The rule
To naturalise as a British citizen you must show knowledge of English at B1 or above in speaking and listening, and pass the Life in the UK test, unless you are exempt. That rule is in the British Nationality Act 1981 and its regulations. HC 1691 amends the Immigration Rules, which govern settlement, so it does not change the citizenship requirement. From 26 March 2027 you will see the odd situation where settlement needs B2 and citizenship, a year later, needs only B1.
Reusing the certificate you already have
GOV.UK sets out two reuse rules:
- For citizenship, a B1, B2, C1 or C2 qualification that was accepted when you settled is accepted again, even if it has run out and even if the test is no longer on the approved list. You do not sit another test.
- For settlement, a qualification that has run out can be reused if it is on the current approved list and was accepted for an earlier UK immigration application.
So a partner who passes B2 for settlement in 2027 and applies for citizenship in 2028 submits the same certificate. Someone who settled before 26 March 2027 with a B1 pass uses that B1 pass for citizenship.
Who still has to take a B1 test for citizenship
- People who settled with no English requirement: refugees, people with humanitarian protection, those with EU settled status, and anyone who settled under rules that did not test English.
- People whose settlement was granted on the basis of an exemption that no longer applies, for example a medical condition that has resolved.
- People who settled under the old pre-2013 rules with an ESOL course certificate that is not on the current list and was not "accepted" as a B1 qualification.
For them the usual choice is Trinity GESE Grade 5, a 10-minute speaking and listening exam at a Trinity SELT centre, £160. The format and the six conversation subjects are on the B1 page. IELTS Life Skills B1, LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B1 and PTE Home B1 are the other speaking-and-listening options; four-skills tests at B1 or above also count.
Exemptions for citizenship
The same as for settlement: under 18 or 65 and over at the date of application, nationals of majority English-speaking countries, a degree taught in English (Ecctis statement for non-UK degrees), or a long-term physical or mental condition confirmed by a doctor.
The Life in the UK test
Unchanged by HC 1691. It is required for settlement and again for citizenship, but a pass is valid for life, so one pass covers both applications. It is a 45-minute computer test of 24 questions on British history, law and culture; 18 correct passes. It costs £50 and is booked through GOV.UK.