if your standard of English is below ESOL Entry Level 3. The course will help you to improve your English and learn more about life in the UK. At the end of the course you will take a test.

Once you have passed one of these tests, you can make an application for permanent residence or British citizenship. The form that you have to complete and the evidence that you need to provide will depend on your personal circumstances. There is a fee for submitting an application, which is different for the various types of application. All of the forms and a list of fees can be found on the UK Border Agency website, www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

From October 2013, the requirements will change. From that date, for settlement or permanent residence, you will need to:

  • Pass the Life in the UK test

AND

  • Produce acceptable evidence of speaking and listening skills in English at B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference. This is equivalent to ESOL Entry Level 3.

The requirements for citizenship applications may also change in the future. Further details will be published on the UK Border Agency website and you should check the information on that website for current requirements before applying for settlement or citizenship.

Explanation in your language

This section explains the requirements for applying to become a permanent resident or citizen. You need to speak and read English and have a good understanding of life in the UK. As of January 2013, there are two ways to be tested. You can take the Life in the UK test. Its questions require English at ESOL Entry Level 3, so no separate English language test is needed. People on work visas, including Tier 1 and Tier 2, normally must pass this test to become permanent residents. Alternatively, if your English is below ESOL Entry Level 3, you take an ESOL course in English with Citizenship, which improves your English and teaches you about life in the UK, with a test at the end. After passing one of these tests, you can apply for permanent residence or British citizenship; the form, evidence and fee depend on your circumstances. From October 2013, the section says settlement or permanent residence will require passing the Life in the UK test and providing acceptable evidence of speaking and listening English at B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference, equivalent to ESOL Entry Level 3. Citizenship requirements may also change, so check current requirements.

The handbook text is reproduced under the terms printed in Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents, 3rd edition: © Crown copyright 2013. It is reproduced accurately, the title is given, and this site does not use the Home Office crest or imitate the official edition. We are not an official publication. The reproduced text is the 3rd edition (2013). Later official impressions changed some references from the Queen to King Charles III and renamed some institutions. Where something looks dated, check the current official handbook on GOV.UK.

Practice questions

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What two main requirements does the handbook give for someone applying to become a permanent resident or citizen?

What two main requirements does the handbook give for someone applying to become a permanent resident or citizen?
The handbook lists English reading and speaking plus knowledge of UK life as the two requirements.

Under the rules described as current in January 2013, what did the handbook say people on Tier 1 or Tier 2 work visas normally need to do to become permanent residents?

Under the rules described as current in January 2013, what did the handbook say people on Tier 1 or Tier 2 work visas normally need to do to become permanent residents?
The handbook says Tier 1 and Tier 2 visa holders usually need the Life in the UK test.

According to the handbook, when is a person advised to take an ESOL course in English with Citizenship?

According to the handbook, when is a person advised to take an ESOL course in English with Citizenship?
The ESOL with Citizenship course is for people below ESOL Entry Level 3.

Where does the handbook say applicants can find the application forms and a list of fees?

Where does the handbook say applicants can find the application forms and a list of fees?
The handbook points readers to the UK Border Agency site for forms and fees.