Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Who settles without English
From the caseworker guidance and gov.uk's exemptions page.
| Group | English for ILR |
|---|---|
| Refugees | Not required |
| Humanitarian protection or discretionary leave | Not required |
| Stateless persons | Not required |
| Victims of domestic violence (partners of British or settled people) | Not required |
| Bereaved partners of British or settled people | Not required |
| Adult dependent relatives under Appendix FM | Not required |
| Commonwealth citizens on discharge from HM Forces, including Gurkhas | Not required |
| Retired persons of independent means | Not required |
Then citizenship
Form AN guidance says: if you were exempted from the knowledge of language and life requirements at ILR, you must now meet them before applying for naturalisation, unless exempt by age (65 or over) or a physical or mental condition. It also says long residence is not a reason for exemption.
So a refugee with ILR who wants to naturalise needs B1 English (or a degree or exempt nationality) and the Life in the UK test.
Need a SELT for a UK visa?
Where the Home Office asks for a Secure English Language Test, IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI are approved. Practise the format free.
Free IELTS for UKVI practice →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Ways to meet it for citizenship
The caseworker guidance accepts a B1 or higher speaking and listening SELT, an academic degree equivalent to a UK bachelor's or above taught in English, or majority English-speaking nationality. A SELT must be awarded in the 2 years before you apply (gov.uk).
Applicants 65 or over are exempt, and a long-term physical or mental condition can be grounds for a waiver with the medical form.
Frequently asked questions
Do refugee family reunion children need English for ILR?+
Under-18s are exempt from the English and Life in the UK requirements for ILR on age grounds.
Can I prepare for B1 while waiting for citizenship eligibility?+
Yes. Any approved B1 speaking and listening SELT counts, but the result must be awarded in the 2 years before you apply.
Does a bereaved partner need English for citizenship later?+
Yes, unless exempt by age or a medical condition, per Form AN guidance.
Is the domestic violence exemption the same for citizenship?+
No. It applies to settlement; for naturalisation the requirement applies unless exempt by age or a medical condition.
Keep reading
Related
- English level for ILR and British citizenship
- Life in the UK test vs the English test
- Medical exemption from the English requirement
- 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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