Life in the UK Test exemption: who doesn’t need to take it

Who gets a Life in the UK Test exemption?

GOV.UK says you don’t need to take it if you:

• are under 18
• are 65 or over
• have passed it before, for example as part of a settlement application
• have a long-term physical or mental condition, and send an exemption form or a doctor’s letter confirming it

For settlement, the caseworker guidance counts your age on the date you apply. If you’re under 18 now but your application will go in after your 18th birthday, the booking service says you need parental consent to take the test.

Claiming the exemption for a long-term condition

1. Download the Life in the UK exemption form for a long-term physical or mental condition from GOV.UK.
2. Have a qualified medical professional fill it in.
3. Add all original, current medical reports that set out your diagnosis.
4. Send the form with your visa application form.

The same form covers proving your knowledge of English, so you don’t need a separate one for that.

Do you need the Life in the UK Test for ILR?

On routes that ask for it, yes, if you’re 18 to 64. The Skilled Worker settlement page, for example, says you need to book and pass the test at those ages.

The caseworker guidance lists settlement routes that don’t ask for it, including victims of domestic violence, Gurkhas and other discharged HM Forces members, refugees, people with humanitarian protection or discretionary leave, stateless people, and some bereaved partners and dependent relatives. Check the GOV.UK page for your own route.

And for British citizenship?

GOV.UK lists a Life in the UK Test pass among the requirements for citizenship, alongside proof of your English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic. If you passed it for settlement, you don’t take it again.

For citizenship, the caseworker guidance gives caseworkers discretion on age: they waive the requirement at 65 or over, and normally for people aged 60 to 64 if meeting it would take them to 65. People applying under the Windrush scheme are exempt.