Glossary

UK citizenship & Life in the UK test glossary

Applying for the Life in the UK test, settlement, or British citizenship means wading through acronyms. Here’s every term you’ll meet, in plain English. Definitions are general guidance — always check current rules on GOV.UK or with a regulated adviser.

28-day rule

For most ILR routes you can apply up to 28 days before you complete your qualifying period. Applying earlier risks refusal with no fee refund. The 28-day rule →

Absences

Days spent outside the UK during your qualifying period. Most routes limit you to no more than 180 days in any rolling 12 months for ILR, with separate limits for citizenship. Absence limits explained →

Biometric Residence Permit(BRP)

A card that used to show a person's immigration status and conditions in the UK. BRPs have been replaced by online immigration status (an eVisa).

Biometrics(BIO)

Your fingerprints and a digital photograph, taken to confirm your identity as part of most immigration and citizenship applications.

CEFR

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages — the scale (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) used to describe English levels. Citizenship and settlement usually require at least B1 speaking and listening.

Continuous residence

The requirement to have lived in the UK throughout your qualifying period without breaks that are too long or absences over the allowed limits.

ESOL

English for Speakers of Other Languages — accredited English courses. An ESOL course with citizenship at the right level can meet the English language requirement instead of a separate test.

eVisa

Your online UK immigration status, viewed and shared through a UKVI account. It has replaced physical documents like the BRP.

Form AN(AN)

The application form used to apply for British citizenship by naturalisation (the route for most adults who hold ILR or settled status).

Form MN1(MN1)

The form used to register a child under 18 as a British citizen, including when a child is registered alongside a parent who is naturalising. MN1 in line with a parent →

Form SET(O)(SET(O))

A settlement application form used for several work and other routes (the 'O' stands for 'Other'). The right ILR form depends on your route. Which ILR form you need →

Good character requirement

A test the Home Office applies to citizenship (and some settlement) applications, covering criminal history, financial conduct, immigration history, and honesty on your application. Good character & illegal entry →

Graduate visa

A post-study route that lets eligible graduates stay and work in the UK for a limited period. It does not lead directly to settlement, so most people switch to a sponsored route. Graduate visa: your options →

HM Passport Office(HMPO)

The part of the Home Office that issues British passports. Its adviceline (0300 222 0000) handles passport application queries.

Indefinite Leave to Remain(ILR)

Settlement in the UK — permission to live, work, and study with no time limit. ILR is usually held before applying for citizenship. ILR earliest-date calculator →

KoLL

Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK — the combined requirement to pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English language requirement. Some people are exempt on age or health grounds. KoLL exemptions →

Life in the UK test

A 24-question multiple-choice test on British history, values, and society. You need 75% (18/24) to pass, and a pass is required before applying for ILR or citizenship. Free practice →

Naturalisation

The legal process by which an adult who is not British by birth becomes a British citizen, usually after holding ILR or settled status.

OISC

The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner — the regulator for immigration advisers. A regulated OISC adviser (or a solicitor) can advise on your specific case.

Referee

A person who confirms your identity on a citizenship application. Applications require referees who meet specific criteria. Who can be a referee →

Secure English Language Test(SELT)

An approved English test (such as IELTS Life Skills or Trinity GESE) taken at an approved centre to prove your English for citizenship, settlement, or a visa. Which English test you need →

Settled & pre-settled status

Immigration status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) to eligible EU citizens and family members. Settled status is a form of ILR.

Skilled Worker visa

A sponsored work route where an approved UK employer sponsors you for an eligible job. After the qualifying period you may apply for ILR.

Sponsor licence

Permission the Home Office grants an employer to sponsor workers. If your sponsor loses its licence, your visa can be affected. If your sponsor loses its licence →

UK ENIC(ENIC)

The UK's national agency for recognising overseas qualifications (formerly UK NARIC). It can confirm whether a foreign degree is equivalent to a UK qualification and whether it was taught in English. ENIC & the English requirement →

UKVCAS

UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services — the service points where many in-country applicants attend to provide biometrics and supporting documents.

UKVI

UK Visas and Immigration — the part of the Home Office responsible for the visa, settlement, and citizenship systems.