ILR English Language Requirement

Many people applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) must prove their knowledge of English, but you may not need to take a new English test. You can usually meet the requirement with an accepted English qualification at B1, B2, C1 or C2 level, a qualifying degree taught or researched in English, or an exemption that applies to your circumstances.

Some applicants, including those applying for settlement on certain work routes, do not need to prove their English again because they already demonstrated it when applying for their current visa.

This guide explains the ILR English language requirement in 2026, including English tests, B1 level, degree qualifications, expired test results, exemptions and the evidence you need to provide.

If you are unsure whether you need to take an English test for ILR, Wembley Solicitors can check your circumstances before you apply. Call 020 3417 3700 or complete our online enquiry form.

Table of Contents

Do I Need to Prove My Knowledge of the English Language for ILR?

To get Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you must prove your knowledge of the English language at CEFR B1 or above, unless you’re exempt or have already met the English language requirement.

You can normally prove your English by:

• Having an accepted English qualification at B1, B2, C1 or C2 level
• Having a qualifying degree that was taught or researched in English
• Relying on an applicable exemption

The requirement depends on your immigration route and circumstances, so you should check the rules that apply to your particular ILR application.

What Level of English Do I Need for ILR?

You can prove your English for ILR with an accepted qualification at B1, B2, C1 or C2 CEFR level. The evidence you need depends on how you are meeting the requirement.

If you are taking an English language test specifically for settlement, make sure you choose an approved test and achieve the level required for your application.

Do not assume that any English qualification will be accepted. Using the wrong qualification can result in your settlement application being refused.

Do I Need to Take an English Test for ILR?

Not necessarily. You may be able to meet the English language requirement without taking a new test.

For example, you may already have:

• An accepted English language qualification
• A qualifying degree taught or researched in English
• English evidence accepted for a previous immigration application
• An exemption from the requirement

Before booking another English test, check whether your existing qualification or previous immigration evidence can be used.

This could save you both time and the cost of taking another test.

Which English Tests Are Accepted for ILR?

If you need to prove your English with a test, you must normally pass an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).

You should make sure the test you take is on the list of tests approved for UK immigration purposes and is suitable for settlement.

You will normally need evidence of your result, such as a certificate or a result that can be checked online.

Not every English qualification is accepted for ILR.

For example, you cannot simply use qualifications such as:

• GCSEs
• A levels
• NVQs
• Other English qualifications that are not approved for UK immigration purposes

ESOL qualifications can only be used where they are part of an approved SELT.

Always check that the test and qualification you are relying on meet the current settlement requirements before applying.

Can I Use My Previous English Test for ILR?

You may be able to use an English qualification you previously used for a UK immigration application instead of taking another test.

This can be particularly important if you have already proved your English when obtaining your current visa.

Whether your previous qualification can be used depends on:

• The type of qualification
• The level you achieved
• Whether it is recognised under the current rules
• Whether it was accepted for a previous UK immigration application
• The immigration route you are using for settlement

If you already have an English test certificate, check whether it can be reused before paying for another test.

Do I Need a New English Test If I Already Proved English for My Visa?

Not always. Some immigration routes do not require you to prove your English again when applying for settlement because you already demonstrated it when applying for your current visa.

This can apply to certain work routes, including:

• Skilled Worker
• T2 or Tier 2
• Representative of an Overseas Business
• Minister of Religion
• International Sportsperson
• Innovator Founder
• International Agreement
• Domestic Worker in a Private Household
• Scale-up Worker

The exact rules depend on the route under which you are applying for ILR.

If you are applying for settlement on one of these routes, check whether your previous English evidence satisfies the settlement requirements before booking another test.

Can I Use My Degree to Meet the ILR English Requirement?

Yes. A qualifying academic degree taught or researched in English can be used to prove your knowledge of English for ILR.

Your degree can be from:

• A UK institution, or
• An institution outside the UK

The degree must be academic. A vocational qualification cannot normally be used as evidence of English for this purpose.

You will normally need your degree certificate or other accepted evidence showing that you were awarded the qualification.

Who Is Exempt from the ILR English Language Requirement?

You do not need to prove your English if you qualify for an applicable exemption.

Common exemptions include applicants who:

• Are aged 65 or over
• Cannot meet the requirement because of a qualifying long-term physical or mental condition
• Are nationals of certain countries or territories
• Are applying under certain settlement routes or circumstances where English does not need to be proved again

The exemption must apply to your particular circumstances. Being from an English-speaking country does not automatically mean that you are exempt unless your nationality is included in the relevant list.

Is There an Age Exemption for the ILR English Requirement?

Yes. Applicants aged 65 or over do not normally need to prove their knowledge of English for settlement.

If you are close to the relevant age threshold, the timing of your ILR application can be important.

You should check the rules applicable to your application before relying on the exemption.

Can a Medical Condition Exempt Me from the English Requirement?

You may be exempt if a long-term physical or mental condition means you are unable to meet the English language requirement.

You will normally need medical evidence supporting the exemption.

This includes a completed exemption form from a doctor and relevant current medical reports.

The evidence should explain the condition and why it prevents you from meeting the English requirement.

If you believe you may qualify for this exemption, it is important to obtain the appropriate medical evidence before submitting your ILR application.

Which Nationalities Are Exempt from the English Requirement?

Nationals of certain English-speaking countries and territories do not need to prove their knowledge of English for settlement.

The current list includes:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• 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
• USA

Ireland is included for British citizenship purposes, but the settlement rules should be checked separately.

If your country is not on the relevant list, you generally need to meet the English requirement even if English is an official language there.

Do Spouse Visa Applicants Need an English Test for ILR?

Spouse and partner applicants may need to prove their English when applying for ILR unless they can rely on an accepted qualification, previous evidence or an applicable exemption.

If you have already taken an approved English test during your spouse visa journey, check whether your existing evidence can satisfy the ILR requirement before booking another test.

The English requirement is only one part of a spouse visa ILR application. You must also meet the relevant residence, relationship, financial, Life in the UK and other settlement requirements.

Do Skilled Worker Applicants Need an English Test for ILR?

Skilled Worker applicants generally do not need to prove their English again when applying for ILR because English was already required for the Skilled Worker route.

The same principle can apply to certain other work routes where English was already demonstrated when obtaining the relevant immigration permission.

However, your individual immigration history should be checked to make sure the previous evidence satisfies the settlement rules.

Do Long Residence Applicants Need to Prove English for ILR?

Applicants using the long residence route may need to prove their knowledge of English unless they qualify for an exemption or another exception applies.

Long residence settlement has its own requirements, so applicants should not assume that English evidence from another visa route will automatically satisfy the requirements.

Do Children Need to Prove English for ILR?

The English language requirement generally applies to adults, but children may not need to meet it.

The settlement requirements can depend on the applicant's age, immigration route and circumstances.

If a child is applying for ILR, check the specific requirements for their application rather than automatically applying the adult rules.

What Happens If I Send the Wrong English Qualification?

Your ILR application can be refused if you rely on an English qualification that is not accepted under the Immigration Rules.

This is particularly important where you are relying on an English language test or qualification rather than an exemption.

Before submitting your application, check:

• The qualification is accepted
• The test provider is approved where required
• The qualification meets the required level
• The evidence is still acceptable
• Any previous qualification can be relied upon
• You qualify for any exemption you are claiming

If you are unsure, get professional advice before submitting your application.

ILR English Language Requirement: Quick Checklist

Before submitting your ILR application, check whether you need to prove English and how you will meet the requirement.

You should confirm:

• Whether the English requirement applies to your immigration route
• Whether you have already proved English for your current visa
• Whether you have an accepted B1, B2, C1 or C2 qualification
• Whether your previous English test can still be used
• Whether an expired qualification can be relied upon
• Whether your degree was taught or researched in English
• Whether an overseas degree requires an Ecctis assessment
• Whether you qualify for an age, nationality or medical exemption
• Whether you have the correct supporting evidence
• Whether the qualification you are submitting is accepted for settlement

Do not book another English test until you have checked whether you actually need one.

Need Help with Your ILR English Language Requirement?

Not sure whether you need an English test or whether your existing qualification is acceptable for ILR?

Wembley Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm in London providing advice and assistance with Indefinite Leave to Remain applications.

We can review your immigration route, previous visa applications, English qualifications and personal circumstances to establish whether you need to take a new test and what evidence you should provide.

To get specialist advice about your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application, speak to a specialist ILR solicitor by calling 020 3417 3700 or completing our online enquiry form.