The English language requirement is a legal and practical condition for becoming a British citizen. Applicants must show they can communicate in English at a level consistent with integration into UK life. The duty arises under the British Nationality Act 1981 and the British Nationality (General) Regulations 2003 as part of the “Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK” standard.
What this article is about: This guide explains the current English test requirement, who must take the test and who is exempt, and the Home Office update announced in October 2025 that is due to apply from 1 January 2026. It also covers transitional rules and compliance steps. For accuracy, note that elements of the October 2025 reforms (including provider expansion and biometric-linked verification) are announced policy pending formal implementation guidance expected in December 2025.
Section A: Current English Test Requirement and Legal Basis
This section sets out the statutory framework governing the English language requirement for citizenship and how the Home Office currently expects applicants to demonstrate compliance.
Under the British Nationality Act 1981, applicants for naturalisation or registration as a British citizen must satisfy two key conditions:
1) demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the English language; and
2) pass the Life in the UK Test.
The evidential standard for the language requirement is defined in the British Nationality (General) Regulations 2003, particularly Regulation 3 and Schedule 1. These provisions empower the Secretary of State to determine what evidence is acceptable and the form in which it must be provided.
In practical terms, this means applicants must take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at level B1 or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The test focuses exclusively on speaking and listening, reflecting the communication skills required for integration.
At the time of writing, there are two approved SELT providers for citizenship applications:
- IELTS SELT Consortium – providing IELTS for UKVI and IELTS Life Skills tests.
- Trinity College London – providing the GESE (Graded Examinations in Spoken English) test.
Applicants must take their test at an officially approved SELT centre listed on the GOV.UK website. Certificates issued by non-approved centres or from providers not on the authorised list will not be accepted.
While the English test assesses communication ability, it works in tandem with the Life in the UK Test, which measures knowledge of British society, history and culture. Both components must usually be satisfied before the Home Office will approve a naturalisation or registration application.
Summary of Section A
The law requires applicants for British citizenship to prove English language ability at B1 CEFR or above through an approved Secure English Language Test. The legal foundation for this rule is found in the British Nationality Act 1981 and Regulation 3 and Schedule 1 of the British Nationality (General) Regulations 2003.
Section B: Who Must Take the Test and Who Is Exempt
This section explains who is required to take the English language test for citizenship, who qualifies for an exemption, and the evidential steps involved in each case.
The Home Office requires most adult applicants aged between 18 and 65 to prove their English language ability through an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) or alternative evidence. The requirement ensures that applicants can effectively communicate and participate in daily and civic life in the United Kingdom.
You must take the test if you are applying for naturalisation or registration and you:
- do not hold a degree that was taught or researched in English; or
- are not a national of a majority English-speaking country.
You are exempt from taking the test if you:
- are aged 65 or over on the date of application;
- have a long-term physical or mental condition preventing testing, supported by medical evidence;
- are a national of a majority English-speaking country as listed in the Home Office Nationality Policy Guidance (see Annex B for the full list);
- have already satisfied the English language requirement at level B1 or higher in a previous immigration route, such as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), in a way the Home Office still recognises; or
- hold a degree that was taught or researched in English and has been verified by UK ENIC as equivalent to a UK degree.
Where an exemption applies, the applicant must still provide suitable evidence. For example, a degree exemption requires submission of a UK ENIC statement confirming the qualification was taught in English.
Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable adjustments or submit alternative evidence consistent with the Equality Act 2010. The Home Office has a legal duty to consider such requests and ensure fair access to testing for all applicants.
Summary of Section B
Most applicants aged 18 to 65 must take an approved SELT to demonstrate their English ability. Exemptions apply for age, medical conditions, nationality from majority English-speaking countries listed in Annex B, previously accepted qualifications, or English-taught degrees verified by UK ENIC.
Section C: October 2025 Home Office Update (Effective January 2026)
This section explains the October 2025 policy announcement by the Home Office and how it changes the English language test requirement for British citizenship applications from 1 January 2026. The reforms modernise verification procedures, strengthen security, and expand the range of approved test providers.
In October 2025, the Home Office announced updates aligning citizenship English standards with those under Appendix English Language of the Immigration Rules. These changes are scheduled to take effect from 1 January 2026, following publication of the final implementation guidance in December 2025.
The forthcoming changes will apply to all new citizenship applications submitted on or after 1 January 2026.
Key changes from 1 January 2026 include:
- Biometric-linked verification – Every test taker will be required to verify their identity through biometric checks, linking their result directly to their immigration record. This aims to prevent impersonation and certificate fraud.
- End of paper certificates – Paper certificates will be discontinued. The Home Office will verify test results directly with the awarding body through a secure online verification portal used by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
- Expanded list of approved SELT providers – Two new providers, Pearson and LanguageCert, will join IELTS SELT Consortium and Trinity College London. From 2026 onwards, all four organisations will be authorised to deliver SELTs for citizenship purposes.
- Updated B1 CEFR descriptors – The Home Office will introduce revised assessment descriptors for B1 level to ensure consistency and reduce borderline grading. This clarifies what constitutes functional English for integration purposes.
- Alignment with immigration English standards – Citizenship testing standards will now mirror those used in skilled worker and settlement visa routes, ensuring a unified approach across all UK immigration categories.
- Revised policy guidance – A new version of the “Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK” guidance will be issued in December 2025 to reflect these changes and to provide clarity for transitional cases.
Rationale for the update:
The Home Office stated that these reforms are intended to improve test security, eliminate fraudulent results, and ensure a consistent, fair process for applicants worldwide. By expanding providers, the government aims to improve access and reduce waiting times, particularly in regions with limited test centre availability.
Implementation note:
While the October 2025 policy has been confirmed, the expanded provider list and biometric-linked systems will formally take effect following publication of the December 2025 guidance. Applicants planning to apply around the transition period should check GOV.UK for the latest implementation details before booking a test.
Summary of Section C
From 1 January 2026, English tests for British citizenship will use digital verification linked to biometric identity, and paper certificates will no longer be accepted. Pearson and LanguageCert will join IELTS SELT Consortium and Trinity College London as approved providers. Stricter B1 CEFR assessment standards will also apply once the December 2025 guidance is published.
Section D: Applying Before and After January 2026
This section outlines how the English language test rules apply before and after the January 2026 implementation date, including transitional measures for applicants who have already taken or booked their tests under the current system.
The Home Office has confirmed that applications will be assessed under the rules in place on the date they are submitted. This means that applications filed on or before 31 December 2025 will follow the existing framework, while those submitted from 1 January 2026 will be subject to the new digital verification and provider rules.
Applications submitted on or before 31 December 2025:
- Applicants may rely on existing test certificates from IELTS SELT Consortium or Trinity College London.
- Certificates must still be valid, genuine, and traceable to an approved test centre listed on GOV.UK.
- Paper certificates are acceptable provided they correspond to a test taken under the current framework.
- The Home Office reserves the right to verify results with the test provider if there is doubt about authenticity.
Applications submitted on or after 1 January 2026:
- Only tests taken with one of the four approved SELT providers (IELTS SELT Consortium, Trinity College London, Pearson, or LanguageCert) will be accepted.
- Results must be verified electronically by UKVI through the provider’s secure verification portal.
- Paper certificates or screenshots will not be accepted as proof of English ability.
- Results obtained before January 2026 may still be valid if they are from an approved provider and can be verified digitally.
Practical compliance steps for applicants:
- Use the official GOV.UK “Prove your knowledge of English” page to confirm which providers and centres are approved.
- Keep copies of your booking confirmation and your candidate reference number for verification purposes.
- Enter your test reference number accurately on Form AN (the British citizenship application form).
- Avoid using unapproved centres or third-party agents offering expedited results; certificates from unlisted centres are invalid under Regulation 3 and Schedule 1 of the 2003 Regulations.
Applicants with disabilities or medical conditions should request reasonable adjustments or provide alternative evidence in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. The Home Office is required to consider reasonable accommodation for disabled applicants where testing barriers exist.
Summary of Section D
Applications made before 1 January 2026 can rely on existing paper-based test results from IELTS SELT Consortium or Trinity College London. From 1 January 2026, all English tests for citizenship must be digitally verified and taken with one of four approved providers. Using an unlisted centre or paper certificate after this date may lead to refusal under Regulation 3 and Schedule 1 of the British Nationality (General) Regulations 2003.
FAQs
This section answers common questions about the English language requirement for UK citizenship and how the January 2026 update affects applicants.
1) What is the minimum English level required for citizenship?
Applicants must meet level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively in everyday English.
2) Which English tests are accepted?
Until 31 December 2025, the Home Office accepts tests from IELTS SELT Consortium and Trinity College London.
From 1 January 2026, Pearson and LanguageCert will be added to the list of approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) providers. All results from that date must be verified digitally through each provider’s secure verification portal.
3) Can I reuse the English test I took for my Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
Yes. If the test met or exceeded B1 level and the provider remains approved when you apply for citizenship, the same result can be reused.
4) Does my degree taught in English exempt me from the test?
Yes. A degree taught or researched in English exempts you from testing if it is verified by UK ENIC as equivalent to a UK qualification.
5) Who is automatically exempt from the English test?
- Applicants aged 65 or over.
- Applicants with a long-term physical or mental condition that prevents language testing (supported by medical evidence).
- Nationals of majority English-speaking countries as listed in Annex B of the Nationality Policy Guidance.
6) What happens if I submit a paper certificate after January 2026?
Paper certificates will no longer be accepted after 1 January 2026. Test results must be verified electronically via the provider’s secure online system. Submitting an old-style certificate may delay or invalidate your application.
7) Can I take the English test outside the UK?
Yes. Approved SELT providers operate test centres internationally. From January 2026, results taken abroad will also be verified digitally through the same online system.
8) How long are English test results valid?
There is no fixed expiry period once a result is accepted by the Home Office, provided the provider remains approved and the result can still be verified.
9) What if my test centre isn’t listed on GOV.UK?
Only test centres listed on the official GOV.UK “Prove your knowledge of English” page are recognised. Centres not listed, even if affiliated with an approved provider, are not valid for citizenship applications.
10) Where can I find the latest official information?
You should always consult the GOV.UK pages for “Prove your knowledge of English” and “Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK” for the latest updates and the current list of approved SELT providers.
Summary of FAQs
Applicants must demonstrate English at B1 level or higher, use an approved SELT provider, and ensure their results can be verified digitally from January 2026. Paper certificates and unlisted test centres will not be accepted after the transition date.
Conclusion
The English language test remains a key statutory element of the British citizenship process. It ensures that applicants possess the level of communication ability necessary for social and civic integration, as envisaged by the British Nationality Act 1981 and the British Nationality (General) Regulations 2003.
The Home Office’s October 2025 announcement marks a significant shift towards secure, digitally verified testing. From 1 January 2026, the process will eliminate paper certificates and require biometric-linked verification through one of four approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) providers — IELTS SELT Consortium, Trinity College London, Pearson, and LanguageCert. These changes reflect the government’s commitment to standardising language assessments and improving integrity across all immigration categories.
Applicants submitting citizenship applications before January 2026 can continue to use valid paper-based results from current providers. Those applying after that date must comply with the new verification and provider requirements. Using an unapproved centre or submitting an unverified certificate could result in refusal under Regulation 3 and Schedule 1 of the British Nationality (General) Regulations 2003.
The updated framework also reinforces inclusivity and fairness. Applicants with disabilities can request reasonable adjustments or provide alternative evidence under the Equality Act 2010, ensuring equal access to the citizenship process.
In summary, the English test requirement continues to serve as an essential gateway to British nationality. With the 2026 reforms, the system becomes more secure, transparent and consistent — aligning citizenship standards with the wider immigration framework while maintaining the principles of fairness and accessibility for all applicants.
Summary of the Conclusion
From January 2026, citizenship applicants must meet the English language requirement through a digitally verified test with one of four approved providers. Paper certificates and unlisted test centres will no longer be accepted. The reforms aim to strengthen security, standardise assessment and uphold fairness under UK nationality law.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| British Nationality Act 1981 | The primary legislation governing acquisition, loss, and proof of British citizenship. It sets the legal foundation for the English language and Life in the UK requirements. |
| British Nationality (General) Regulations 2003 | Secondary legislation made under the 1981 Act. Regulation 3 and Schedule 1 define acceptable evidence and procedures for demonstrating English language knowledge. |
| CEFR | The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, an international standard for describing language ability from levels A1 to C2. |
| SELT | Secure English Language Test — an English language test approved by the Home Office for immigration, settlement, or citizenship purposes. |
| B1 Level | An intermediate level of English on the CEFR scale, demonstrating the ability to understand and communicate effectively in everyday situations. |
| Appendix English Language | A section of the UK Immigration Rules setting out standardised requirements for proving English ability across visa, settlement, and citizenship routes. |
| UK ENIC | The UK’s national agency responsible for comparing international qualifications and confirming if degrees were taught or researched in English. |
| Majority English-speaking countries | Countries recognised by the Home Office where English is the primary spoken language. The official list is published in Annex B of the Nationality Policy Guidance. |
| Equality Act 2010 | UK legislation requiring the Home Office to make reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities, ensuring equal access to testing and application processes. |
| Life in the UK Test | A mandatory test assessing knowledge of British history, culture, and institutions for citizenship and settlement applicants. |
| Regulation 3 and Schedule 1 | The parts of the British Nationality (General) Regulations 2003 that establish how applicants must prove their English ability and what evidence is accepted. |
Summary of Glossary
This glossary defines key legal and procedural terms relevant to the English test for citizenship, helping applicants understand the terminology used in Home Office guidance and UK nationality legislation.
Useful Links
| Resource | URL |
|---|---|
| Prove your knowledge of English – GOV.UK | https://www.gov.uk/english-language |
| Approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) providers – Home Office list | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-applying-for-uk-visa-approved-english-language-tests |
| Knowledge of Language and Life in the UK – Nationality Policy Guidance | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/knowledge-of-language-and-life-in-the-uk |
| UK ENIC – Verify your qualification | https://www.enic.org.uk |
| Become a British citizen – Official guidance | https://www.gov.uk/becoming-a-british-citizen |
Summary of Useful Links
These official resources provide the most current information about proving your English language ability, checking approved SELT providers, and understanding the citizenship process under UK nationality law.
