What English level do you need for ILR and British citizenship?

For settlement, a B1, B2, C1 or C2 qualification that has run out can still be used if it is on the current list of recognised tests and it was accepted for another UK immigration application. For citizenship, an expired B1 or higher qualification can be used if it was accepted when you settled, even if the test is no longer on the current list (gov.uk).

Immigration rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the gov.uk English language page before you book a test or apply. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice.

You do not need to prove your English if you are 65 or over, or if a long-term physical or mental condition prevents it (with a doctor's exemption form). Nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British overseas territories, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the USA are exempt, and Ireland for citizenship only (exemptions).

You also do not need to prove it again when settling on a Skilled Worker (or T2/tier 2), Representative of an Overseas Business, Minister of Religion, International Sportsperson, Innovator Founder, International Agreement, Domestic Worker in a Private Household or Scale-up Worker visa. Other settlement exemptions include domestic-violence victims, bereaved partners, refugees and people with humanitarian protection.

If you were exempt when you were granted settlement, you must submit an exemption form again when you apply for citizenship.