Which English language test do you need for UK citizenship or settlement?
Most people applying for British citizenship or settlement (indefinite leave to remain) must prove their English is at CEFR level B1 in speaking and listening. You can do this in one of three main ways: pass an approved B1 Secure English Language Test (SELT), complete an ESOL course with citizenship at a UK college, or use an academic degree taught or researched in English. Which one is right depends on your situation, budget and whether you already hold a qualifying degree.
- Required level: B1 (CEFR) in speaking and listening for both citizenship and settlement.
- Three accepted routes: B1 SELT, an approved ESOL qualification, or a degree taught/researched in English.
- A non-UK degree needs a UK ENIC (Ecctis) statement confirming it is degree-level and English-taught.
- Some people are exempt (see below) and don't need to prove English at all.
The three routes compared
| Route | What it is | Best for | Cost & time (approx.) | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B1 SELT | A Secure English Language Test (speaking & listening) with an approved provider — e.g. Trinity College London (GESE Grade 5), IELTS, Pearson, LanguageCert, PSI | Most applicants who don't have a qualifying degree | ~£150 fee; book and sit within a few weeks | Must be an approved provider at an approved centre — high-street "English tests" don't count |
| ESOL with citizenship | An accredited ESOL Skills for Life course (Speaking & Listening) at Entry Level 3 = B1, taken at a UK college, with citizenship content | People who want classroom learning and English practice, often funded | Several weeks/months of classes; often low-cost or funded | Must be an approved, accredited ESOL qualification on the official register — check before you enrol |
| Degree in English | A bachelor's degree or higher taught or researched in English | Graduates who already hold a qualifying degree | UK degree: free (just the certificate). Non-UK: ~£250+ for Ecctis statements | Must be academic, not vocational; non-UK degrees need UK ENIC verification |
Route 1: the B1 SELT
The SELT is the most common route. It is a secure test taken with a Home Office–approved provider at an approved location — you cannot use just any English exam. For citizenship and settlement you normally only need the speaking and listening test at B1, not a four-skills (reading and writing) test.
Approved providers currently include the IELTS SELT Consortium, Trinity College London, Pearson, LanguageCert and PSI. Trinity's GESE Grade 5 is a popular B1 option. Always book directly through an approved provider and keep your certificate or unique reference — UK Visas and Immigration will check it.
There are scam websites selling "guaranteed" English certificates. If a test is not on the official GOV.UK approved-provider list, it will not be accepted and could harm your application. Only ever book through an approved SELT provider.
Route 2: ESOL with citizenship
If you'd rather learn in a classroom, an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) course with citizenship can meet the requirement. The qualification needs to be an accredited ESOL Skills for Life speaking and listening qualification at Entry Level 3, which maps to CEFR B1. These are taught at colleges across the UK and often include citizenship-themed content.
The key is that the qualification must be on the official list of approved qualifications. Rules around ESOL have tightened over the years, so before you pay for any course, confirm with the college that the exact qualification you'll receive is currently accepted for your application type. This route suits people who want structured teaching and extra speaking practice alongside the certificate.
Route 3: a degree taught or researched in English
If you already hold an academic degree (bachelor's, master's or PhD) that was taught or researched in English, you may not need to sit a test at all. Vocational qualifications don't count.
- UK degree: you generally just provide your degree certificate. This includes UK-awarded degrees studied abroad.
- Non-UK degree: you must apply to Ecctis (UK ENIC) for a statement confirming the qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree or higher and that it was taught or researched in English. The certificate alone is not enough.
For many graduates this is the cheapest and fastest route — but budget time for the Ecctis assessment if your degree is from outside the UK.
Who is exempt?
You usually do not need to prove English if you are:
- Aged 65 or over;
- A national of a recognised majority English-speaking country (such as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and several others);
- Unable to meet the requirement because of a long-term physical or mental condition (a doctor must complete the exemption form).
Many people settling on a Skilled Worker or similar work visa already met an English requirement when they got that visa, so they may not need to prove it again at settlement. Always check the exemptions list for your route.
Proving English is separate from the Life in the UK Test. Most applicants for citizenship or settlement need both — the English requirement and a pass in the Life in the UK Test. You can prepare with our free Life in the UK practice.
A coming change to watch
The government's 2025 immigration plans propose raising the settlement English standard from B1 to B2 for many routes, expected to take effect around 2027. As of 2026 the requirement is still B1, but if your application falls later, check the current rules first.
For the wider picture, see our guides on what documents you need to apply for British citizenship and settled status vs British citizenship. Because rules differ by route and change over time, confirm the exact requirement on GOV.UK or with a regulated adviser before booking anything.