B1 English test for UK settlement and citizenship
To settle in the UK (indefinite leave to remain) or to become a British citizen, you usually need to prove your English at level B1 or above in speaking and listening; for settlement applications made on or after 26 March 2027, the level is B2. This guide explains who needs to prove it, which evidence counts and how the approved tests work.
Free practice
How to meet the English requirement
Check whether you need to prove your English
You usually need to prove it if you are 18 or over. You do not need to if you are 65 or over, if a long-term physical or mental condition prevents you (a doctor completes an exemption form), or if you are a national of a majority-English-speaking country such as Australia, Canada, Jamaica, New Zealand or the USA. Some routes to settlement, for example for refugees, have no English requirement, and people settling on some work visas, such as Skilled Worker, currently do not need to prove it again.
Check the level you need
For citizenship, and for settlement today, the level is B1 in speaking and listening on the CEFR scale. For settlement applications made on or after 26 March 2027, it rises to B2 on most routes, including for Skilled Workers. This change is already in the Immigration Rules but is not yet in force. For citizenship, the rules still require B1.
Use your degree, if it was taught in English
An academic degree (bachelor's, master's or doctorate) taught or researched in English counts; vocational qualifications do not. For a degree from a UK institution, your degree certificate is enough. For a degree from outside the UK, you also need confirmation from Ecctis that it is equivalent to a UK degree and was taught or researched in English.
Otherwise, pass an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT)
Only tests on the Home Office's approved list count, and only if you take them at an approved test centre. For citizenship and settlement, you take a test of speaking and listening. Your result must be from the 2 years before you apply, unless an exception applies.
Book with an approved provider and bring the right ID
Book directly on the provider's website; you should be able to take a test within 28 days of booking. Bring an original, valid ID with a photo, usually your passport. In the UK you can use your eVisa; if you cannot access it, an expired biometric residence permit or card is accepted, but only within 24 months of its expiry date and until 31 December 2026. The name on your booking must match your ID.
Use your reference number in your application
When you pass, the provider gives you a SELT unique reference number. You enter it in your application and the Home Office checks your result online, so you do not send a certificate. If your English was accepted at B1 or above for settlement, the same evidence counts for citizenship.
Official sources (11)
- Prove your knowledge of English for citizenship and settling — GOV.UK, checked 17 October 2026
- Immigration Rules Appendix KoLL — GOV.UK (Home Office), checked 17 October 2026
- Prove your English language abilities with a Secure English Language Test (SELT) — GOV.UK, checked 17 October 2026
- IELTS for UKVI Life Skills: test format in detail — IELTS (British Council, IDP IELTS and Cambridge University Press & Assessment), checked 17 October 2026
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT B1 Speaking & Listening — LanguageCert (PeopleCert Qualifications Ltd), checked 17 October 2026
- PTE Home B1 — Pearson, checked 17 October 2026
- SELT | Secure English Language Tests — Trinity College London, checked 17 October 2026
- Skills for English: SELT — PSI Services (UK) Ltd, checked 17 October 2026
- IELTS Life Skills B1 — IDP IELTS (co-owner of IELTS), checked 17 October 2026
- B1 English test (GESE Grade 5) — Trinity College London, checked 17 October 2026
- B2 English test (GESE Grade 7) — Trinity College London, checked 17 October 2026