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Settlement & citizenship · October 2026

English for the Life in the UK test: the B1 requirement explained

For settlement or British citizenship you usually need two things: a pass in the Life in the UK test and English at level B1 in speaking and listening. Here is what B1 means, how you can prove it, and how to improve your English for free.

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Two separate parts

Knowledge

The Life in the UK test: 24 questions about British history, traditions, values and government.

Language

English at B1 in speaking and listening. Passing the Life in the UK test does not prove your English — and an English certificate does not replace the test.

Three ways to meet the English requirement

Nationality

You are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

English test (SELT)

You passed an approved Secure English Language Test in speaking and listening at B1 or higher, from an approved provider and test centre.

Degree in English

You have a degree equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher that was taught in English.

Source: Home Office guidance. If you got indefinite leave to remain with a B1 qualification, you can usually use it again for citizenship — but you still need the Life in the UK test if you have not passed it.

What does B1 English mean?

A1A2B1B2C1C2

B1 is the third of six levels in the Common European Framework of Reference. At B1 you understand the main points of clear speech about familiar things like work, school and free time. You can deal with most everyday situations, talk about your experiences and plans, and give short reasons for your opinions.

For the speaking and listening test this means: you can hold a simple conversation, answer questions about yourself and your life in the UK, and understand the examiner without needing many repeats.

A simple daily routine

1

One English lesson

Ten minutes with Langula: new words with audio and a translation into your own language.

2

One question set

A few Life in the UK practice questions — they train exact everyday English too.

3

Speak out loud

Repeat new sentences and use the pronunciation practice. Speaking is what the B1 test checks.

Frequently asked questions

?What level of English do I need for settlement or citizenship?
Most applicants need English at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) in speaking and listening. That is in addition to passing the Life in the UK test.
?How can I prove my English?
According to Home Office guidance you meet the requirement if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country, if you pass an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) in speaking and listening at B1 or higher, or if you have a degree equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree that was taught in English.
?Is the Life in the UK test an English test?
No. It tests knowledge about the UK, but the questions are in English, so good reading skills help a lot. Your English level itself is shown separately, for example with a SELT.
?Who does not need to prove their English?
People aged 65 or over and people under 18 do not need to meet the knowledge of language and life in the UK requirement. People with a long-term physical or mental condition can apply for an exemption.
?How long does it take to reach B1?
It depends on where you start and how much you practise. Many learners need several months of regular study to move from A2 to B1. Short daily practice works better than long sessions once a week.

Sources and disclaimer

Last checked: October 2026. Official information:

Langula is not connected to the Home Office or the official test provider. This page is general information, not immigration or legal advice. Rules and fees can change — always check GOV.UK before you book or apply. The practice questions and study notes on these pages are our own and are not the official test questions; study the official handbook Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents for the test.

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