Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Age rules by application
The caseworker guidance explains the naturalisation discretion, which comes from the British Nationality Act 1981. For ILR, Appendix KoLL 3.1 exempts applicants under 18 or 65 and over, with no 60 to 64 band.
| Age at application | Naturalisation | ILR |
|---|---|---|
| 65 or over | Requirement must be waived | Exempt |
| 60 to 64 | Normally waived if reaching the level would take you past 65 | Not exempt by age |
| Under 60 | Not normally waived on age alone | Not exempt by age (unless under 18) |
How to ask
The Form AN guidance says you can indicate that you think you should be exempt by giving details on your application. The caseworker guidance says caseworkers must contact the Nationality Policy team before applying discretion to anyone under 65, and that applicants claiming an age exemption must give evidence of age such as a passport, EEA identity card or birth certificate.
The guidance does not set out how long it takes to reach B1, so explain your current level and the learning time you expect in your request.
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Other routes out of the requirement
The caseworker guidance says all naturalisation applicants must meet both parts unless exempt by age, a physical or mental condition, or under the Windrush scheme.
If you cannot get an age waiver, the usual ways to meet the English part remain: a B1 speaking and listening SELT, a degree taught in English, or majority English-speaking nationality. Gov.uk's B1 options include IELTS Life Skills B1 (pass) and PTE Home B1 (pass).
Frequently asked questions
I am 66. Do I need the Life in the UK test for citizenship?+
No. Applicants 65 or over are exempt from both the English and Life in the UK parts.
I am 62 and have ILR. Is the waiver automatic?+
No. It is discretionary and depends on whether reaching the standard would take you past 65.
Does the 60 to 64 rule apply to ILR?+
No. Appendix KoLL exempts only those under 18 or 65 and over on age grounds.
What if the waiver is refused?+
Form AN guidance says an application without the requirements and without an exemption may be refused and the fee lost.
Keep reading
Related
- English level for ILR and British citizenship
- Medical exemption from the English requirement
- IELTS Life Skills A1, A2 and B1
- The approved UK SELT list
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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