When it comes to becoming a British citizen or settling in the UK, you may need to prove that you know English. Here’s a simple breakdown of who needs to do this and who doesn’t.

1. Who Needs to Prove Their Knowledge of English?

If you are applying for British citizenship or to settle in the UK, you usually need to show that you can understand and speak English.

Approved English Language Qualifications

You can prove your knowledge of English by showing a qualification that is accepted by the UK government.

2. Who Does Not Need to Prove Their Knowledge of English?

Aged 65 or Over

  • If you are 65 years old or older, you do not need to prove your English skills.

Long-term Physical or Mental Condition

  • If you have a long-term physical or mental condition that makes it hard for you to learn English, you don’t need to prove your knowledge.
  • You will need to give a form from a doctor that explains your condition, along with original medical reports.

Nationalities That Are Exempt

If you are from one of these countries or territories, you do not need to prove your English knowledge even if English is an official language:

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • The Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • British overseas territories
  • Canada
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Jamaica
  • Ireland (for citizenship only)
  • Malta
  • New Zealand
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • USA

If your country is not on this list, you will need to prove your English knowledge.

3. Special Cases for Settling in the UK

Using Certain Work Visas

If you are applying to settle using specific work visas, you do not need to prove your English knowledge. These visas include:

  • Skilled Worker visa
  • T2 or Tier 2 visa
  • Representative of an Overseas Business visa
  • Minister of Religion visa (T2)
  • International Sportsperson visa
  • Innovator Founder visa
  • International Agreement visa (Temporary Work)
  • Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa
  • Scale-up Worker visa

Other Exemptions for Settling

You also do not need to prove your English skills if you are in these situations:

  • You are a victim of domestic violence and your partner is a British citizen or settled in the UK.
  • Your partner or spouse (who was British or settled in the UK) has died.
  • You are an adult dependent relative (aged 18 to 64) of someone who is settled in the UK, a refugee, or has humanitarian protection.
  • You are a refugee living in the UK.
  • You have discretionary leave to remain in the UK.
  • You have humanitarian protection.
  • You are allowed to stay in the UK as a retired person with independent means.
  • You are a Commonwealth citizen discharged from HM Forces.
  • You are in exceptional circumstances, like being an orphan, widow, or over-age dependent.

Summary

In summary, you usually need to prove your English knowledge when applying for British citizenship or to settle in the UK. However, there are several exceptions, especially if you are older, have health issues, or come from certain countries. Always check the latest rules to be sure!