Life in the UK Test for ILR: Do You Really Need It in 2025?
Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain in 2025? One of the biggest questions is simple: do you actually need to pass the Life in the UK test for ILR? Get a clear yes/no by route, age and health exemptions, booking rules, and a proven 7‑day plan to pass first time.
This guide explains ILR requirements, who must take the test, what to submit as proof, and how to prepare quickly without overwhelm.
What ILR Is and How the Life in the UK Test Fits In (2025)
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is settlement: the right to live and work in the UK without time limits. It’s often the final step before citizenship and it unlocks stability for you and your family.
ILR at a glance: settlement status and benefits
Status: Settlement with no expiry date (subject to not being absent from the UK for long periods).
Rights: Work or study freely, access services, and path to citizenship.
Timelines: Many routes qualify after 5 years; Long Residence is typically 10 years of lawful stay. See private life eligibility for examples.
Costs and processing: The standard ILR fee is £3,029, with typical processing within 6 months. Priority options can be faster for additional fees. Learn more on fees and timelines.
KoLL explained: Life in the UK test + English language
For most adult applicants, ILR requires Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK (KoLL). This usually means:
Life in the UK test (general knowledge about UK history, culture and traditions); and
English language at B1 level (speaking and listening) via an approved test or an accepted degree.
However, some routes have specific rules. For example, applicants with 5 years on the Skilled Worker route are generally required to satisfy the knowledge of life in the UK requirement at settlement, and not the English language requirement again (Appendix KoLL overview).
Do You Need the Test? Route-by-Route Yes/No Checklist
Use this quick overview to answer: do I need the Life in the UK test for ILR? Always check your exact visa route rules before applying.
Skilled Worker and other Work routes
Life in the UK test: Usually required at ILR.
English at ILR: Many Skilled Worker applicants do not need to re-prove English at settlement because it is satisfied at entry; they must still pass the Life in the UK test. Confirm against the latest Appendix KoLL guidance.
Partner/Spouse and Parent routes
Life in the UK test: Required for most adult applicants at settlement.
English: Typically required at B1 speaking and listening, unless exempt by age (under 18 or 65+) or medical condition.
Long Residence (10-year lawful residence)
Life in the UK test: Required for ILR under Long Residence.
English: Usually required unless exempt.
UK Ancestry
Life in the UK test: Required.
English: Usually required unless exempt.
Global Talent, Innovator Founder and similar
Life in the UK test: Required at settlement in most cases.
English: Usually required unless your route treats it differently at ILR. Check the latest rules.
Protection (Refugee) route
KoLL exemptions: Refugees and people granted humanitarian protection are among categories that do not need to meet KoLL when settling. See the Home Office KoLL caseworker guidance.
Domestic violence and bereaved partner routes
KoLL exemptions: Victims of domestic violence and bereaved partners are listed among those not required to meet KoLL for ILR. Verify your exact category in the official guidance.
Returning Resident and other niche categories
Requirements can vary. If you previously held ILR and are returning, KoLL may not apply the same way as first-time settlement. Always confirm against the latest Home Office instructions for your category.
New to ILR? Read our companion guide: Indefinite Leave to Remain: Your Step-by-Step Roadmap.
Age and Health Exemptions: Who Doesn’t Need the Test
Some people applying for ILR do not need the Life in the UK test or the English requirement.
Under 18 or 65 and over
Under 18: Exempt from KoLL.
Age 65+: Exempt from KoLL.
Long-term physical or mental condition
If you have a long-term condition that prevents you from taking the test or meeting the English requirement, you can be exempt with appropriate medical evidence.
Evidence typically includes a letter from a registered medical practitioner explaining the condition, its duration, and why it prevents testing.
Caseworkers assess evidence against Home Office guidance; provide clear, recent documentation.
Do I Also Need an English Qualification for ILR?
Most adult applicants (18–64) must show English at CEFR B1 speaking and listening at ILR stage, unless their route treats English differently or they are exempt by age or health. For some work routes (e.g., Skilled Worker), applicants generally only need the Life in the UK test at settlement because English was met earlier (see route nuance).
Accepted qualifications and alternatives
Approved tests: Only B1 or above speaking and listening from providers on the current SELT list are accepted for ILR and naturalisation.
Validity: English test results are typically valid for 2 years. Expired results may still be accepted if they are from a current SELT provider and were previously accepted in an immigration application (policy detail).
Degree in English: An academic degree (not vocational) can meet English where: it is deemed equivalent to UK bachelor’s, master’s or PhD by ECCTIS and was taught in English or awarded in a majority-English-speaking country (excluding Canada). See caseworker guidance.
When to Take the Test: Timing, Booking, and ID Rules
The Life in the UK test is available at more than 30 official centres. You must book via the government site, pay £50, and book at least 3 days in advance. Official booking service.
Check your route: Confirm whether your route requires the test (see checklist above).
Plan your timeline: Book the test 4–8 weeks before your ILR application date.
Prepare properly: Study the official content and practise mocks (see the 7‑day plan below).
Book online: Use the official GOV.UK booking system and choose your test centre.
Bring correct ID: Use a valid ID (e.g., passport or BRP) and ensure your booking name/date of birth exactly match your ID and ILR application.
On test day: Arrive early, follow centre rules, and keep your pass notification safe.
Booking early to avoid delays
Centres can book up quickly near application deadlines. Booking 4–8 weeks ahead gives buffer for a retake if needed and prevents last‑minute stress that can delay ILR decisions.
What to bring and name-matching tips
Use the same ID details for booking, the test, and your ILR form.
If your name has changed (e.g., marriage), bring evidence and update your documents before the test where possible.
Check your booking confirmation for spelling errors immediately so you can correct them in time.
Need a full walkthrough? See our guide: How to book the Life in the UK Test: step-by-step.
Proof for Your ILR Application: What Home Office Checks
After passing, you get a pass notification with a unique reference. You do not need to submit the whole handbook or test questions—just the reference and any pass letter as instructed.
Pass reference number and records
Your pass notification shows a unique reference number or test reference ID. Keep this secure; the Home Office can verify it. See GOV.UK’s list of documents for ILR: proof needed.
Store a clear scan and back it up. If you change your name later, keep both old and new ID evidence to avoid mismatches.
If you’ve already passed (no expiry)
Your Life in the UK test pass does not expire. You can reuse it for ILR and for citizenship later. Keep the reference safe.
Top Mistakes That Lead to ILR Delays (and How to Avoid)
Route misclassification: Assuming your route is exempt or identical to someone else’s. Always check the latest guidance and your specific grant letters.
Booking with the wrong ID: Name or DOB mismatches cause verification delays.
Missing English evidence: Not uploading the correct B1 certificate or degree assessment where required.
Last-minute cramming: Leads to avoidable fails and costly rebooking. The ILR fee is high; avoid pushing your application back.
Also read: 7 Common Life in the UK Test Mistakes to Avoid.
Route misclassification and exemptions misunderstood
Some categories—like refugees, victims of domestic violence, and bereaved partners—are exempt from KoLL. Others, like Skilled Worker, generally need the Life in the UK test but may not re-prove English at ILR. When unsure, consult the caseworker guidance and route-specific rules.
Failing due to last-minute cramming
Plan at least a week of focused prep. Use targeted mocks and explanations, not just passive reading, to improve recall on exam day.
Fast-Track Your Pass: 7-Day Plan with Life in the UK Test App
Feeling overwhelmed by the handbook and short on time? The Life in the UK Test App helps you study smarter with a readiness score, Brit‑Bear smart assistant, 650+ practice questions with explanations, hard‑mode mocks, and offline study—so you avoid delays and retests.
Day 1: Install the app, skim the official handbook content in the app, take a diagnostic quiz to set your baseline readiness.
Day 2: Use Brit‑Bear to target weak topics. Study short cards offline during commutes. Re-test with topic quizzes.
Day 3: Do two standard mocks. Review every explanation; bookmark problem areas.
Day 4: Learn dates and monarchy timelines with spaced review. Re-run topic drills.
Day 5: Attempt a Hard Mode mock to simulate pressure. Note question patterns you miss.
Day 6: Two more mocks. Aim for a high readiness score. Fill knowledge gaps with quick summaries.
Day 7: Final hard mock in exam conditions. If your readiness score is strong and mocks are consistently passed, book or sit your test.
Study with Brit-Bear and readiness tracking
Brit‑Bear smart assistant: surfaces the right topics at the right time so you never feel lost.
Readiness score: watch your score rise as you master questions; use it to decide when to book.
Hard Mode mocks: tougher than the real test to build confidence.
Offline access: study anywhere, anytime—no wasted minutes.
Download links and next steps
Start now and avoid an ILR delay:
Download on App Store: Life in the UK Test App (iOS)
Get it on Google Play: Life in the UK Test App (Android)
New to the test? Read: What is the Life in the UK Test? and Expert method for a first-time pass.
Quick FAQs for ILR Applicants (2025)
Can I use a pass from years ago? Yes. Life in the UK test passes don’t expire. Keep the original reference/letter for ILR and later citizenship.
Do dependants need the test? Children under 18 are exempt. Adult partners applying for ILR in their own right normally must meet KoLL unless exempt.
What if I fail? You can rebook and retake the test, paying the fee again. Prepare with mocks to avoid repeat costs and delays.
Can I use a different test centre? Yes, you choose the centre when booking on GOV.UK’s official service.
How many attempts can I take? There’s no fixed limit. Plan enough prep time so you do not delay your ILR application.
Stay Current and Apply Confidently
Most adults applying for ILR will need the Life in the UK test, and many will also need English at B1 speaking and listening. Key exemptions include under 18s, those aged 65+, certain protection and compassionate routes, and people with a qualifying long‑term medical condition. Always confirm your category in the latest Home Office guidance before applying.
Next steps:
Confirm your route requirements via GOV.UK and the KoLL caseworker guidance.
Book 4–8 weeks ahead and prepare with targeted mocks to avoid ILR delays.
Install the Life in the UK Test App to follow the 7‑day plan and track your readiness.
Useful reads: ILR roadmap and first-time pass method.